Tamils create a landmark event in Connecticut

“Indian street play hits the American Palace Theater at Waterbury, CT

“Tamils create a landmark event in Connecticut.”

During July 4th weekend Waterbury, Connecticut is going to bristle with activities of glamour, grandeur and color. This is one of the biggest Tamil Conventions ever hosted by South Asian Tamils of North America in Connecticut history. FETNA is a non-profit, nonpartisan, literary, cultural organization and attracts nearly 2000 Tamils each year. 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.

For the last 23 years Federation of Tamil Sangams (Associations) of North America called FETNA, an umbrella organization for nearly 35-40 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 Gollywood( 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.

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 July3rd 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 famous cine director Bharathiraja, the famous movie star Vikram, Young ( and old?) boys’ dream girl movie star Trisha, Comedian Actor Santhanam, Tamil Poet Thamarai, Tamil professor Parveen Sultana , Tamil spiritual leader Marudhachala Adigalar have all consented to attend and participate in the mega Event..

Connecticut political dignitaries like Mr. Michael J.Jarijura, Mayor of Waterbury, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, have kindly accepted the invitation and will honor the function with their presence. United States Congressman Chris Murphy is looking into participating in the event. Both the evenings are earmarked for special programs.

On Saturday, July 3rd evening, there is a special Tamil folk opera called Madhurai Veeran (the hero of a city namely Madurai, in Tamilnadu) or “Therukoothu”. 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 Chennai, India and are specially trained in this tradition of art. On Sunday, July 4th, evening, there is a light music program from Tamil Movies in the presence of famous Music director Harris Jeyaraj 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, Single's Forum, Young Tamils Forum etc.

Those who are connoisseurs of good food also should attend this event. There is plenty of art, craft, food, local, national, international culture: what else could one ask for?

The entire convention is planned under the able and dynamic leadership of Dr. Pazhani Sundaram of Connecticut who is the Coordinator of the Convention. The president of FETNA, Dr. Muthuvel Chelliah, from Columbia, MD joins hands with Pazhani Sundaram by providing enormous support and guidance.

Hundreds of volunteers are working tirelessly to make this event a great success so that the Tamils earn a place in Connecticut history.

Please register before it becomes a sold out event.