In the second part of the 'Unrestricted' series, a discussion forum by the Tamil Students Initiative (TSI) aimed at stimulating dialogue within the Tamil community on subjects often considered taboo, students across London gathered together to discuss caste and religion. Following on from the success of the first session on sexuality and gender identity, the event, hosted by Imperial Tamil Society, began this time with guest speaker Sinthujan Varatharajah who recapped the long and uncomfortable history of the caste system within the Tamil community , including its origins and cultural impacts...
Paddy Field Words that hold the world together Touches that erupt in vibration Breaths that rip apart air textures Tears that moist the sandy soil Heartbeats that overtake passing vehicles Filled with people, cattle and chattels Passing by our smashed bodies Laying bare on a paddy field In a land filled with fear Our blood soaking our clothes Covering our ripped entrails Recolouring plants and nature From green to red From brown to black From life to death Masses move forward Towns and villages pass us Lives beyond us Run away from us Leaving behind What is left of us Pieces of emotions...
Unrestricted, a discussion series created by Tamil Students Initiative, is a platform for open discussion challenging the taboos that are rife within the Tamil society at large. Hoping to bring together perspectives of people from all corners of the Tamil community and provoking frank conversations amongst students - Unrestricted: LGBT, the first of TSI’s discussion series kicked off last Thursday at King’s College London as part of LGBT History Month. Dozens of students gathered to hear Living Smile Vidya speak about her journey as a transwoman. From Saravanan to Smiley, Vidya’s story of...
‘Raise Your Voice’, an event held by the Tamil Student Initiative (tsi) to showcase and empower emerging creative talent, proved to be an apt reminder of the growing creative versatility within the Tamil student community. Run as an open mic competition by the London School of Economics (LSE) Tamil Society, last week, the event saw singers, rappers, spoken word artists, poets and musicians take to stage to win the hearts and minds of the audience. Though there was one overall winner, the crowds were astounded by the vast array of creative performances. Students were treated to powerful...
The cast enter on the red carpet Independent Tamil film, A Gun and A Ring opened to a full-house on Saturday at the newly opened Cineworld Wembley. Cinematographer Suresh Rohin and director Lenin M. Sivam The event, organised by Echo8 Productions, began with the cast and crew of the film entering on the red carpet, led by musicians playing natheswaram and melam , in the style of a traditional Tamil procession. A Gun and a Ring was played simultaneously in two screens to accommodate the number of spectators attending the premiere. The film is an art-house thriller that explores the effect of...
The Tamil Sangam Rwanda held celebrations earlier this month, paying tribute to their Tamil heritage in an evening of cultural performances and traditional cuisine. Taking place in Kigali, dozens of Tamils gathered to participate in traditional festivities, which included bharatanatyam dance performances and koothu-style drama re-enactments.
A Gun and a Ring Touching upon controversial social issues that affect the Tamil diaspora, independent Canadian-Tamil film ‘A Gun and a Ring’ has been impressing audiences in various film festivals around the globe. ‘A Gun and a Ring’ premiered at the Shanghai International Film Festival in June 2013, and was nominated for the Golden Goblet Award at the festival. It has since been screened at film festivals in Montreal, Louisville and Hamilton, and the Cinerockom International Film Festival where it picked up four awards. With the film set to premiere in London this weekend, Tamil Guardian...
British students from across the country came together to watch a variety show that masterfully blended Tamil culture with glitz and glamour at ‘Mega Maalai XIV’. Photograph courtesy of Bee Sounds
Tamil youth took part in Thai Pongal festivities this week, celebrating the ancient Tamil harvest festival, in locations all across the world.
The Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA), held its 4th annual ‘Top Talents Awards Gala', in December to conclude a successful 2013 for Canadian Tamil youth. Photo:Ninaivukal The CTYA committee carefully selected members of the Canada Tamil youth community who had excelled in various fields such as music, business, arts, sports, academia and many more. Speaking to Tamil Guardian on the importance of celebrating youth success, the Vice President of CTYA, Tarchini Vallepuram, said, “Investing in our youth is essential for the overall growth of our community and broader society. Through recognition and inspiration, our youth will get motivated to pursue their dreams and reach even greater achievements.” Full list of awards winners below.