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கடல் கடந்த நாட்டில் ஏப்ரல் மாதம் முழுவதும் தமிழன்னை அரியணையில்!

அக்கரையிலும் அக்கறையோடு தமிழை வளர்க்கும் சிங்கப்பூர்!

In a country where Tamils are a minority, yet their language receives attention and care across all spheres—as one of the official languages, in government, educational institutions, art centres, religious places, and Tamil associations—the Tamil diaspora is truly blessed.

Yes, the Singapore Tamil diaspora enjoys seeing their mother tongue celebrated in the country they now call home.

The Tamil Language Council, together with its partners, organises the annual Tamil Language Festival every April. The festival calendar showcases the richness of Tamil through poetry, music, drama, debates, speeches, and dance, while embracing the latest technology.

Tamil Language Festival 2026 was officially declared open on 29 March 2026 by Singapore's Honourable President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

People from all walks of life—from children to seniors, students to teachers, ordinary citizens to government representatives—contribute to this remarkable celebration of the Tamil language.

I am delighted to have played my part in this incredible initiative.

As a freelance journalist, my articles on the Tamil Language Festival have been published globally in The Hindu (English), The Hindu Tamil, Kumudam Theeranathi, Dinamalar, Dinamani Kadhir, as well as leading magazines in Sri Lanka, the USA, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, and Africa.

As the Editor of Sing-Ind Voice, I regularly feature news and updates about the Tamil Language Council and its initiatives.

Kalamanjari released the music album based on Singapore's pioneer Tamil literary work Nanneri Thangam and later staged the production Kadayeluvazhalgal during the Tamil Language Festivals in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

In my second music album, Tamils in Singapore, we included the song “தமிழ் மொழி மாதம் தரணியை ஆளும்”, penned by local poet Mr. Panasai Nadarasan and composed by Dr. K. Sivaraj, as a tribute to the Tamil Language Festival in Singapore.

I am happy about my humble contribution to this illustrious journey and look forward to contributing even more in the years ahead.

For more details on Tamil Language Festival 2026, please read here: https://singindvoice.com/tamil-language-festival-2026-celebrates-20-years/

Kheezhadi, an archaeological site tells about the ancient Tamil settlements along the banks of Vaigai river - from the Western Ghats to Ramanathapuram District.

Kheezhadi museum and the excavation site not just showcases the long and the rich history of the Tamil Civilisation, but also its sophistication.

The site is located in Keezhadi village, Sivagangi District around 12 kilometers of Madurai.

The journey of archaeological excavations in Kheezhadi began from 2014 to 2017 in three seasons by the Archaeological Survey of India. From 2017-18 till date, the journey of archaeology excavations are being continued by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology that aims to bring out the cultural and physical architecture of the Tamil Society of Sangam age.

It traces the existence of human civilisation to before 1.5 million years with evidences.

This site excavates industrial, burial and the habitation of the Tamil people since the 6th century B.C in 'Tamizhi' inscriptions.

A well designed museum with clear explanations sustains the visitors interest.

A world class standard of the museum will be a treat to anyone visits, offering a rich knowledge of the Tamil Civilisation.

Celebrating this special evening at the Flower Field Hall, Gardens by the Bay — the TRC (Tamils Representative Council) Appreciation Dinner & Community Iftar, marking TRC's 75th Anniversary (1951–2026).

Kalamanjari participating as an affiliate organisation. March 8, 2026.

In 1993, when I first came to Singapore as a 20 year old young bride, it was a challenge then to find the meaning of life in the new land. The advent of my son in 1997 brought a whole lot of blossom and meaning to my life.

Today, the little boy has grown into a guest speaker analysing government policies. Thanks to GOPIO for organising a speech for him.

GOPIO Singapore Business Talk — "All You Need to Know About Buying Properties in Singapore." Guest Speaker: Mr Vairavan Shanmugam Kannan, Data Insights Specialist. SINDA Auditorium, March 8, 2026.

Attended the Prime Minister's Chinese New Year Garden Party at Istana. Had the privilege of taking a photo with the Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lawrence Wong, Mr Goh Chok Tong (the second Prime Minister of Singapore), Mr Lee Hsien Loong (the third Prime Minister of Singapore), Mr Edwin Tong (Minister for Law), Ms Josephine Teo (Minister for Digital Development and Information), and Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash (Minister of State for Community, Culture and Youth).

A treasured gift — a flask inscribed with: 'With best compliments from Mr Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.' March 1, 2026.

An unexpected opportunity to share on the work I do with the Australian Tamil Broadcasting Corporation — a 24-hour Tamil radio station. It was a good feeling when Mr C Paskaran, the radio jockey, said that he knows about Kalamanjari and about my books.

Very glad and an incentive to do more!

Honoured and humbled to receive the Memento for Outstanding Contribution to Tamil Literature in Singapore from the G100 Club & Denim Club, presented on 30 January 2026.

