More than 200 people gathered at Templeton Community Centre on October 28 to celebrate the long-awaited 25th-anniversary milestone of Canterbury Tamil Society (CTS).
The event featured a cultural programme that showcased the best of Tamil culture, with performances by people of all ages, from young children to senior members of the community.
Established in 1995 by a group of Tamil-origin community members, including Malathy Nagulaswaran, S Ilanko, S Naguleswaran and Tulsi Gopal–hailing from India, Sri Lanka and other countries–Canterbury Tamil Society was formed to address the need for formal representation of Tamils in the Canterbury region.
The society has grown significantly over the past 25 years and now plays a vital role in promoting the Tamil language and cultural values among the younger generation.
Venkataraman Govindharaju, CTS President, spoke passionately about the significance of this celebration. “Technically, CTS completed its 25 years in 2020 but could not celebrate due to Covid-19. Now, we decided to host our mid-winter event to mark this huge milestone."
Over the last 25 years, CTS has grown, creating bridges with the broader community and serving as a catalyst for community unity through various events and initiatives.
Some of the notable events organised every year by the society include Thaipongal Function, Annual Meeting, Tamil New Year Celebration, Navarathiri Function, Theepavali Festival, Remembrance Day, Christmas Picnic, and the Annual Sports Meet.
On the occasion, Surinder Tandon, President of Christchurch Multicultural Council, presented CTS with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of their significant contribution to the multicultural communities of Canterbury, New Zealand.
In his speech, he applauded the society for the cultural bridges it has built, the friendships it has forged, and the countless lives it has positively impacted.
"Your commitment to preserving and sharing the beauty of Tamil culture is truly commendable, and it has undoubtedly enriched the Canterbury region," Tandon said.
The 25th-anniversary celebration was a showcase of the best of Tamil culture. Performers ranged from children as young as five years to senior members, and their mesmerising performances included traditional songs and dances.
A highlight of the event was a traditional Chinese dragon dance, symbolising the integration of the wider community with the Tamil community in Canterbury, which delighted the audience, particularly the children.
Another captivating performance was a zumba display by a local instructor who danced to Tamil superhit songs, showcasing the cultural fusion.
Bharatnatyam dance, a classical Indian dance form, was another notable performance that enthralled the audience. A sumptuous dinner concluded the event.