 Narayana Iyer, about to retire as a senior postal official, arranged a function to raise funds for the War effort and for activities promoting the welfare of the employees of the postal department.He decided to invite Chembai to give a performance on the occasion and to honour Muthiah Bhagavatar.Bhagavatar presided over the function, of which the highlight was the awarding of the title of "Gayana Gandharva" ("musician among musicians") to Chembai.