The award was conferred by Dr. Meenakshi Arora Dabral & Dr. Michael Short (Global Chair & Denim Partner, Global Alliances & Alumni Networks) and Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, Founder.

A truly special recognition that inspires me to continue this meaningful journey in Tamil literature and arts in Singapore.

Uttar Pradesh is one of the largest states of India. The world-famous 'Varanasi', 'Ayodhya', 'Prayagraj' and 'Triveni Sangamam' attract a huge number of pilgrims to the state.

Apart from the religious attractions, the state has political credits too. India's first Prime Minister Mr Jawaharlal Nehru hails from this state; India's Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi's constituency is Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The state has 80 Lok Sabha constituencies.

Today the Indian High Commission of Singapore organised 'Uttar Pradesh Divas' at the High Commission, highlighting the various aspects of this great state.

Glad to get a photo with Mrs Sarojini Padmanathan, the newly appointed CEO of Hindu Endowments Board, at the LISHA Pongal Press Conference.

The interview with the first ever woman CEO of HEB will be featured very soon in Sing-Ind Voice.

My greetings to you on your special day — though you are special all days and always! I can be forthright about this, as you have been taking me down a prosperous path.

When I go on my own for my late night walks — I realise how you make me SAFE!

When I see my dining table filled with satay, chicken rice, parotta, dosa, sandwich and many fruits all from a hawker centre — I realise how much DIVERSE CUISINE you have!

When I see my children ride their bikes on the pavement by a busy road — I realise how your roads are USER FRIENDLY!

After a heavy downpour of rain, when I step out and walk freely without any blocked drains or stagnant water — I realise that you have STRONG INFRASTRUCTURE!

When I need urgent medical treatment, there are clinics nearby, in the neighbourhood — the CONVENIENCE that you have created for an easy day to day life!

When I see children accompanied by their grandparents, playing and relaxing with their neighbours in the park, absent any entrance fees or charges — I am happy for your care and provision of affordable ENTERTAINMENT!

Yet I see also your world class theme parks, animal sanctuaries and zoos, nature parks, gardens and beaches! You also provide entertainment and infotainment through your museums, science centres, heritage centers — yes you are a HOLISTIC tourist destination!

Everywhere you look it is so clean, green and tidy and you are UNPOLLUTED. That makes me feel so refreshed!

When I see children and youths, senior citizens, and the physically challenged travel around the island on well connected public transportation, I realise how you make your people INDEPENDENT and SECURE.

I am at ease with my Chinese and Malay friends and when I happen to encounter a Chinese/Malay taxi driver greeting me as 'வாங்க அக்கா, சாப்பிட்டீங்களா?' I thank you for the MULTI-CULTURAL SOCIETY that I am in! At the same time, I am happy that I am able to observe my culture, buy/wear my ethnic dress, go to the temples and maintain my own CULTURAL IDENTITY!

When I can enjoy singing my songs, listening to the scholars speeches in the competitions that I conduct, conducting the classes that I run, and participating in the events and performances that I organise, I thank you for enriching my LANGUAGE and ARTS!

Most of all, you are SUPERIOR in the education that you offer, OUTSTANDING in the health care sector and embrace world class TECHNOLOGIES!

For all this and much more, I am grateful to the SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT for its long vision, for having laid the road, creating the essential institutions, setting the laws and policies, and for implementing them, for building a resilient, disciplined and compassionate society which I am privileged to be part of!

I am personally happy that GOD does not shower Singapore with a freezing snow and I don't require a jacket that will subdue my elegant saree!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Singapore!
Majulah Singapura!

Andhra Pradesh – Singapore Business Forum & CII Partnership Summit Roadshow was held on Monday, 28 July 2025 at Shangri-La, Singapore.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh, the High Commission of India, Singapore and the Confederation of Indian Industry, with the support of Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Business Federation, had organised for this event.

This forum and Roadshow in Singapore highlighted strategic investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh and presented an exclusive preview of the CII Partnership Summit 2025, to be hosted in Visakhapatnam in November 2025.

Mr Naidu, a visionary, addressed the crowd on the plans and achievements of Andhra Pradesh Government on almost all sectors. He finds Singapore as his role model, as he says 'any best practices come from Singapore'.

I had the privilege of interviewing Mr Naidu in 2002, in Singapore, one to one, at Hotel Ritz Carlton (he was then the Chief Minister too) for my e-magazine, which the link is given and the Tamil translation got published in Tamil Murasu.

சிங்கப்பூரில் ஏறத்தாழ 26 இந்து கோவில்கள் உள்ளன. முன்னேறிய தொழில்நுட்பத்துடன் விளங்கும் சிங்கப்பூரில் ஒருபுறம் எண்ணற்ற வகையில் பொருளாதார முன்னேற்றமும், வளர்ச்சியும். மறுபுறம் பக்தி பரவசம்.

