Posted By

Tags

Muthtamil Sangam Auckland distinguishes with a score

Twentieth Anniversary on April 17 at Freemans Bay Community Centre

Venkat Raman
Auckland, March 30, 2021

Muthtamil Sangam (MTS) of Auckland will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Saturday, April 17, 2021 but the festivities will be somewhat be subdued because of the sudden and tragic demise of Soundhar Tirupathi, a former President on March 27, 2021.

A special tribute to Mr Tirupathi appears elsewhere in this issue.

The 20th Anniversary Celebrations will be held at Freemans Bay Community Centre located at 52 Hepburn Street close to Auckland’s Central Business District.

Diversity, Inclusion & Ethnic Communities Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan will be the Chief Guest at the event scheduled to be held from 5.30 pm to 10 pm.

Impressive Performances

Labour MP Vanushi Walters (Upper Harbour Constituency), National MPs Christopher Luxon (Botany Constituency) and Melissa Lee (List) will be Guests of Honour.

MTS Secretary Kathiravan Sam said that the Programme will include speeches, felicitations to the special guests and people who have contributed to the Sangam over the past 20 years, music and dance.

“Our entertainment segment will showcase the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu including Bharata Natyam, folk dances, a violin performance and music. As an organisation that reaches out to various communities, we have also invited artistes to present music and dance numbers from Hindi, Tamil and other language films, the ever-popular Bhangra of the State of Punjab, Chenda Melam of Kerala, Belly Dances by Phoenix and Japanese Drums by Tamashii Taiko. Among the highlights of the evening will be the performance of Moksha Base, a popular musical group,” he said.

Muthtamil Sangam Auckland presented folks dances of Tamil Nadu at the Indian Newslink Festivals of South India on September 21, 2019

Performers of various dance items will be from Anuradha School of Dance, Anujay School of Dance, Chennai City Gangzta, Cockatoos and Aaja Nachle, he said.

Mr Kathiravan said that entry tickets, priced at $15 for members and $17 for guests, including dinner are on now on sale. Children under five years of age will be allowed free.

Details can be obtained from Secretary Sam Kathiravan on 021-1665166.

Email: muthtamilsangam@gmail.com; Website: https://muthtamilsangam.co.nz

About Muthtamil Sangam

Muthtamil Sangam of Auckland entered its 20th year in 2020 year and Covid-19 restrictions constrained the Association to hold back many of its programmes.

However, the office-bearers and members continued to be active on the social platform and exchange a number of educative and entertainment information.

Members of the Sangam, who are proud of their heritage and language, have fostered a new sense and spirit of unity during the past four weeks of lockdown.

Impressive leadership

The Sangam was formed at a time when the Tamil population was on the threshold of demographic change, with a larger number of people of Tamil Nadu origin originating from their home state and other parts of the world, Tamilians from South East Asia, Indian ocean States and others. Their lack of interest in any kind of politics then, allowed the Sangam to grow and as the only organisation representing Tamils (other than those from Sri Lanka, for whom there is another, older Association exists in the City), Muthtamil Sangam enjoyed exclusive membership until about five years ago.

The Sangam has had the benefit of the leadership of a cross-section of the community, who have served – and continue to serve- in various offices.

Children performing at Kodai Vizha 2018 of Muthtamil Sangam Auckland

Significant activities

President Sadasivam Kutty said that since its inception, Muthtamil Sangam has been striving to preserve, protect and promote Tamil language, culture and people, with ‘Being happy together’ as the motto.

“These include Pongal Vizha, Kodai Vizha, Chithirai Vizha, other festivals, picnics, competitions, and participation in the programmes organised by others. As a socially responsible organisation, the Sangam conducts blood donation camps every year, and participates in Environmental cleaning activities organised by the Auckland Regional Parks and Reserves,” he said.

Weekly Tamil classes

Mr Kathiravan said that the Association considers it a ‘sacred duty’ to carry the language to the next generation.

“As a part of our efforts in this connection, we conduct weekly Tamil classes for children. We are grateful to our senior member Senthil Nathan for conducting these classes with the help and support of teachers who teach the language on a voluntary, community service basis,” he said.

Mr Sam said that classes are held on Saturdays from 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm at Ranfurly Road, Epsom, Auckland (not during the Covid-19 lockdown period) and that Mr Nathan has established the ‘Padi Murai Tamil,’ or step-by-step learning method.

Popular singers M J Shriram and Srilekha Parthasarathy presented a music recital at the 15th Anniversary of Muthtamil Sangam Auckland on June 5, 2016

Radio Programme

The Sangam launched its radio service (soon after its establishment) broadcasting on Planet FM 104.6 on Saturdays from 750 am to 825 am.

Called, ‘Sangam,’ the Programme is being managed by Maninilavan Arivukkarasu (who has held various positions in the Association including that of President) and presented by Raja Mani.

“Our Radio programme is presented by volunteers. This is a weekly occasion to listen to ‘Thirukkural,’ the most extensive and most widely translated couplets. Written by Thiruvalluvar more than 1700 years ago, the 1330 couplets cover every aspect of every living being, nature, and the ways and means of maintaining a healthy environment. The Radio Programme is also used to carry announcements, forthcoming events of Muthtamil Sangam,” he said.

People anywhere in the world can listen to the programme online current programme and up to three earlier broadcasts. Please visit www.planetaudio.org.nz/muthtamilsangam

Planet FM MobileApp can also be downloaded on to mobile and other devices. It is free.

The above story has been sponsored by

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