Venkat Raman
Auckland April 3, 2022
This story is being published a week after one of the most significant events in the annals of the history of Tamilians occurred but its delay will not undermine its importance.
Auckland Tamil Association, which has become a trailblazer among ethnic groupings, inaugurated its first ‘Tamil Community Centre,’ on Sunday, March 27, 2022.
Located at the corner of Hillsborough Road and Cape Horn Road in Mt Roskill (The Bible Belt of New Zealand with the highest per Capital Churches in the country), one of the most vibrant suburbs of Auckland, The Tamil Community Centre is a concept of ATA President Vai Ravindran, whose passion for community unity and social cohesion has given rise to many innovative ideas, projects and programme.
Symbol of Culture and Language
Michael Wood, Minister of Transport, Workplace Relations and Safety, has a special affinity towards the AIA, which christened him two years ago, ‘Tamil Selvan,’ (meaning ‘Son of Tamil’) inaugurated the Centre, describing it as a ‘symbol of culture and language.’
“It is extremely heartening that Vai Ravindran and Auckland Tamil Association have decided to establish a place for Tamil-speaking people to meet, discuss and promote various issues relating to the Tamil Culture, Heritage, Language and other programmes. I am equally delighted that the first Centre of its kind is in Mt Roskill, which accounts for a large population of people of the Indian community,” he said.
Mr Wood said that he has been associated with the Tamil community through the ATA over the past few years and that its people have always appealed to him as men and women of rich cultural heritage. He hoped that the new Centre will become an important place for community activities.
“As a government, Labour has always encouraged people of ethnic communities to preserve their language and culture, and more importantly encourage their children to learn and appreciate them. I participate in the programmes of the Auckland Tamil Association because I understand much about Tamil Nadu,” he said.
Among the community leaders present at the event were Dr Reginald Samuel (President, Mana Andhra Telugu Association NZ, Soby Bernard Thomas, (President, Auckland Malayali Samajam), Nilima Venkat, former Chief Executive, Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust) and member of the ATA Executive Committee.
Tribute to ATA Members
Vai Ravindran, who spoke earlier, paid tributes to the members of the Association in general and those of his Executive Committee in particular for their unstinted cooperation, quantified by love, respect and adoration for the Tamil language and culture.
“As well as providing a conveniently located place for people of our community to meet, greet and spend quality time, the Tamil Community Centre will also be a place for learning. We will shift our weekly Tamil classes to this Centre with immediate effect and future plans include an extensive library of books and reference material. The members of our Executive Committee are working hard to serve the interests of our members,” he said.
The Community Centre may not be suitable to conduct large programmes but it would be the rendezvous for organisers, volunteers and others to discuss and plan their activities. With a small and well-appointed kitchen with all the modern amenities, other services and a car park, this new initiative could become the raison d’être of ATA.
About Auckland Tamil Association
Established on November 23, 2014, the Auckland Tamil Association set its aim higher than the others, in inviting and embracing people of other regions, especially South India, in view of the common heritage and some of the cuisines that they share.
“ATA will work towards the wellbeing of the Tamil Community, preserve and promote our rich culture and promote human endeavour. I am happy that the Association is being patronaged by members of our community as well as other associations and organisations of Telugu, Kannada and Kerala origin. Our Facebook Page, which boasts almost 3500 followers, is a veritable platform for exchanging greetings and information and presenting cultural, social, and language and other issues of common interest. Our website is another important resource,” he said. (www.aucklandtamilassociation.nz)
ATA has been in the forefront of change, inviting people of other languages into its arms and participate in their social and community welfare as well as sharing in their joy and grief. The Association can be proud of its leadership including those holding the offices of Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer and Members of the Executive Committee. The Association is also promoting the development of the ensuing generation through its Youth Wing.
Vai Ravindran said that ATA is in the process of studying some of the time-tested, age-old practices and traditions and indoor and outdoor games to bring about a meaningful and useful ‘Renaissance of Tamil Culture in New Zealand.’
All Photos from ATA Facebook Page
