Kiwi Tamil Samoogam commences the Diwali Season with a packed programme
Venkat Raman
Auckland, October 12, 2024
We are at the Diwali celebrations organised by the Kiwi Tamil Samoogam at BNZ Theatre, Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau.
Called, ‘Saravedi Kodattam,’ this is arguably the first Deepavali (Diwali) Festival in Auckland.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon sent a special message (read out by National Party’s Mahesh Muralidhar) greeting the Tamil community in particular and all Indians in general on the ongoing festive season.
A galaxy of politicians led by Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee, National MP Rima Nakhle, Leader of the Opposition Chris Hipkins, Labour MPs Jenny Salesa, Dr Deborah Russell and Shanan Halbert, National Party’s Mahesh Muralidhar, community leaders, members and guests of the Samoogam and guests is present at this sold-out programme.
In her address, Ms Lee spoke about the spirit and significance of Deepavali and paid tributes to the Indian community and the sweetness of Tamil language.
The first highlight of the evening was the performance of Sai Vignesh,a winner of the Super Singer title of the famous Tamil TV reality talent hunt seasonal programme. He started his segment with ‘Varaha Roopam’ rendered for the Kannada film Kantara, catapulting him to fame and success.
He was followed by Bharat K Rajesh and Punya Selva.
Earlier, a 30-second silence was observed in homage to Indian business leader and philanthropist Ratan Tata who passed away in Mumbai on October 9, 2024.
The Saravedi Kondattam programme is being led by Kiwi Tamil Samoogam President Vineetha Uthamaputhiran and her team.
