Delhi's historic club culture back in spotlight after Gymkhana asked to vacate premises

Home to several iconic clubs and institutions dating back to the British era, Delhi's club culture is back in the spotlight after the Centre asked the historic Gymkhana Club in Lutyens' Delhi to vacate its premises by June 5 for defence and security-related purposes.

The Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has directed the Delhi Gymkhana Club to hand over its premises by June 5, stating that the 27.3-acre land parcel is required to strengthen and secure defence infrastructure for other vital public security purposes.

Originally founded on July 3, 1913, as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club, the institution was established to serve colonial administrators and military officers.

The word 'Imperial' was dropped after India gained Independence in 1947, while the existing structures on 2, Safdarjung Road were constructed in the 1930s.

Here's a list of some of Delhi's prominent heritage clubs and institutions, which, together, reflect the capital's layered political, administrative and social history:.

Delhi Golf Club.

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* Established in the early 1930s by the British administration.

* Originally developed as a recreational facility for civil servants and officers.

* Known for its Lodhi Course built around Mughal and Tughlaq-era monuments.

Press Club of India.

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* Founded in 1957 by noted editor Durga Das near Parliament House in Central Delhi.

* Serves as one of the country's leading platforms for journalists and media professionals.

Chelmsford Club.

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* Originally founded in 1917-1918; named after then-Viceroy of India, Chelmsford.

* Permanently shifted to Raisina Road in 1928.

* One of Delhi's prominent clubs, it has hosted several noted personalities over the decades.

Roshanara Club.

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* Established on August 15, 1922, within the historic Roshanara Bagh near DU's North Campus.

* Closely linked to the early development of cricket administration in India.

* Regarded as one of the institutions associated with the formation of the BCCI.

India Habitat Centre.

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* Established in 1993 as a multi-use cultural and intellectual hub.

* Designed by noted architect Joseph Allen Stein.

* Hosts exhibitions, cultural programmes, discussions and public events.

Constitution Club of India.

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* Established in February 1947 near Parliament House.

* Originally conceived as a social space for the members of the Constituent Assembly.

* Continues to serve as an interaction and networking hub for current and ex-MPs.

* India Islamic Cultural Centre.

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* Established in the 1980s on Lodhi Road in central Delhi to promote India's composite culture and heritage.

* Functions as a cultural and intellectual centre hosting seminars, literary events and community programmes.

Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia.

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* Established in 1958 on Mathura Road.

* Set up as a professional and social platform for foreign journalists reporting from South Asia.

* Over the years, it has hosted interactions with diplomats, political leaders and international media professionals.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)