Two Bharata Natyam performances held over as many days in the capital last month helped the Wellington Mutamizh Sangam to raise $3000 in aid of the Wellington Region Emergency Management Team of the New Zealand Red Cross (Wellington).
About six students of the Lower Hutt based Natraj School of Dance presented concerts on September 24 and 25 at the Lower Hutt Little Theatre.
The School’s Founder & Director Prabha Ravi choreographed, produced, directed and presented the two-day programme, called, Hari Hara Bhava, eulogising the oneness of God. The event was attended among others on the first day by Ethnic Affairs Minister Hekia Parata, Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace, Ethnic Affairs Office Director Mervin Singham, National Party MPs Katrina Shanks and Paul Quinn.
Indian High Commissioner Admiral Sureesh Mehta and his wife Teresa Mehta were the guests of honour the following day. Among the others present were Labour MPs Chris Hipkins and Charles Chauvel.
Sangam President Selva Ramasami said his Association had organised the visit of Sitarist Samuel Das and Tabla player Prakash Kandasamy from Malaysia to New Zealand, during which they participated in a number of festivals and events.
“These included the Art of Living Centre, Multicultural Council of Wellington, New Zealand School of Music, Bharat Samaj (Wellington) and the Wellington Chapter of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), Diwali in Parliament, Rotorua Deepawali 2011 and the Hare Krishna Centre (Wellington).
“Established three years ago as a Charitable Organisation, the Wellington Mutamizh Sangam aims to promote Tamil language and culture.
“We strongly believe in the power of collaboration with other community organisations and agencies to promote social cohesion and understanding in Wellington and beyond,” Mr Ramasami said.