இந்து கோவில்கள் இந்து சமயத்தினரை நம் கலாச்சாரத்துடன் வாழ்வதற்கு பெரிதும் துணை புரிகின்றன. பூஜை வழிபாடுகள் மட்டுமின்றி இங்கு கோயில்கள் மக்களின் நலன் கருதி வேறு பல பயனளிக்கும் நடவடிக்கைகளிலும் ஈடுபடுகின்றன.

அதில் முக்கியமாக கருதப்படுவது திருமுறை வளர்ச்சிக்குக் கோவில்கள் ஆற்றும் பங்கு. வேதத்தின் சாரமே திருமுறை பாடல்கள். இறைவனை நேராக கண்டு அனுபவித்து பாடும் இந்த பாடல்கள் மிகவும் தெய்வீக சக்தி வாய்ந்தவை.

சிங்கையில் திருமுறை மாநாட்டை துவக்கியவர் சிங்கை சைவ பெரியார் அம்பலவாணர் ஐயா. இவர் திருமுறை கலாநிதி ராஜசேகர் ஓதுவாரின் துணையோடு திருமுறை முற்றோதுதலை 1980ல் நிகழ்த்தினார். நால்வர் குரு பூஜையை தொடங்கி பின் 1981ஆம் ஆண்டு முதல் திருமுறை மாநாட்டை ஒருநாள் நிகழ்வாக நடத்தினார்.

தற்பொழுது திருமுறை மாநாடு மூன்று நாட்கள் சிங்கப்பூரில் விமர்சையாக நடைபெற்று வருகின்றது.

சிங்கப்பூர் திருமுறை மாநாட்டினர், மாநாட்டை ஒட்டி திருமுறை ஓதுதல், வண்ணம் தீட்டுதல், பேச்சு, கட்டுரை, திருலேடம் ஆகியவற்றில் போட்டிகளையும் நடத்துகின்றனர்.

சைவத்தமிழ் பேரறிஞர்களை வரவழைத்து, சிறப்பான உரைகளை மக்கள் கேட்க வழி வகுக்கின்றனர்.

45-ஆம் திருமுறை மாநாடு
இன்று 25.07.2025 (வெள்ளிக்கிழமை) முதல் 27.07.2025 (ஞாயிற்றுக்கிழமை) வரை
சிங்கப்பூர் அருள்மிகு ருத்ர காளியம்மன் திருக்கோவிலில் சிறப்பாக நடைபெற உள்ளது.

இந்த ஆண்டின் சிறப்பு அம்சமாக, தருமை ஆதீனப்புலவர், திருமுறைக் களஞ்சியம் சிவத்திரு எஸ். பிரபாகரமூர்த்தி அவர்கள், மூன்று நாட்கள் மாநாட்டிலும் சிறப்பாக உரையாற்ற உள்ளார்.

இவர் நம் சமய உண்மைகளை அழகாகவும் எளிமையாகவும் சுட்டிக்காட்டும் ஆற்றல் மிக்கவர்.

திருமுறை மாநாட்டில் மூன்றாம் நாள் அறுபத்து மூவர் குரு பூஜையும் நடைபெறுகிறது.

இன்று தொடங்கிய திருமுறை மாநாட்டிற்கு, இந்திய மரபுடைமை நிலையத்தின் தலைவர் திரு: ஆர் ராசாராம் சிறப்பு விருந்தினராக கலந்துகொண்டு உரையாற்றினார்.

இப்படி சிங்கப்பூரில் திருமுறை வளர திருமுறை மாநாட்டு குழு சிறப்பாக தங்களது சேவையை ஆற்றி வருகிறது.

We had booked our tickets to Jammu and Kashmir from Singapore via Kolkata, by the second week of April. After the unfortunate Pahalgam incident, we had to opt for another destination that would be near Kolkata.

I asked the travel agent if we could go to Assam. Due to the hot weather in Assam now, he suggested we tour Sikkim.

Sikkim is the second smallest state in India, situated in the north-east, close to the China border.

Not many of my friends or relatives have visited this state, or heard much about Sikkim.

We reached Kolkata on 16th May late night and reached Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, via Bagdogra airport. We spent two days in Gangtok and two days in Pelling.

Sikkim is a beautiful mountain state, with breathtaking scenery. Lakes and waterfalls abound, blessed with pure air and clean water.

In general, the roads are uneven and narrow with single lanes. One side of the road is mountains and on the other side is a deep jungle.

Due to such landscape, a 70 km drive takes three to four hours to traverse. The journey is through the hilly terrain, where the car keeps ascending, nestled by mountains and jungles.

Nature and adventure lovers will not find the drive dangerous, but rather thrilling and exciting.

One should visit Sikkim. It is an experience in itself!

Now we are in Darjeeling — the queen of the hills.

A book on 'Little India' — in its final trimester — Looking forward to delivering my baby.

For me, 2024 came with a performance at the 108 Divya Desam deities display at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Singapore.

