Friday, July 24, 2009
Indian (US based) Youth prefer Dating sites to Matrimonial one
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Friday, July 10, 2009
NetIP - NY hosts annual charity cruise aboard Temptress
The New York chapter of the Network of Indian Professionals (NetIP-NY) hosted its 3rd Annual Black and White Charity Cruise aboard the Temptress, which set sail from the West River’s Pier 81 (near Circle Line cruise) last week. Through a date auction alone, NetIP-NY’s flagship event this year raised $6,600, which would be donated to six charitable organizations.
NetIP-NY President Rita Bagai said, “This year’s charity cruise epitomized the mission of NetIP-NY, by providing a unique networking opportunity for our constituency and also providing a platform for our members to fundraise for South Asian charities. This event strengthened our community partnerships and means to support South Asian organizations throughout the world.”
The prime attraction of the evening was undoubtedly the Date-Auction where a total of six selected Net-IP members, three women and three men, took part while the rest bid for them. The highest bidder won a date with the participant they vied for. The proceeds would be distributed amongst Child Rights and You (CRY), American Humane Society, Manvi, the Jaydev Desai Foundation, the Jagadguru Kripalu Yog Trust and NetIP-NY Foundation.
Talking about the concept of the date auction, Bagai elaborated, “The concept of date auction came across from members wanting to have a platform to make a difference within their communities. Through the other pillars of Net-IP like professional development, political awareness etc…our members felt they benefited themselves but they didn’t know how to reach back and make a difference especially within their own culture in India. That’s why we created this concept. It really serves as a platform for our members to be able to make a difference overseas and to their own people….as well as learn about the needs of people throughout the world who are not as much privileged as them.”
Earlier, arrangements for an open bar and Italian buffet dinner were made for those on board right after Temptress left the pier at 6:45 p.m. With the conclusion of the wining and dining session, Miss India America Melanie Kannokada, the emcee for the evening, took center stage and provided a sneak-peek of what was to follow. Soon, she made way for comedian Rajeev Varma who performed select scenes from his play D'Arranged Marriage amongst others.
DJ Sahil of Status spun some lovely mix of Indian and Western music and eventually got everyone on their feet, jiving to the groovy music. The Net-IP members even got a chance to audition for State Farm’s BollyStar 2009 organized by Saavn and NetIP-NY. The winner would feature in an upcoming Bollywood movie. Bobby Rehani, VP of Social Events, who was instrumental in planning this event for the second year in a row said, “We are glad that so many well respected South Asians agreed to participate and support this event. In fact, it is the most successful chapter event and most successful cruise ever. We have got a lot of great reviews. The fact that we raised over $5000 for 6 different charities was the most important aspect of the cruise. We are happy that people were able to have a good time and give back to charity.”
When asked whether the cruise was a success, VP of Marketing & Public Relations Kanika Marwaha said, “The cruise was an overwhelming success because in addition to raising money for several great causes, it provided a forum for professional networking. NetIP-NY focuses its events around Professional Development, Cultural Awareness, Political Awareness, and Community Service, so it’s really encouraging to see so many South Asians interested in supporting events that clearly represent NetIP-NY’s mission”
The main sponsors for the event were Saavn, Landmark Technologies, and Aha Designs. NetIP-NY VP of Community Service Ashish Vatsal said, “This year’s charity cruise was built on its strong history of fundraising. NetIP-NY would like to thank our 300 attendees, who raised over $6000. I’m looking forward to similar support at our 2nd Annual NetIP-NY Community Service Day on July 25th.”
Friday, July 3, 2009
Hollywood Stars Rev-Up Bollywood Flick: Stuntman Askay fights with Model Karina, Kissed Denise, Discusses Ayurveda with Stallone!
Akshay Kumar was in Manhattan last June 27 to promote his latest action comedy, Kambakkht Ishq what is slated for release for July 3rd. Though this Eros International presentation has Kumar and Kareena Kapoor in the lead but the hype is definitely building around the first time appearances of Hollywood superstars like Sylvester Stallone, Brandon Routh (of Superman Returns fame) and Denise Richards, together in a Bollywood flick, amongst others.
Kumar who was actually on a vacation with his family in Puerto Rico flew down to New York City for the event. “You know how bossy the Eros people are…they made me come here from my vacation to promote this film”, he laughed. The movie directed by newcomer Sabbir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala is about an exciting ‘chemistry’ between a dashing stuntman in Hollywood played by Kumar and a firebrand supermodel, enacted by Kapoor.
Talking about the movie and his character, Kumar said, “I want you to go and see this film with your family and friends but when you go to see it don’t think about logic. You know it’s a Bollywood movie (chuckles). As far as my character in this movie is concerned, I do not identify with it. I decided to take it up because the script was good and the presence of the likes of Sylvester Stallone was an added bonus. It’s been a great honor working with them. I think the director Sabbir Khan has done a pretty good job for a first timer and he’s a very intelligent man. To be able to put together such a big cast together by a debutante director is a no mean feat.”
When asked to say something about his interaction with Stallone on the sets, Kumar humors, “What do you think we might have discussed…it was about how many bones he has broken and how many I have broken (laughs). When I told him about how Ayurvedic treatment helped me, he showed quite a bit of interest. We also shared our experiences in Thailand. He said that he had been there for the shooting of two of his films.”
