Venkat Raman
Auckland, October 23, 2021
From the far corner of the South Island to the North, a Radio Station has become a Trust of communities with a penchant for service, debate and entertainment.
‘Arasan,’ which literally translates to ‘A True and Noble King,’ has achieved the status of respect and endearment among a growing number of listeners, readers and members of communities- three segments that encapsulate its reach.
These comprise Arasan Radio, Arasan News and Arasan New Zealand Foundation Trust, all of which have people and their concerns at their core.
The growth of this trilogy of community engagement is a matter of justifiable pride and meaningful gratification to its directors Kishorkumar (Kishore) Kumarasamy of Auckland and Luxman Selvanesan of Dunedin.
Luxman is a Scientist by qualification and profession and President of the Dunedin Multiethnic Council (Multicultural New Zealand), while Kishore is a media buff with strong proclivities to the visual platform- television and the internet.
The Arasan Media Stable
Arasan Radio
The Radio is a serious contender to breaking news, faster than Television, if you do not take into account the social theatre, the so-called social media which often stimulates unverified, fake and false information. Against this scenario of growing disdain, Arasan Radio has earned the reputation of being a reliable and comprehensive channel of Music, Fun, World News, Information, Entertainment, Movies, Culture, Games, Contests, Quiz, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle & all about Home.
Luxman said that the vision is setting standards for a new generation music station.
“We target all age groups consuming Tamil entertainment including Malayalees in the region, broadcasting high standard Tamil music and interactive programmes. Arasan Radio features Top of the hour up-to-date news bulletin from its professional news desk,” he said.
‘Ariyasanam,’ is a weekly programme that enthrones members of the community for a lively conversation, mostly broadcast live and streamed through social media platforms.
Luxman fronts these chitchats, enhancing the listening pleasure at Arasan.
Women achievers in the community are brought to the limelight in ‘Singappenney’ an interview session that is gaining wider attention. The programme is hosted by Dr Carthika Luxmanan.
“Add to these current affairs, cine gossips and other features, a perfect recipe for a sumptuous feast to the ears, hearts and minds of our listeners. The infotainment channel will glitter with the frequent presence of South Indian celebrities & interactive participation during prime shows,” Luxman said.
He said that access to Arasan Radio is also through Otago Access Radio for national listenership and online radio (www.radio.arasan.co.nz) for global reach.
Arasan Daily Newspaper
Complimenting the Radio segment is ‘Arasan Daily,’ which has, within a short span of its launch, become another authentic source of news. The recent terrorist attack at Lynn Mall in Auckland was a test of the reporting talent of the Arasan reporters in New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Arasan became the source of accurate information, carrying interviews and background facts of the accused. For the Tamil-speaking population across the world, Arasan is also the source of chaste Tamil- which is yet another factor of benignity.
Arasan for Community Service
A few organisations have been rendering community service without the glitz of publicity, helping the poor and needy as a part of their social commitment. Among them is Arasan New Zealand Foundation Trust, which has been providing support packages comprising and food and essential supplies.
Kishore said that families in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington received support in recent weeks, following the Lynn Mall terrorist attack.
“We are grateful to the Ministry of Social Development for providing funds which helped us to organise the distribution of support packages to the needy families. We will be happy to consider assistance to anyone in need, ranging from grocery drops to help people in getting vaccinated for Covid-19,” he said.
For more information, please write to vanakkam@arasan.org.nz
About Arasan New Zealand Foundation Trust
Kishore said that Arasan New Zealand Foundation Trust is committed to facilitating sharing of knowledge and trustworthy information to Tamil-speaking residents of New Zealand.
“We try and connect Tamil speakers in New Zealand to other communities with a special focus on enriching knowledge about Te Reo Maori and Mataruanga and facilitating understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi), in the Tamil speaking sector. We respect the cultural diversity of New Zealand and encourage people from all ethnicities to utilise the facilities and services provided by Arasan Trust,” he said.
Luxman said that Arasan Trust also strives to inspire people to reach their full potential and create awareness of the Tamil language and culture through music, arts and theatre. “Fostering the highest standards of professionalism and integrity is at the core of our activities,” he said.
Among the other objectives of the Trust is to mobilise funds to support various initiatives and activities, provide networking opportunities, mutual understanding among Tamil communities and create awareness on the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and facilitate a mutual understanding of iwi and Tamil communities through cultural events.
Arasan New Zealand Foundation Trust recognises that international issues influence the thinking and well-being of New Zealand residents, thus sharing of knowledge at an international level will be conducive to a more peaceful planet.
Photos Supplied
