A passion for culture and tradition and a penchant to preserve and promote time-tested arts of Bharata Natyam and folk dances came to the fore at the Freemans Bay Community Centre Hall on October 27, as many youngsters of Tamil heritage took to the stage to mark ‘Kalai Vizha,’ or Art Festival.
Muthtamil Sangam Inc had organised the two-hour programme that included patriotic songs of Tamil Nadu, India and New Zealand, followed by a number of items that gave opportunities to the younger members of the community- some of them as young as five years of age- to give vent to their talent.
Among the items that radiated such talents included classical dances by Siva Sitsabesan and Group, ‘Shanmugha Kautuvam’ by Tanvi Korathur of the Sai Natyalaya School of Dance, a Street Dance by Karan and Seba and musical performances by Shankar and Group.
Mercury Printz Director Ilango Krishnamoorthy, who is a former President of the Sangam, described the annual event, which commemorated the 11th anniversary of the association, as ‘A Grand Festival.’
“We are proud of our Tamil culture and we are happy that an increasing number of young people from the Tamil-speaking communities are evincing interest in our language, art, tradition and heritage. It is our duty to provide opportunities for their growth and progress,” he said.
Sangam President Nathan Saminathan said that the organisation aimed to promote and coordinate cultural, educational and community activities that fostered Tamil language and Tamilians in the greater Auckland region.
“Muthtamil Sangam is not-for-profit organisation that is open to all persons interested in promoting the Tamil language and culture.
“We provide a forum for cultural and social interaction with a special emphasis on literature and performing arts of Tamil-speaking people,” he said.
Indian Newslink has been promoting the Sangam since its inception.
Its activities have included programmes covering various aspects of Tamil art and culture, including classical vocal and instrumental music, dances, drama, literary events, debates and film music.
Tamil Certificates
Ten children who passed the Tamil examinations conducted by the Sangam as a part of its efforts to each the language to youngsters, were awarded certificates sponsored by Mr Krishnamoorthy.
The Sangam conducts free Tamil classes every week for children.
Tamil is one of the oldest languages in the world, with its literature dating thousands of years. It is spoken by more than 85 million people, including 70 million in Tamil Nadu and rest of India and other parts of the world.
Among the other activities of the Sangam are fundraising for charitable projects involving educational, cultural and humanitarian activities, blood donation camps and social gatherings.
