Bhopal Tamil Sangam celebrated Pongal with fervour and festivity by observing religious rituals and bonhomie at the Career College Auditorium, BHEL on Tuesday. To carry out the objectives of the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi and to foster the traditional Tamil arts, 24 Artists from Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram (A unit of the Directorate of Art & Culture), Government of Tamil Nadu came to Bhopal to give special performance at Pongal Celebration.
The Pongal celebrations included a number of cultural programmes, including bharatnatyam and group dance performance.
Dr Ilayaraja T, Deputy Secretary to CM said, “Entire team of Bhopal Tamil Sangam did a great job by organising such a grand event, not just with planning but with the enthusiasm and energy. I believe this year’s festivities will be a worthy reflection of the pride felt by
Bhopal Tamilian, who make such a great contribution to the city’s cultural, social and economic life.”
Sathish Kumar S, Addl Collector, Bhopal, P Sathiyamurthy, DGM HR, NHDC, S Baskaran, MD, Flotek Engg service, Bhopal were also present on the occasion as special guests.
General Secretary of Bhopal Tamil Sangam, A Swami Durai said that hundreds of South Indian families stay in Bhopal and other parts of the State for the past several decades.
“Apart from individual celebrations of Pongal, we also organise Tamil New year function every year. It makes us feel at home even though we are far away from our native places,” he added.
“Pongal is one of the biggest festivals for Tamils and it is such a delight to participate and experience the enthusiasm of people,” said Sathish Kumar S, Addl Collector, Bhopal.
P Sathiyamurthy, DGM HR, NHDC said that Pongal is a festival to greet the Sun and welcome him into the lives of people as it liberated them from the extremes of winter. It was not only limited to Tamils, but celebrated in different parts of the country under different names.
M Raji, President, A Swami Durai, General Secretary, S Samivel, Vice President, V Selvaraj Vice President, P Annadurai, Joint Secretary, R Thirumalli, Joint Secretary, A Sivakumar, Treasurer and executive members of Bhopal Tamil Sangam made the entire event run smoothly.