Now, 2025 comes with a visit to the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, at Srirangam — the 1st Divya Desam. We visited the temple yesterday, it was not planned.

As per the Divine's plan, 2024 was yet another fruitful year — both in personal life and career. Tour and Travel, performances, visitors, investments, career growth, family functions, all materialised.

I am positive that the divine will bless the same for 2025.

This 2025, being 'SG60' (60 years of Singapore's independence), I will be releasing a book on 'Little India and the Singapore Indian Community: Through the Ages' — my little contribution to the Nation for its 60th Birthday.

The book is now in the making and soon will be ready for the launch. The book is for a general audience, in a journalistic way, with facts from the past and the present.

Looking forward to seeing the finished product soon — a coffee table book with nice color photos.

Posting this from India. Will be in Singapore tomorrow morning. Hence the new year 2025 will be born — while flying high on the skies!!!

Daisy, who came to work for us in 2019, is leaving tomorrow after a good five years. She was more a helper to us — she exhibited her true love during birthdays by baking cakes, decorating the house and giving nice designed cards.

She would push my father-in-law's wheelchair through any big crowd and attended to all his needs diligently.

During tea time, she would surprise us with her baking and she tried her hand in maintaining our roof top garden and harvested fresh vegetables. She not only helped in my daughter's projects but also tried Indian recipes.

Over a period of time, she clearly understood my expectations and came in handy in packing, hosting and maintaining the house!

Born somewhere in the Philippines, having spent only five years with us, our loyal helper will ever have a place in our hearts!

மெய்யழகன் — அரவிந்சாமி, கார்த்தி இருவரை மட்டுமே முன்னிறுத்தி, வசணத்தால் ஜெயிக்கும் படம். ஒருவருக்கு அவரின் பூர்வீகம் அவரை அறியாமலும் உணர்வில் கலந்தது என்பதை மூன்று மணி நேரம் மிகக் குறைந்த செலவில் எடுத்து சொல்லப்பட்டிருக்கிறது.

நல்ல ரசிக்க தெரிந்தவர்களுக்கு மட்டுமே ஏற்ற வித்தியாசமான படம்.

அரவிந்சாமி — அழகுசாமி!

Businesses with limited resources can still connect well and be meaningful!

It is a moving stall, so is rental free; limited personnel, with just two people; it is at the roadside — with easy access for anyone, from senior citizens to physically challenged, to buy the vegetables and fruits needed.

It is hassle free — those living in the vicinity can just come across from their homes to buy, without the trouble of finding a carpark.

It is economical — with just two LED lights, one electronic weighing machine.

Yet, it has all the vegetables and all the popular fruits that a more modern store would have. So an easy buy for anyone. One day in the early morning during my walk, I bought vegetables and fruits, at one stop, from this shop in Mylapore, Chennai, with much joy!

It is not a matter where you live and what you do. Life can always be easy and joyful — it is basically how we look at things — having a positive mindset and seeing the best in everything!

Singapore is an island situated in South East Asia. Though it is relatively small in terms of land area and population, globally it has a strong impact due to its dynamism and multi-faceted nature.

Last evening, Anandha Kondaattam 2024 — the Singapore Indian Traditional Folk Arts Festival, presented by Anandha Traditional Arts and Music Ltd, in collaboration with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, took place at the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre at Esplanade.

Singapore, which embraces high technology and is known for its economic and business development, also promotes art, culture and tradition.

Local artistes along with artistes from India presented sixteen forms of Traditional arts.

With technology becoming more and more prevalent and in a society dominated by the internet, the effort to revive these kind of vanishing art forms, particularly overseas, is very laudable.

Note: The video here can be forthright about Singapore's dynamism — staging of centuries old art form at the backdrop of a well developed country!

Nostalgic memories of our school!

Chidambaram Chettiar Higher Secondary School for Girls in Kottaiyur, Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu — where I spent the most crucial eight years of my life. I did my Upper Primary, Secondary and Junior college in the same premises.

It still looks glorious! From Monday to Friday, each day we spent nine hours (except during the holidays, of course) in the school, in a very value driven environment.

Every day we had our assembly which featured a prayer song, one Thirukural, a song in praise of the language, the National pledge, Current affairs and the National Anthem.

The school housed a laboratory, playground, auditoriums, typewriter room and others. It was one of the good schools in the area then, and a visit to the school today brought me a feeling of nostalgia and good memories……

நடிகர் பொன்வண்ணன். இவர் நடித்த கருத்தம்மா, பசும்பொன் போன்ற திரைப்படங்களைப் பார்த்திருக்கின்றேன். ஆக எனக்கு இவரைப் பற்றி தெரிந்தது, இவர் ஒரு நல்ல குணச்சித்திர நடிகர்.

ஒரு நடிகரின் நடிப்புப் பாராட்டிற்குரியது. ஒர் ஆய்வாளர், பேச்சாளரின் மேடைப்பேச்சுப் பாராட்டுக்குறியது.

