Posted By

Tags

Curtain up on Canterbury Indian Tamil Association

Shirish Paranjape
Christchurch, August 31, 2019

Vande Matharam in Bharata Natyam style

Canterbury Indian Tamil Association (CITA)  held its first event in Christchurch to mark the 73rd Independence Day of India on Saturday, August 24 at Te Hapua (Halswell Centre).

Following the lighting of the traditional lamp, Association President Vijay Nainamalai welcomed gathering, after which special guests spoke about India’s Independence Day and the significance of starting a Tamil Association in Christchurch.

Association President Vijay Nainamalai speaking

Guest Speakers

Among them were the Wellington based Multicultural New Zealand President Pancha Narayanan, Auckland Tamil Association President Vai Ravindran, Christchurch Multicultural Council President Dr Surinder Tandon and this Correspondent (a Justice of the Peace and Community Board member, Christchurch City Council).

Special Guests Shirish Paranjape, Vai Ravindran and Pancha Narayanan lighting the traditional Lamphttps://youtu.be/O7C0YeA9xgY

 

 

Cultural Variety

The evening’s cultural programme included ‘Vande Matharam,’ an invocatory dance performance, Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Semi-Classical, Punjabi Bhangra dance items and vocal music.

A Tamil Folk Dance being presented at the event

Among the highlights was a Tamil folk dance performed by three pairs of dancers.

The Association presented a copy ‘Thirukkural’ translated by Dr M Rajaram to guests.

Association Secretary Sandheep Ananthkumar said that CITA hoped to bring a variety of events to the community.

Mr Nainamalai told Indian Newslink later that the presence of a cross-section of the community was encouraging.

Kuchipudi representing Andhra Pradesh

“The success of the event was entirely due to our team of officials, volunteers and members of our communities. We hope to organise more such programmes bringing together not only people from Canterbury region but all over New Zealand,” he said.

“Canterbury Indiya Tamil Sangam (or Canterbury Indian Tamil Association) is a not-for-profit organisation, committed to bring together Tamilians greater Canterbury region. It has been established to protect, promote and celebration Tamil Culture and Tradition,” Mr Nainamalai said.

Shirish Paranjape is our Correspondent based in Christchurch. Pictures supplied by Vijay Nainamalai

Share this story

Related Stories

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Indian Newslink

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement

Advertisement

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement