May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21
INDIA NEWS
COMMUNITY NEWS
Varnam Cultural Society’s Chithirai Kalai Vizha Multicultural Tamil festival organised
I
ndian New Year falls between March and April with the dates changing every day. Across India, New Year is celebrated differently depending on every state’s regional Culture. Indian New Year is celebrated as Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Ugadi in Karnataka, Andhra and Telangana, Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Vishu in Kerala, Bihu in Assam, Baisakhi in Punjab, Pana Sankranti in Orissa and Naba Barsha in West Bengal, Nav Waras in Gujrat and Losoong in Tripura.
Varnam Cultural Society has been presenting Tamil and Indian New year Festival for the past few years in Queensland. Varnam, in fact has become tantamount to this festivity, Especially in Springfield. The spectacular event provides a platform not only for all Indians from different cultures but also to the global communities of Queensland to showcase their talents. This year was no different. The extravaganza event was held on April 17th, 2021 at Robelle Domain Park, Springfield. The event was dignified by notable community leaders, prominent political leaders as well as the who’s who of the Indian community. Most prominent among the VIPs were: Senator Paul Scarr, Milton Dick MP, Federal Member for Oxley, Hon. Minister Leanne Linard MP, Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Charis Mullen MP, Member for Jordan, Assistant Minister for Treasury, John Paul Langbroek MP, Member for Surfers Paradise,Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Hon. Shayne Neumann MP, Federal Member for Blair, Lance McCallum MP, Member for Bundamba, Cr. Nicole Jonic, Mrs. Archana Singh, Honorary Consulate of India, Umah Ranchigoda, DirectorCommercial Development, Springfield City Group. The event started at 5.00 pm with the invocation of Lord Ganesha by melodious Bhajans from Sunadham School of Music followed by classical
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dance Pushpanjali seeking blessings from almighty. The distinguished guests started the ceremony officially by lighting the traditional “Kuthu Vilalkku” signifying the beginning of an auspicious event. The VIPs showed immense support to the festival through their encouraging speeches. President of Varnam, Mr. Rajarajan Thennavan thanked the Queensland Government, Ipswich Council, political leaders, admirable community heroes, the event sponsors and gifted participants for their ongoing encouragement and appreciation to support the festival. His speech also emphasized the inner significance of communal peace as well as the significance of Varnam and its role within the community.
The proceedings were followed by various cultural presentations of dance and music by several talented teams around the city. It was welcoming to see a couple of international performers as well presenting their form of dance to mesmerize the audience. Traditional Bharatanatyam, peppy Bollywood presentations and south Indian musicals kept the audience entertained throughout the evening despite short spells of rain in between. Artistes of all ages, ranging from 5 to 50 showcased their talent, interest, and enthusiasm. As part of the festive culture, it is important to recognise some of the hard-working individuals of the community. Three awards that were presented that evening are as below: Mr. Surendra Prasad, the Chairman- Australian of the Indian Heritage War Memorial Committee was the winner of Varnam Cultural Society’s Community Service Award for 2021.
Rajarajan and Ayyappan Kalidos for being an integral part of the committee for past 9 years and having contributed towards putting 1000 plus young talents across the Queensland on stage. Varnam Cultural Society has been organising the Indian New Year festival in Springfield since 2013, promoting harmony and multiculturalism. Various music and dance presentations went on well into the evening entertaining the large crowd gathered at parklands. The gala affair ended with much-awaited fireworks, a vote of thanks by Treasurer, Senthil and finally audience kids dance. Article by Rekha N Swamy.
Varnam The Rising Star Award 2021 was conferred to Ms. Shreemmate Narayanan, for taking the responsibility of organising the annual tree planting through the Ipswich City Council for the past 2 years. The Long Service Awards were presented to Mrs. Swapna
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