Latest news with #Bharathiyar
The Star
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Tamil tribute adds shine to Shah Alam city silver jubilee
(From left) Wan Mohd Mahfodz, Sri Radhakrishnan, Saraswathy, MBOR official V. Menaga, Nalini, Nathindran and Zone 13 Penggerak Belia Selangor youth movement representative A. Vinod. A landmark celebration of Tamil heritage was held as part of festivities marking the silver jubilee of Shah Alam city. The 'Tamizh Vanna Vizha' event was organised by the Kota Kemuning assemblyman's office, Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), Zone 13 residents representative council (MPP), and arts and culture non-governmental organisation Sri Rathakrishanan Fine Arts (SRFA). Kota Kemuning assemblyman Preakas Sampunathan who played an instrumental role in the tribute via encouragement, involvement and facilitation. Masspoemrecital participants dressed as Bharathiyar during the tribute. The celebration, with over 3,000 attendees, was held at MBSA's Aster Hall in Bukit Rimau. Also present were Shah Alam mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim and It was jointly launched Deputy National Unity Minister and Senator K. Saraswathy, Selangor human resources and poverty eradication committee chairman V. Papparaidu, Klang MP V. Ganabatirau, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry division secretary Mohamd Raizuli Mat Jusoh, arts and culture unit assistant director Wan Mohd Mahfodz Wan Hasan and Malaysia Hindhudharma Maamandram president Sri Radhakrishnan Alagamalai. In her address, Saraswathy expressed praise for how the tribute was led by youths. She also commended the event's role in reintroducing traditional and cultural knowledge to younger generations. Papparaidu voiced hope that the event would grow into a state-level celebration that could reinforce unity through cultural engagement. The idea for the tribute came from Zone 13 MPP chairman Nathindran Raj Baskaran. He then invited SRFA founder and president Nalini Rathakris to collaborate on an initiative for the Indian community. Nalini conceptualised the event as a celebration of Tamil Puthandu (new year) aimed at reviving and showcasing authentic Tamil cultural elements. Her vision was to create an immersive platform for the younger generation to embrace their cultural roots. An event highlight was a mass recital of 'Achamillai Achamillai' written by well-known 18th century poet Bharathiyar from Tamil Nadu, India. Featuring 1,631 participants from schools and cultural groups nationwide, the recital made it into the Malaysia Book of Records for the 'Most Participants in a Poem Recital'. It paid homage to Bharathiyar's fearless spirit and symbolised pride in Tamil identity. Adding vibrancy to the event were contests in Tamil public speaking, rangoli kolam art, thoranam tying, and bharatanatyam. A lively bazaar offered traditional food, attire, books and handmade crafts.
Hans India
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Ilaiyaraaja donates concert fee and one month's salary to national defence fund
Renowned music composer and Member of Parliament Ilaiyaraaja has pledged his concert fee and one month's salary to the National Defence Fund, in support of the Indian armed forces amid rising tensions with Pakistan. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Ilaiyaraaja expressed unwavering confidence in India's military, stating that he firmly believes the nation's brave soldiers will bring the enemy to their knees. Reflecting on the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, where 25 Indian and one Nepali tourist lost their lives, the maestro recalled composing his first symphony earlier this year, aptly titled Valiant. 'Unaware then of the tragic events to come, I now dedicate the spirit of that music to the courage and precision of our soldiers,' he wrote. Quoting Bharathiyar's patriotic verse 'Jaya Bherigai Kottada,' Ilaiyaraaja announced his contribution, calling it a small token to honor the valor of India's armed forces. 'As a proud Indian and Member of Parliament, I offer this for their efforts to eliminate terrorism and protect our borders,' he added. His gesture follows India's launch of Operation Sindoor, a strategic offensive targeting terror hubs in Pakistan and PoJK, in retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre. Earlier this year, Ilaiyaraaja made history as the first Indian to present a Western classical symphony at London's Eventim Apollo, performing with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. His act of solidarity has garnered praise, reinforcing his stature not just as a music icon but as a committed patriot.
The Hindu
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Education department to bring out book on translated poems of Bharathiyar and Bharathidasan
The poems of Bharathiyar and Bharathidasan will be translated at ₹1 crore, announced School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi on Friday at the Assembly. Among other announcements he also stated that a total of ₹30 crore has been allocated to reconstruct 30 library buildings and toilets at 125 libraries. The literary collection of Periyar will be published in five volumes over three years at ₹50 lakh while 15 books of historical significance of Tamil Nadu by historians will be published. Books for preparing for government exams will be published by the Tamil Nadu Textbook Corporation and Educational Services at ₹50 lakh, he announced.
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
London-based musician Amritha Thankachy releases new single; speaks about Bharathiyar's influence
'You cannot make Tamil music without Bharathiyar.' This is not a quote you hear every day in a world of trending reels and auto-tuned covers. But singer-songwriter Amritha Thankachy does not just reference Bharathiyar — she converses with him, she says. From her beginnings as a video jockey (VJ) in Kerala to her experimental, genre-blending music today, her journey has always been about exploration. With her new single 'Athu Naane' that released on April 17, that spirit of introspection continues to guide her work. When asked what the song means to her, Amritha does not separate her personal life from her musical evolution. 'Honestly, I feel both are very intertwined,' she says. 'Everyone has that child within them. I feel I always try to tap into that inner that child to stay balanced and happy while I make music. The child within me is curious again.' Born in Kerala, raised in Chennai, and now based in London, Amritha's music, usually covers of Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi film music, is a blend of these cultures. 'It was never planned. I just knew what I did not want, I did not want to chase film songs just because that is the default dream. I wanted to build something of my own,' she says. It is hard to miss the soft dominance of Bharathiyar in Amritha Thankachy's music. Her single 'Ninnaye' is a clear example. 'I think we were all exposed to Bharathiyar, especially if you learnt Carnatic music,' she says. It is not just his verses, but the way his themes have stayed relevant across generations that speaks to her. 'I feel Bharathiyar's poems and his interpretations about love, life, and politics is always in the mainstream media' Another striking element in Amritha's work is how her visuals transform the way a listener experiences her music be it 'Aaj Ki Raat' or 'Awaken.' 'I always try to learn. You know, that is one thing I always want to keep in my mind. As I go forward and progress in music, I always want to keep space to learn more. Something I always stress on as well.' Looking ahead, Amritha's vision is as exploratory as ever. She is working on new material in English, including an upcoming track using lines from Rabindranath Tagore's Golden Boat.' But more than anything, she's excited to deepen her craft. 'I want to learn more of music production. My making of music is very oriented towards a singer point of view. I'm still learning that.' Amritha Thankachy's journey is a reminder that growth in music, much like in life comes from staying curious, not from rushing toward the next goal.
