Press Release by Wellington Mutamizh Sangam
13/6/2012
Selva Ramasami

Nandhana - Bestowing joy to the children

Wellington Mutamizh Sangam (WMS) celebrated the Tamil New Year “Nandhana” on Saturday 9th June 2012 at the Indian Cultural Centre, Petone in Wellingon. The year Nandhana –which primarily means “that which bestows joy” returns after a cycle of 60 years. This year celebration was themed “Happy Family –Strong Family” to reinforce the traditional family values.

Through this year’s celebration, WMS raised $2500.00 for Karunai Illam Trust (KIT) – a NZ charity for children. KIT, which assists underprivileged children in South India, was founded by Jean Watson, a compassionate Wellingtonian and author, marks 25 years of service this year.

Balaji Venkatachalam, Treasurer of WMS and the event coordinator, welcomed the capacity crowd of over 250 people which included representatives from Families Commission, Office of Ethnic Affairs, Prof. Kim Fam from Victoria University. Balaji added that last year WMS in collaboration with Natraj School of Dance (NSD) donated $3000 to NZ Red Cross Wellington Branch to help them to establish the Wellington Region Emergency Management Team.

Jean Watson, Founder Trustee of KIT said that she started the Illam almost 25 years ago in a shed with a few children in a rural area called Nilakottai near Madurai (in the state of Tamil Nadu) in India during one of her many travels to the sub-continent. Now the Illam has expanded with a growing number of children on the waiting list.

Auckland based MP Kanwaljit Bakshi who made a special trip to Wellington to participate in this Tamil community celebration, conveyed the best wishes from the Minister for Ethnic Affairs and congratulated WMS for the celebration with a noble objective to help the children charity. The MP has pledged his support for KIT and its founder Jean Watson.

A White Ribbon Ambassador from The Families Commission, Gregory Fortuin, in his speech applauded the Tamil migrant communities for not leaving their cultural heritage and the value of Ahimsa – non-violence at the customs gate. He applauded the diversity of nations reflected in the audience such as Indian, Malaysian, Sri Lankan, South African, Fijian and the sharing of similar values.

The Chief Guest for the evening, Hon. Minister Peter Dunne praised WMS for their work to promote connection within communities in the wider Wellington Region and helping with some good cause. He was pleased to have attended all the past Tamil New Year celebration by WMS. The Minister in supporting this year’s theme- “Happy Family Strong Family” believes that the family as an institution has a pivotal role in the community and families should find time to gather around the dining table.

Selva Ramasami, President of WMS presented a mock cheque pledging a minimum of $2000 to Sankar Ramasamy, a Trustee of KIT. This amount has since been increased to $2500. Sankar thanked WMS for raising the profile of the Illam and the amount donated. Selva thanked the community for their generosity and the young team of volunteers. He further noted that WMS strongly believe in the power of collaboration both with other community organisations and agencies to promote social cohesion and understanding in Wellington and beyond.

The Office of Ethnic Affairs was represented by Joy McDowall and Caroline McGrath who wrote: 'It was a brilliant celebration with all three tenets of the Tamil way was in evidence at the hall in Petone. Not only were traditional songs and dances performed but also Kollywood influenced updated acts were part of the fun. Two young women, Saranya and Deepa acted as ‘Masters’ of ceremonies and had the audience roaring with laughter as they used witty banter when introducing each act. Delicious traditional food completed the hospitality. It is great to think such fun raised so much money”.

WMS is a non political organisation founded in 2009 with an aim to promote connection within communities in the wider Wellington Region whose cultural backgrounds are built on the three pillars of Tamil: Language, Music and Drama. WMS is a registered charitable entity with a Donee Organisation status by the IRD. WMS Board Members were one of the first few organisations in NZ who had successfully completed the Governance Programme conducted by the Office of Ethnic Affairs in June 2009.

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