General
The year in review turned out to be a dynamic one for the Canterbury Tamil Society with the realisation of Society’s major objectives. As usual, the social and cultural functions brought us together during the course of the year. The cultural performances were varied and interesting, thanks to the energy and efficiency of our multitalented cultural co-ordinator, Mrs Tulsi Venugopal. Every effort was made to teach Tamil language and music to the children throughout the year. Time and effort of Mr. A. Jayananthan is appreciated in co-ordinating the school activities. Also our annual publication, Thamilaruvi, is scheduled to be released today. Special thanks go to our editor Mr. S. Sivananthan. Financially it was a good year for the Society. In addition to the Christchurch City Council funds CTS was very lucky to receive a donation from Community Trust. With the extra money CTS was able to enhance its activities. CTS greatly acknowledges these agencies for their financial assistance.
Last December the Society had to deal with the aftermath of a very unfortunate human tragedy. Boxing Day tsunami was the worst natural disaster hit our homeland in living memory. Our community members immediately felt the grim realty of the disaster and helped in every possible way to support a fundraising effort. Barring a few untoward incidents it was an outstanding effort for a community of our size. Well done members!!!
Office bearers
At the annual general meeting of Canterbury Tamil Society on 27 th February 2004 the executive committee for the year 2004/05 was unanimously elected.
Mr. S. T. Senthilmohan: President
Mr. K. Ganesan: Vice President
Mr. S. G. Raymond: Secretary
Mr. R. Nishanthan: Treasurer
The following appointments were also made:
Cultural co-ordinator: Mrs. Tulsi Venugobal
Tamil/Music School co-ordinator: Mr. A. Jayananthan
Thamilaruvi Editor: Mr. S. Sivananthan
Social and Cultural Events.
CTS celebrated New Year, Mid Winter, Saraswathy Pooja and Deepawali with cultural performances and potluck meal. Society also organised a picnic for Boxing Day. CTS congratulates the young and mature artists who performed in the shows. Society also extends its gratitude to the visiting performers.
Instead of usual Thai pongal function CTS members gathered to remember the Asian Tsunami victims. Tim Barnet, the MP for the Christchurch central, graced the event.
• New Year 17 th April 2004
• Mid Winter 17 th July 2004
• Saraswathy Pooja 16 th October 2004
• Deepawali 13 th November 2004
• Xmas picnic 26 th December 2004
• Tsunami Gathering 15 th January 2005
Tamil and Music School
Tamil was taught by Yugaraja, Pathmaverni, Jayananthan, Kamalini and Ganesan. Vocal music and Key board classes were taken by Kasthuri and Dushandan, respectively. Senthilmohan assisted Dushandan in conducting keyboard classes. CTS extends its thanks to all the teachers. Services of Ganesan are also acknowledged for introducing game of chess to the children.
Next level text books for Tamil school children have been ordered. More teaching materials (CD’s and Books) are being purchased
Funds
Christchurch city council allocated $2250 to support our activities. Another $2000 was donated by the Community Trust to purchase capital items. This was the first time that CTS lodged an application for a grant with Community Trust.
A Multimedia projector was purchased using the Community Trust fund. Also a DVD/VCR player was acquired. These items are being used for Tamil and music classes. These can also be used for future cultural shows. A wireless microphone system, which is compatible to our old sound system, has been purchased. This will be very useful for learning and performing Dramas and Musical programmes.
Initial work has been done to host a web site for the Society. Domain name, www.CanterburyTamilSociety.org , has already been registered for three years. The website will be used to post regular notices, materials and links relevant to Tamil and music school.
Tsunami Relief.
To date, Canterbury Tamil Society, has raised over NZ$53,000 for Tsunami relief. A cheque for NZ$ 8000 sent by association of chefs is yet to be realised. We have already made the following donations.
• NZ$35000.00 for Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (NZ)
• NZ$5000.00 for Christian World Service
• NZ$5000.00 for UNHCR
It should also be noted that the above donations attracted the NZ Government’s dollar-to-dollar subsidy. In additions to the fundraising, three containers full of goods collected from general public and businesses in the Canterbury region were sent to Tsunami victims. CTS expresses it’s sincere gratitude to all of the people involved in these projects.
Overall 2004/05 was a very successful year of consolidation for the CTS .