Tamils to create a landmark event in Maryland
During July 4th weekend [July 6-8 because July 4th falls on Wednesday], Washington DC/Baltimore, MD, is going to bristle with activities of glamour, grandeur and color. For the last 24 years, Federation of Tamil Sangams (Associations) of North America called FeTNA, an umbrella organization for nearly 40 local Organizations, presents a Mega event each year in a different state and city where Tamils of North America congregate, celebrate their culture, recognize community achievements, organize professional forums, enjoy Music, Dance, Literature and Theater performances, rejoice meeting Golly wood( South Indian movie) artists, film and music directors, eminent speakers/poets, soap opera stars from India. The locals also get to show case their talent in this 3-day-mega Event.
This is one of the biggest Tamil Conventions ever hosted by Tamils of North America in Maryland history. FETNA is a non-profit, nonpartisan, literary, cultural organization and attracts nearly 2000 Tamils each year. It’s an opportunity for the diaspora Tamils for reunions of their alumni, native villages and cities, relatives, friends and other special interest groups. In 2012, it will be the Silver Jubilee Convention for FeTNA with an anticipated attendance of 5,000 Tamils from all over North America. Do you call this a Convention? Carnival? Cultural fare? Well everything. Everyone has something to look forward to.
Tamil, recognized as a classical language, is one of the ancient languages of the Dravidian Era with a recorded history going back 2 millennia, with rich cultural heritage and classical literature. Every year, FeTNA honors and celebrates legends of Tamil language and literature. In this year's Silver Jubilee convention, FeTNA is honoring an eminent Tamil literary scholar of the Twentieth century Dr. Mu. Varadharajan, popularly known as MU.VA., and is celebrating his 100th Anniversary.
Even for a non Tamil, the language is not a barrier; there is so much for the eyes, the ears and the palate. The main function starts on July 6th morning with a welcome for the chief guests with special music, and children’s procession followed by variety performances.
The stage is set to receive all the special guests from India. Those who are familiar with Tamil Literature and Art may like to know that the famous movie stars Surya, Trisha, comedy actor Vadivel, Standup comedian Madurai Muthu, Tamil Poet Thamizhachi Thangapandian, Mr. Sagaayam, IAS, Madurai District Collector, Tamil spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar, old time fame actress Sarojadevi and TV fame Siva karthikeyan have all consented to attend and participate in the mega Event..
Maryland political dignitaries like Mr. Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland, Anthony G Brown, Lieutenant Governor of MD and Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Mayor of Baltimore, have kindly accepted the invitation and will honor the function with their presence. United States Congressmen, Senators and dignitaries are looking into participating in the event. Both the evenings are earmarked for special programs.
On Friday, July 6th evening, there is a special Tamil folk event This is a street play like a village theater with simple props and informal interaction with the audience that makes it very entertaining. The artists are from Trichy, India and are specially trained in this traditional form of art. On Saturday, July 7th, evening, there is a light music program from Tamil Movies in the presence of famous Music director GV Prakash along with a group of singers from India.
Apart from these, there are other entertainment items presented by US based Tamil Chapters. There are parallel programs like Continuing Medical Education (CME), Entrepreneur forum, Singles’ Forum, Young Tamils Forum etc. There is plenty of art, craft, food, trade shows, local, national, international culture: what else could one ask for?
The entire convention is planned under the able leadership of Mr. Balagan Arumugaswamy, of Maryland who is the Coordinator of the Convention. The President of FETNA, Dr. Dhandapani Kuppuswamy of South Carolina joins hands with Mr. Arumugaswamy by providing enormous support and guidance.
Hundreds of volunteers are working tirelessly to make this silver jubilee convention a great success so that the Tamils earn a place in North American history.