ஆனால் பெரிதும் சினிமாத் துறையில் கால்பதித்த ஒருவர், ஆழமான வரலாற்றுப் பதிவுகளை ஆய்வு செய்து மேடையில் பேசுவது வியக்கத்தக்கது.

28.4.2024 அன்று, தமிழ் மொழி விழாவை முன்னிட்டு, சிங்கப்பூர் உமறுபுலவர் தமிழ் மொழி நிலையத்தில், கவிமாலை அமைப்பு நடத்திய கவிமாலை நிகழ்ச்சிக்கு, சிறப்புப் பேச்சாளராக திரு: பொன்வண்ணன் அவர்கள் வந்திருந்தார்.

விவசாயக் குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்து வளர்ந்த அவர், சிறு வயதில், பள்ளியில் படித்ததை விட நூலகத்தில் அதிக நேரம் செலவிட்டதால், ஒரு சான்றோனுக்கு இனையாகத் தன்னை வளர்த்துக் கொண்டிருக்கிறார்.

குழந்தைப் பிறப்பு முதல் மனிதனின் உடல் கூற்றின் தன்மை, சிங்கப்பூர் நாடு இயங்கும் முறை, முதலில் மத்திய கிழக்குப் பகுதியில் கவிதை வடிவில் தோண்றியக் காவியம், பல்வேறு நிலப் பகுதியின் மக்களின் வாழ்க்கை முறை, கிரேக் நாட்டின் இலியாட் காவியம், சீனாவின் கவிதைப் பதிவுகள், சங்க கால இலக்கியம், ரிக் வேதம் கவிதை வடிவில் இயற்கையை மையமாக்கொண்டிருப்பது என அவருடைய ஒரு மணி நேர உரையில், பல தலைப்புகளை, அனைவரும் எளிதாகப் புரிந்துக் கொள்ளும் படி உரையாற்றியது மிக அருமை.

நல்ல ஒருப் பேச்சைக் கேட்டத் திருப்தியோடு, அவருக்கு வாழ்த்துகளைக் கூறி, 'நீங்கள் அதிகம் இனி உரையாற்ற வேண்டும்; மக்கள் உங்களைப் பேச்சாளராக அடையாளம் காண வேண்டும்' என்ற அன்பான வேண்டுகோளை விடுத்து, வீடு திரும்பினேன்.

Photos: Vijay Sangarramu

Two weeks ago, my mother gave me this exquisite piece. This is a cute, small glass jar, measuring 3/4th of my little finger in length. The outer layer is crafted of small, multi coloured crystal beads. This is close to hundred years old and a true antique piece.

This cross-stitch bead work is made by a lady who had no formal education, was not exposed to many cultures nor had travelled much.

What an innovative and inexpensive way of creating in a pre social media age by a lady who spent her life in a countryside. Truly amazing!

For me, this exquisite piece brought many memories and told me a number of stories.

'Umaya aaya', as I called her (in the picture), is my mother's older aunt (periyamma) and my mum and aunts called her fondly as 'Umayatha' — she spent her entire life in a village called 'Kandanur' in Chettinad.

She was more a mother to my mum and aunts, and she had no children and was older than my grandmother by close to twenty years. She played an important role in their lives, in terms of advice, guidance and physical help for us, more than my grandmother, as my grandma lived in Kerala and 'Umayaaaya' lived closer to us and hence my mum and aunts sought her out more.

Her life is a story in itself, as she had lost her husband when she was barely twenty. At one go, she was a young widow without children, educational qualifications, career nor much affluence.

Still, her life stands as a testimony to many, as she displayed some very rare qualities.

She was not devastated by the emptiness created in her life, rather dedicated her life to help extended family members, whenever the need arose, and stood as a pillar of strength.

She was not greedy nor jealous, because her life lacked what others had, rather guided others on the housework, both during the day to day, as well as during major functions, and was always much sought after and loved.

She was not nosy and never interfered in family issues, and was very gentle, going about her work. She was very active and stayed fit without any health issues.

The piece here speaks volumes on her innovation in art work, and I guess it was a healthy hobby for her too.

Every day is a lesson; every incident is a lesson; every human being's life is a lesson to learn from. God creates things and humans with a purpose.

'Umayaaaya' did not bear anything in life. Still she had a much more meaningful and fulfilling life, contributing in all possible ways. Life of such ladies will always stand as an example for ever!

Culture and Traditions prevail across borders:

Nachiapuram, our ancestral village in Chettinad, has two schools: we generally refer to them as 'சின்னப் பள்ளிக்கூடம்' and 'பெரிய பள்ளிக்கூடம்'.

On the day of ஆடிப்பெருக்கு the students of the 'சின்னப் பள்ளிக்கூடம்' pulled the cute, small chariot with Lord Vinayagar along the streets of the village, chanting the hymns in praise of God, ending at the village river.

The culture and traditions are also imparted to the children, along with education.

