Matunga Gymkhana is one of the few public institutions which are fortunate enough to complete 85 years.
The history of the birth of the institution and its growth through the stages of infancy, adolescence, youth and maturity is certainly interesting.
Its early struggle for existence laid the foundation for its present and stature. The outcome of the travails and tribulations it had to face during its earlier uphill journey through a rugged terrain.
It is a matter of great rejoicing for those who planted a tiny sapling 85 years back, to see it grown into a full fledged trees in full bloom with a number of branches and sub- branches. To the pioneers and founders of the institution, it is gratifying to note that their planning for posterity has been very fruitful and that the younger generation are reaping the benefits of the tender love the pioneers has showered.
It would therefore, be the fitness of things to review in brief, circumstances surrounding the birth and the growth of the institution.
In the early twenties the need for Physical culture and methodical health habits was scarcely felt by the educated middle class in the city although a few gymnasium and gymkhana had started their activities in the south of Bombay for the benefit of students and the middle class younger generation.
Dadar Matunga area was then a vast open land interspersed with reads and vacant building plots, marked by the then Bombay improvement Trust.