JEDDAH — Prof Parveen Sulthana, a Tamil orator, writer, educationist, motivational speaker and a well-known debater, had the goodly crowd at the Jeddah Tamil Sangam (JTS) event here in thrall with an inspirational and motivating talk last week.
Highlighting values and manners through personal experiences and various examples, Sulthana expounded the need for people, who have been away from home, to inculcate in themselves and in their children the balance of both wealth and affection — the theme of the debate which she moderated before taking the stage.
She explained in detail the need for both, with a value-laced talk that indicated that today’s parents need to inject the vitamin N in their wards more often for them to understand the value of the things, which they readily demand and get from their parents. She said “Parents should learn to say no to their children’s repeated demands more often in order for the latter to value what they have and get.”
She seamlessly then went from family values to the growing disconnect in society and said, “In this developing technological world we only stay in contact, but rarely connect.” She meant that many of us do not listen to the others and share in their lives, even with the near and dear ones, a far shift from the olden days when families stayed connected, and through them the society.
She wrapped up her discourse with an example of the Arunima Sinha, the first female amputee to scale Mount Everest, who did not lose heart after being pushed from a running train by some robbers in 2011 while she was resisting them. She was left battered on the railway track and was hit again by another train on a parallel track. After recovering from this trauma, she took to mountaineering and achieved this feat due to her will and determination.
Her magic in Tamil literature as well as the terms we usually hear and use, influenced the audience, who were glued to their seats till the last moment.
Sulthana was honored with a new title “Semmozhi Selvi” by JTS members for her work on Tamil literature amidst the standing ovation by the audience.
JTS always tries to stage new and exciting things because in order to discover a passion and talent in others. JTS is very much keen in organizing such cultural programs for the benefit of the local Tamil community, especially for the younger generation to become aware of our customs, culture & ancient arts. JTS is unique platform to showcase and exhibit traditional and modern Tamil culture, cuisine, arts and entertainment with literary values.
The program started with recitation of verses from Holy Qur’an followed by national anthems of both countries followed by Tamizh Thai Vazhthu. Jay Shankar welcomed the guests, and Siraj briefed all about JTS social services to the community both in Saudi Arabia and India with visual presentation.
The welcome dance was choreographed by Pushpa Suresh, where she showcased the skills of her students who understood the dancing combination of movements and her training was clearly visible with each dancer interpreting the movements for a perfect projection, in timing, emphasis, and expressions. They staged two dances and both were rhythmic with different steps and styles. The dance with lights on their hands, in darkness, mesmerized the viewers.
As a choreographer, Raznie Hari clearly understood the technicalities of framing steps to attain perfection to the changing trends, and she experimented with unique steps, with her girls and boys giving two spectacular fast numbers.
Lina Maria Baby enthralled the audience with her enchanting voice with two popular songs. Uma Maruthai and Maruthu brought out the Tamil culture through her students, which is deeply rooted in great folk arts displaying the traditions and skill that have come down from generations. Children simulated the ethos, aesthetic values and melody of Tamil Nadu throughout their dance projecting, Bharatham which is mentioned in Sanga Ilakkiyam, Oyil aattam, dancing with piece of clothes in their hands to a tune, Karakattam, balancing a pot on their head while dancing, Paraiyaatam or Thappattam which is dancing to the tune of ancient instrument called “Parai”. All these took the audience to a festival ambience of a remote Tamil Nadu village.
Sponsors are the backbone of every program, they were duly honored with plaques on stage, supervised and managed by Jai Shankar. JTS family members staged motivational group song “Izappatharkku ethuvum illai” (Nothing to lose) and another one “Desiya kodiyum asainthu sollum kalam” lyrics by Vairamuthu in remembrance of our great Dr. Kalam.
Murali introduced Chief Guest Parveen Sulthana by quoting her credentials elaborately.
Sulthana moderated the Pattimandram (debate) with Mythili Murali, Ajitha Saleem, Hafsara Parveen, Balasubramanian, Rama Chandran and Shanthi Subramanian in the subject of “Panama, Pasama,” (wealth or affection). The participants debated very humorously and spoke knowing the pulse of the audience.
Prizes and certificates were given to the children who participated in the competition of Bharathiyar speech by the chief guest. The entire program was made alive by the brilliant compering by Ezhil and Perarasu.
The volunteers from the seaport had a Herculean task in the logistics arrangement to feel at home for everybody. The program ended with a sumptuous dinner by Aaryaas. — SG
