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Tamil Youth Network, a new organisation set up to help fund development projects in Tamil homelands and to act as a forum for Tamil youth in Denmark marked its formation with a cultural show and discussion programme on 4 May in Ikast, Denmark.
The event, named 'Malarum Mottukkal', was chaired by Copenhagen Agricultural College Professor
Sriskandarajah Nadarajah. The professor gave the welcome address following the traditional minute's silence in memory of those fallen in the
Tamil struggle for self-determination and the lighting of the traditional lamp. The network's aims and objectives were related to the audience by three of its founders, Sarangan Thillaiampalam, Kajan Jeyakumar and
Subaranjani Paneerselvam.
Dr (Mrs) Srithevi Sriskandarajah chaired a group discussion on the subject of 'Tamil youth and violence'. Traditional and liberation dances, music and a drama titled 'Malarum Mottukkal' featured either side of the discussion. Members of the network also explained the proposed functions of its medical and technical committees. According to them the network will also act as a discussion forum for Tamils in Denmark.
Professor Sriskandarajah asked the audience during his address that it was their responsibility to foster the growth of the Tamil Youth Network for the sake of the whole Tamil community.
Mr and Mrs Srikandarajah were then presented the proceedings of the evening to be passed onto help with development projects in the Tamil homelands. They, along with the evening's on-stage performers, were also presented with bouquets by the Tamil Youth Network as a mark of appreciation.
The Tamil Communities in Canada's cities of Torornto and Montreal both held colourful cultural events to commemorate the 15th
anniversary of Annai Poopathy's fast unto death in protest of the occupation of the Indian Peace Keeping Force.
The Arts and Cultural Wing of the World Tamil Movement and volunteers in Toronto combined on 19 April to hold Muthamizh Vizha to mark the anniversary.
The event at the Winston Churchill High School in Scarborough began with the hoisting of Tamil
national flag followed by a minute's silence in tribute to Annai Poopathy and the thousands of others who have perished in Tamil people's struggle for self-determination.
A welcome dance, traditional street plays, revolutionary plays and musical performances followed. The main address was delivered by chief guest Prof.
Saravanamuththu Francis, from the US.
The Tamil community worked with the World Tamil Movement of Montreal to hold their Muthamil Vizha 2003 on April 26th at 6900, Decarie Square.
The Chief guest was Dr. Edward Little, Professor of Concordia University,
Department of Drama & Theatre. The event included various dances, dramas and musical performance.
TEMPLE managements should use their facilities to promote Tamil, Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) deputy president Datuk S. Subramaniam was quoted in local press reports as
sayinh.
Malaysia Nanban quoted Mr. Subramaniam as saying that "temples should emphasise the importance of Tamil to their devotees and also conduct religious classes."
He was speaking after attending the consecration of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in his Segamat parliamentary constituency recently.
He added that building a temple was not important; it was more important for devotees to attend prayers regularly.
Tamils should be prepared to accept changes in every sector including literature, said Sri Lankan writer Hasan Ashari. He said new techniques should be introduced in every sector and no race or language would progress if they refused to accept changes.
"Sometimes we cannot educate the public through laws and rules and regulations, but we can educate them through parables and stories," he said when launching his book Man to be Divine in Kuala Lumpur recently.
The MIC is one of the oldest political parties of Malaysia, established in August 1946 at the end of the Second World War to oppose British colonial rule and champion the (predominantly Tamil speaking) Indian community's interest in post war development.
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