This reminded me of the story that I read in 'The Unseen Hand', the autobiography of Thiru: Thaatha Suppiah (born in 1902 in Singapore), father of the former Minister of Singapore, Mr S Dhanabal:

"Pathinettam Padi Perukku, the River Festival, we pupils decorated a chariot to carry the image of the Goddess Saraswathi. The children and the elders would then pull it along, dragging it by a thick rope. We began at Tekka and pulled it through Dunlop Street and Kerbau Road, eventually ending at the Red Bridge at Kampong Java.

In those days, of course, the streets were very different. As we pulled our chariot along Kerbau Road we passed by the field that was the race course. There were no houses at all in Kampong Java and the Bukit Timah canal was then the Bukit Timah River. The procession ended at this river."

It is heartening to see culture and tradition prevail across the borders over the decades!

After modern Singapore was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819, upon the British call to develop their newly established port, many communities made their way here then, in search of fortune.

One such community is the Nagarathars from the southernmost part of Tamil Nadu. In Singapore, they are generally referred to as Chettiars, and any common man in Singapore immediately will connect a Nagarathar with Sri Thendayuthapani Temple and the festival of Thaipusam. Today is the seventh consecration of the Temple, and the Temple was gazetted as a National monument of Singapore on 20th October 2014.

Nagarathars came to Singapore mainly in business of moneylending. History traces Nagarathars' arrival in Singapore to around 1824.

Initially they worshipped a 'Vel' (spear) under a tree, and went on to build a temple in 1859.

They started their businesses with their own money and lent money to small and big firms, individuals and others and were very successful business people.

My father-in-law's grandfather, Thiru: P.R. P. Vairavan Chettiar started the 'PR P VE Moneylending firm' in 1920 at 38 Market Street and thus our family's connection with Singapore and Sri Thendayuthapani Temple stand deep rooted over six generations, as of current date.

Our family is a regular patron of this temple and my father-in-law, Dr S. Vairavan, is one of the founding members of the Chettiar's Temple Society and has served three times as a Trustee of CTS, while this year my husband is part of the Management Committee.

Hence, this temple is an integral part of our lives and today morning in the pouring rain, the consecration ceremony took place blissfully!

It was in an event in 2018, Mr R. Rajaram, the then president of the Tamil Language Council, said that Tamil Isai Sangam, Chennai is looking for partners to teach their curriculum in Singapore. Swarna and I expressed interest but after a few rounds of talks with Tamil Isai Sangam, we could not take it forward.

Always one road leads to another. Thus we had the idea to start a platform to try out our hands in promoting Tamil Isai. Without any plan or resources, we registered an organisation called 'Kalamanjari'.

We never thought that Kalamanjari would grow to such a level in four and a half years, that we would then partner with Tamil Isai Sangam. But, yes, indeed it has! When we raise our hands out, God will hold us and pull us to where we should be.

I feel truly privileged, and also realise the greater responsibility that Kalamanjari is now entrusted with. Seeking all your support to take this effort to the next level in Singapore. I am positive, as always, that we can do it!

Special Thanks to Mr R. Rajaram for sowing the seed.
Thanks to one and all, my family members, Dr SP Thinnappan, Dr Arimalam Padhmanaban for standing by me in this whole process.
My heartfelt thanks to Dr RM Karunanidhi, Dr K Vellayappan for witnessing the MOU.

Thanks again to Mrs Uma Prakash, Kalamanjari's students and family, Mr Natchathiram Premkumar, Mrs Akila Muthu, NLB our venue sponsor, Sangeetha Bhavan for the snacks and all the other sponsors.

Also to all who were there last evening to support us!

This morning, when I came down, I got to see this cake with a note of thanks on my dining table. This is from my daughter's school van driver.

Ms Jenny, as I see the name written, is not someone whom I interact regularly with. Still my heart filled with joy and my eyes turned moist.

These small gestures underline the sincerity and the passion one has for her/his duty. I could see a quality in such people.

For me, it was an eye opener. You don't need to always distinguish yourself through your intellectuality. You can touch anyone's heart through a small deed.

Everybody cannot do greater things. But anybody can do smaller things with greater love!

Last night was a divine filled one — my first experience visiting 11 temples at a stretch. The temples were opened throughout the night and the disciples were awake to worship Lord Siva and his consort Goddess Parvati on their wedding Anniversary.

This festive mood is back now, upon Singapore fully opening up its activities. The devotees could enthral in the divinity in all the temples, due to the effective planning and execution of the services. Kudos to the Management!

Year after a year, in all the temples, it fills me with awe to see the tireless service of the volunteers in enabling the thousands of devotees pray smoothly. Not everyone can do bigger things. Still anyone can do smaller things with true love. So in such volunteerism, I could see the service to mankind rather than to God.

The litres of milk, the kilos of flowers, and beauty of the flower garlands added true vibration to the festival.

