A veritable platform for promoting Tamil language, culture, and people
Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 18, 2020
Standfirst: This is the first of a series of articles on the 20th Anniversary of the Association. Photographs published here are from Indian Newslink archives. We welcome photographs, videos, and other materials for inclusion. Many thanks.
Auckland’s Muthtamil Sangam recently entered its 20th year and although festivities will commence later in the year after fears of Covid-19 are gone, the office-bearers and members continue to be active on the social platform, exchanges 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.
Significant activities
Says Sadasivam Kutty, the current President: “Our Muthtamil Sangam, since its inception in 2001, has been striving to preserve, project and promote Tamil language, culture and people. With our motto, ‘Being happy together,’ we bring together our people at a variety of events,” he said.
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.
“Our growth over the years would not have been possible without the generous contribution and support from our Sponsors, dedicated time and efforts from all who served as office bearers and help and support from our volunteers,” Mr Kutty said.
Weekly Tamil classes
Muthtamil Sangam Secretary Kathiravan Sam 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 230 pm and 330 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.
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.
Past Presidents
Over the past 20 years, Muthtamil Sangam has had the good fortune of dedicated teams of people serving the community as office-bearers under the leadership of their respective Presidents.
The inaugural President of Muthtamil Sangam (2001-2002) was Ray Annamalai.
Following the successive Presidents from 2002: Nathan Saminathan, Purushotham Madanagopal, Vai Ravindran, Ilango Krishnamoorthy, Thangamani Periasamy, Premkumar Kandasamy, Soundararajan Tiruppathi, Maninilavan Arivukkarasu and (currently) Sadasivam Kutty.
About Tamil Language
Respected as the oldest language in the world, Tamil is one of the six ‘original’ languages (the other five being Sanskrit, Greek, Latin, Hebrew and Chinese).
Tamil is rich in Literature with a natural extension to Performing Arts.
From Carnatic Music to Bharata Natyam and an extensive variety of religious and folk dances, the contributions of Tamil Nadu are immeasurable, transcending time and modernity.
Tamil-speaking people from Tamil Nadu and other countries take pride in learning and presenting various forms of Performing Arts, apart from evincing interest in the ocean of Literature.
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