P.T. Lee. Chengalvaraya Naicker, the illustrious founder of this institution,was born in the year 1829. His father, Perumal Naicker, on whom the Government had conferred the title "Sirdar Bahadur", was a subedar-Major in the Madras Army His mother Theivayanaiammal, towards whom her son showed a rare respect and devotion, was very pious, orthodox and conservative. Even as a child, Chengalvaraya Naicker was noted for his sweet nature, devotion to God and his parents, and kindness to all around him. As he grew up he developed a keen interest in business which led him to adopt trade and commerce as his profession.