Last evening was an experience in itself! Looking forward to many more!

We have lost a good human being!

Lakshmanan Subbiah — Lakshman Annan as I call him — has left us. As both of us had interest in history, we were destined to interact quite often. A selfless soul, he was not only efficient, but was also sincere, honest and dedicated.

In all my projects, he had been a great support to me by providing the contacts, sources, information, materials and also in providing genuine advice. So when I was in need of some guidance, I always turned to him and he had been a great strength.

Particularly he had a greater interest in the Chettiar Community and he was instrumental in getting a permanent place for the Chettiar Community in some of the museums of Singapore. He got the Chettiar Community's earlier financial activities featured in mainstream medias, both print and on screen.

He conducted classes about the Community's practices and values for the children, and as I write, I can count many more of his contributions. So he truly did remarkable services to the community at large.

A couple of days ago I happened to talk to him and he said that after a lot of health issues, 'now I am a young and an energetic person.' I told him that it is great news.

Last evening, it was therefore a shock to receive a call from my husband telling me that Lakshmanan has left us!

Still I have not come out of the shock, as the community has lost a good human being and for me a good brother is gone!

Let his soul Rest in Peace. Om Shanti.

Watched 'Ponniyin Selvan' — Part One at Golden Village Theatre, City Square Mall last night. Waiting for Part Two.

பொன்னியின் செல்வன் — மாபெரும் சோழ சாம்ராஜ்யத்தைத் தழுவிய கதை. திரு: கல்கி அவர்களால் 5 வருடங்கள், 5 பாகங்களாக அன்று எழுதப்பட்டது.

அதை திரு: மணிரத்னம் அவர்கள் 5 மணி நேரத்தில் (ஏறத்தாழ) மக்கள் எளிதாகப் புரிந்துக்குள்ளும்படி இன்று திரைப்படமாக வெளியிட்டுள்ளார்.

ஆக ஆயிரமாண்டுகளுக்கு முன், பல வருடங்கள் நடந்த ஒரு சரித்திரத்தை, சில மணித்துளிகளில் உள்ளடக்கி இருக்கிறார்.

இறைவன் அனைத்து மக்களுக்கும் — கூட்டிக் கழித்து, ஒரு வரையறுக்கப்பட்ட காலக்கட்டத்தைத் தான் ஆயுட் காலமாக தீர்மானித்துள்ளான்.

மணிரத்னம் போன்ற மாபெரும் சக்திகளுக்கு ஆயுட்காலத்தை இரட்டிப்பாக்க வேண்டும் என்று 'விண்ணுலக சபையில்' ஒரு சட்டம் இயற்றப்படுமேயானால், கலை உலகம் மீண்டும் ஒரு சோழ சாம்ராஜ்யத்தைப் பார்க்கும்!

During the first week of September, my husband and I went to 'The Bangla' in Karaikudi for lunch. It is a colonial house, which was a club house, now being converted into a heritage hotel. It attracts a number of tourists from across the globe.

Karaikudi is a small town. I was born and brought up and lived there, until my school days. Though a small town, because of the rich culture, tradition and hospitality, it offers a quality life style.

Most of the Chettiar family houses that are older than a hundred years are spread across acres. They are built in accordance with vasthu and have few sections: muhappu (முகப்பு) — first section of the house with பத்தி and தின்னை; second section called main hall or முதற் கட்டு; third section called வளவு with வாசல் (open space envisaging sun light and fresh air); fourth section called இரண்டாம் கட்டு or dining hall.

The houses have tiles and granites laid on the floors and walls. The houses are embellished with teak and rose wood structures, granite and marble pillars, imported glasses, mirrors and artefacts.

Marriages and functions are conducted in these houses, as they can easily accommodate a thousand people.

I grew up in such a house. The extended families lived together and our house had twenty people living there at that time. So, obviously it was three generations, and each day the friends and relatives visiting counted to no less than ten people. The houses were full of life then!

The doors of the houses are so huge that two of us have to open and close them, with keys the size of my palm. Someone at the entrance cannot hear another person's call from the rear of the house — so large were they.

Such mansions are now lifeless, as the families have settled in cities in search of fortune. A sad transition, but we have got to be practical. Now the houses are just souls without hearts.

But thanks to concepts like 'The Bangla', some mansions now have pacemakers, in the form of heritage centres, and are once again glowing with heart and soul. Now many movies are shot in these mansions and people across the globe come here as tourists to relish the culture and tradition.

Happy for someone like me, who has been brought up in such a home, to see the small home town continue to glow — though in a different form!

Pillayarpatti, one of the oldest rock temples in Tamil Nadu, is more than 1,000 years old. The Vazhampuri Vinayakar here (with the right side trunk) is adored all over the world.

It was a sunny Sunday. I got into a taxi and it sped through Singapore's hot traffic. That was my long journey. To ease off the boredom, I read my daily paper. Soon, the Chinese-taxi driver switched on the Tamil songs.

