Photograph from the film '3' Four months after the release of the record-breaking Youtube hit ‘Why This Kolaveri Di’ , Aishwariya Dhanush’s directorial debut, ‘3’, hits the big screen. Named '3' because the film supposedly narrates three stages in the characters' lives, the film is a romance on paper and a thriller on screen. Revealed in flashbacks, the story showcases the romantic evolution of Ram (Dhanush) and Janani (Shruti). The beginning of the film, which starts off with their school days, is the most enjoyable albeit predictable. Whilst Dhanush is completely at ease in his school-boy...
Canadian Tamil students at York University Tamil Students Association (YUTSA) marked the university’s 'Multicultural Week', celebrating their Eelam Tamil identity. The president of the York University Tamil Students Association, Purushothaman Kugarajah, said, “We should be proud of our identity. Everything that makes us up we should be proud of, from our flag to our rich language to our cultural attire to the food that we eat." "Today we have shown the entire world that we are an ancient, unique and proud Nation with a rich history, heritage and traditions. Our flag too was flying high and...
Photographs TYO UK Media Tamil children from across London showcased their talents at the finale event of Katka Kasadara 2012. Organised by the Tamil Youth Organisation UK (TYO UK), Katka Kasadara drew children as young as four to come and showcase their prowess at the great Tamil literary works of Aathisoodi, Thirukkural and Tholkappiam. Having held regional rounds in the four corners of London, the final competition took place on the 18th February along side a night of Tamil dance, music and culture. Acts included Carnatic singers from North London Tamil School and SANSKRITI, and dances by...
Tamils in the UK came together on 12th February, to commemorate the anniversary of Murugathasan Varnakulasingham's death. The commemorative event, attended by Murugathasan's mother and father, remembered the passion and determination of Murugathasan, whilst remembering his death as a loss to the Eelam nation. Horrorfied by the events he saw unfolding in the North-East of Sri Lanka, Murugathasan self-immolated on 13th February 2009, in Geneva, after declaring his outrage at international apathy and inaction. The anniversary was marked by the unveiling of a tombstone by Murugathasan's grave at...
Members of the TYO UK raise awareness at the 2012 Come Together Rally, in celebration of London's ethnic diversity. Photographs TYO UK Members of the Tamil Youth Organisation UK, (TYO UK), celebrated London's multi-cultural diversity at the 2012 Come Together Rally. The event, endorsed by Sir Paul Mc Cartney, was held on the 4th February at Trafalgar Square. Groups from nations across the world took part, many of them sharing their experiences of oppression, discrimination and genocide, such as a group from the British Chinese community who thanked the ‘Come Together London Rally’ supporting...
The Pungudutivu Welfare Association UK held its annual “Pungudutivu’s Got Talent” competition last month, celebrating the success of the community in London. The much anticipated show, Katuvalik Kiramam 2011, saw the talent competition divided into three categories, singing for under 14 year olds, over 14 year olds and an open dance competition. The evening, celebrating the 15th anniversary of the association, was also an opportunity for the community, from an islet in the Tamil homeland, to honour those who have graduated from university or have held an arangetram, within the last year. The...
Photographs TYO UK Tamil children from the North-East of London competed at the first regional round of the Tamil language competition - Katka Kasadara - held last weekend. The competition, organised by the Tamil Youth Organisation UK, drew competitors as young as four, to those in their early teens. In front of proud parents and well-wishers, the children showcased their public speaking talents, and remarkable prowess of the great Tamil literary works of Aathisoodi, Thirukkural and Tholkappiam. After three more regional rounds across London in the coming weeks, the final round and prize...
Photographs TYOUK Under the clear blue skies and sunshine of a frosty winter's morning, members of TYO UK (Tamil Youth Organisation UK), celebrated the ancient Tamil festival of thanksgiving, Thai Pongal, this weekend. Having completed morning Thai Pongal celebrations with their families at home, members came together, bearing traditional Tamil festive items such as maavillai, karumbu, thoranam, and most importantly, a mann paanai (clay pot), at expansive grounds overlooking Wembley football stadium in London. Protecting the wood fire from a bitterly cold wind, members set up the pongal...
Based on the true story of a 13 year old Tamil girl, Punithavathy, who was brutally gang raped by Sri Lankan army officers in her home town of Batticaloa, the film 'Uchithanai Muharnthal', has moved audiences in London, with its portrayal of the persecution of the Eelam Tamil nation through the horrors face by one girl. Photograph uchithanaimuharnthaal.com
At last month’s International Climate Change Talks in South Africa, Tamil-Canadian student Anjali Appadurai made headlines when she delivered a powerful speech urging world leaders to take action over climate change. Her speech which has clocked up tens of thousands of views on YouTube, has won the praise of Amy Goodman , host of Democracy Now!, and award winning author Naomi Klein who tweeted; “ Anjali Appadurai is a hero , watch her brilliant speech that rocked the climate summit in Durban” Speaking on behalf of youth delegates at the conference, Ms Appadurai started her speech saying, “I...