I was quite moved by his action.

It is not unusual for the Chinese to exchange very few Tamil words with Tamil people. I thought this driver is no different. Quickly, I noticed a 'Pillayarpatti Vinayaga' (an Indian God) adorning his taxi. Soon he started to talk in terms of 'Tamil Culture'.

He had good knowledge about Lord Vinayaga and shared a lot of information. He even wanted to visit 'Pillayarpatti Vinayaga' in the deep South India, worship him and get his blessings. He sounded a staunch devotee of Lord Vinayaga, and said Lord Vinayaga has helped him to get rid of his string of problems.

There are many such non-Indians who are very much fond of Lord Vinayagar, as they generally refer to him as 'Elephant God'.

Getting an opportunity to perform is a blessing. But some opportunities are a rare and true blessing. Now a divine call to perform at the feet of Karpaga Vinayagar — who is truly world famous!

You will reap, what you sow!

Every day teaches us a lesson, so does every human we meet, every incident that we encounter and every journey that we undertake. Staying in our home town usually does not remind us of who we are.

In travel, when you meet new people and when they feel in awe of what you have been doing, those incidents highlight your strength and stand as a testimony to the path of success that you have been through.

My recent India trip was not very planned and I took it as it came. On every trip I try to make the best of what would be there. The same way, this time too, I contacted a couple of eminent personalities in Chennai and put forth my request to meet a few celebrities.

From there, the chain of contacts that I got, the response to my requests, the efforts that those high ranked people put to make things work for me and the appreciations that I received from those I have been introduced to (they themselves are achievers on their own) — all stood as a recognition for my 20 years of efforts in the writing and the singing field.

You will reap what you sow. I reaped a bouquet of beautiful flowers, for the seeds that I have been sowing.

Efforts never fail!

I always try to balance my family and career. As for my fields of interest, equally I give time to maintain my relationship with my friends and family.

Along with such a great recognition, I also felt the warmth of the kith and kin. In the Courtrallam trip I spent quality time with my maternal aunts, uncle and cousins and it reminded me of our school holidays at our grandparents house in Kollam, Kerala.

My cousin's 70th birthday function (paternal side) took place in Karaikkudi and I ensured I adjusted my travel plans to attend the function. It took place in the house that I was born and brought up in. There I met my extended family members, cousins, their grandchildren, those who live in our street, my childhood friends, neighbours, my father's friends and many others whom I have not met for a longer time.

Though it was a short day, the greetings and the warmth give you a great sense of strength and security.

Also a mention is a must for the loyal helpers and drivers who run around to get things done for us on time. So grateful for them.

Felt that I am doubly blessed — I am sure the Almighty will continue to hold on my hands!

Five sabais in Tamil Nadu, all Saivam based:

• Chitrasabai — Courtrallam
• Rathina sabai — Tiruvalangadu
• Kanaga Sabai — Chidambaram
• Velli Sabai — Madurai
• Thamira Sabai — Chepparai near Tirunelveli

They are dedicated to Lord Nadarajar.

It is a true blessing to have visited the Chitirasabai today. Lovely paintings of Meenakshi Tirukalyanam, Anandha Padhmanaba samy, stories of 63 Nayanmars, Narasimar, Soorasamharam, Vaali Vadham, Gajendra Motcham, Dasavatharam, Navagraham, main falls, Pittukku Mansumandhal and many more are there in the ceilings and the walls of the temple — all done through pure herbal dye.

But photo taking is prohibited. It reminded me of Angkor Wat, Cambodia, where many stories are depicted through sculptures.

A must see!

My best friend Sakthi who lives in Erode, came to our house in Singapore from May 1st to May 9th. We are very good friends and we had a good understanding and we met after some fifteen years. We lost touch for almost twelve years and one day I called her (last December) and we spoke. Then she quickly made a decision to come to Singapore with her daughter and some relatives.

Once she arrived on May 1st, every day and night was an extended one for us.

We spoke, spoke, spoke and spoke... all the nine days we were transported back to our hostel days at Rani Meyyamai Hostel (RMH).

We recalled all our friends. We rejoiced the way we spent our hostel days — bunking college to watch cricket matches, our frequent trips to Alsa Mall, Cisons Complex, Fountain Plaza, visiting the cricketers at Taj and Park Sheraton, eating chips and bhelpooris to keep us awakened (we never slept), climbing up and down the three storeys for no reason, our wonderful menu at RMH (no Five Star hotel can match it), and our many other pranks. Life was so exciting then!

Living in a hostel is an experience in itself, particularly a sophisticated hostel like RMH! We had girls from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and that presented an opportunity to experience a number of cultures. When you live day and night together you become one family, regardless of caste, creed, community, background, financial status etc...

I told her, 'Sakthi, I don't see any difference with you. You are the same.'

She told me, 'Soundhu, you are the same too.'

Distance can separate two persons physically. But not the love and care that they hold for each other!