The film is already in news for the several kissing and overtly passionate scenes between Kumar and Kapoor as well as the one between Kumar and Richards, who also openly praised how this sexy action hero is also a good kisser. But Kumar wanted to divert people’s attention towards how he enjoyed the fighting sequences with Kapoor. “My most favorite scene in the movie is where I fight with the heroine. We didn’t even have our lines and just had to fight. Kareena not only has the ability to break men’s hearts but also their bones”, adds Kumar.
Eros is releasing the film across 2000 plus screens worldwide, making it one of the widest releases in recent times. This would include more than 1400 screens in India and over 600 overseas (with about 100 screens in US alone) and will be a combination of prints and digital format. The makers claim that Kambakkht Ishq is a fun film which creates a perfect premise for a thrilling battle of the sexes with music by Anu Malik.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Citi holds meet on Govt. sops for Indian-owned BOs
To help the Indian owned business organizations (BOs) reap the benefits of various incentives offered by the Federal and the State Governments in the United States, the Citi in association with Anchin Economic Development LLC, an advisory firm, organized a panel discussion at the Citigroup Center in Manhattan, New York last week.
The panel discussed in details about a group of government incentives like the Empire Zone Program and the Relocation and Employment Assistance Program (REAP). The panelists were of the opinion that under the right circumstances and with correct planning, the tax benefits under the Empire Zone can be substantial and, in fact, can completely eliminate a company’s New York State tax liability.
One of the panelists, Paul Gevertzman, CPA JD Partner of Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP noted, “Businesses operating inside one of the Empire Zones are eligible for significant tax benefits and cash refunds that are applied against new capital investments or are triggered by the creation of new jobs. Benefits include tax reduction credits, real property tax credits, wage tax credits, investment tax credits and utility rate reductions. The real property tax credit can be particularly significant as it may be refunded in cash for up to 100% of the real property taxes paid to the local taxing jurisdiction. Additionally, new companies formed within a five-year period may be eligible to receive a 50% cash refund of certain other generated tax credits.”
However, new program legislation enacted in 2005 allows the Empire Zone to be “placed or foot-printed on any manufacturing company location in the state creating 50 or more jobs over 5 years”, informed Gevertzman. “These businesses, designated as “regionally significant projects,” are eligible for Empire Zone designation regardless of their location.”
Alexandra Simon, a Senior Business Analyst from the New York City Department of Small Business Services was also present at the panel. She said, “REAP applies to companies that relocate from outside New York City or south of 96th Street in Manhattan to a location north of 96th Street or to one of the outer boroughs. The program has a broad definition of “relocation” and includes either the move of prior business operations or the establishment of expanded business operations at an eligible location.”
Continuing on the same lines, David Meade, Project Manager of Anchin Economic Development LLC added, “In addition to its geographic constraints, the program only applies to companies that have been in existence for at least 24 months and the property must either be eligible for the Industrial and Commercial Incentive Program (ICIP), leased by New York City’s IDA, or owned by the city or specified authority. Meade said this is why REAP benefits are often received in conjunction with ICIP benefits. Unlike ICIP, the benchmark is higher for REAP, as eligible companies must improve their property by more than 25% of the assessed value for industrial property or 50% for commercial property.”
The panelists pointed out that now is the time to capitalize on this program even in this economy, where people are cutting back on staff and delaying investments because the program will sunset June 30, 2010. Gevertzman opined, “There is a soft landing so if you get in by 6/10 you are eligible for the full 10 years of benefits. So when the economy does turn around you will be positioned to get the benefits – but if you wait till the economy turns around the program will be closed.”
Close to 75 people attended the event, of whom, mostly were US-based Indian business clients of Citi and Anchin Dignitaries like Nancy Ploeger, representing The Manhattan Chamber of commerce were also present. Earlier, Ali T Hirji, Vice President for Business development at Citibank had begun the proceedings for the evening and had soon handed over the charge to Kuldeepak Acharya, CPA, and an audit partner of Anchin, Block and Anchin LLP, who presided over the entire session.
When asked about how the Citi and Anchin came up with the idea of organizing such an event, Hirji remarked, "I was tasked with orchestrating the internal resources within the bank to make this a real opportunity for our Indian business clients." Working with his Manager, Glen Celentano, Area Director for South Manhattan Business Banking, Hirji began reaching out to lawyers and CPAs with Indian practices. "Citi and the CPA firm of Anchin Anchin & Block are now producing a series of educational events on a variety of topics that we felt would be of interest and great value to the Indian business and professional community in the Tri-State area", he added.
Acharya made an interesting comment by saying, “Indian-owned companies may be eligible for millions of dollars in benefits simply as a result of their growth. Yet companies walk away from millions of dollars in benefits every time they embark on a business growth project because of a failure to engage a professional economic development planner.”
The reason behind this failure was immediately addressed by some of the Indian entrepreneurs present at the gathering who shared their grievances with the panel. Kalpana Patel, President of Unique Comp Inc. was the most vociferous of the lot. She said, “Local Law 129 was passed 3 yrs ago by city council which has become a law. Asians businesses were considered minority owned and were a part of target group that NY City agencies will give contracts to. This law eliminated Asians saying that you have done well so you do not need to be in the group - now we are faced with serious problems - we cannot compete with large firms and we are not minority firms in need. Many engineering, architect firms, IT firms got together to oppose the law and also hired an attorney but without our representation in city council our voices were not heard.”
“We have done well because we worked diligently, controlled our expenses, hired right people and worked hard. Why are we punished for all the right work ethics? Mayor Bloomberg or his associates do not give a damn about this and we Asians are very forgiving in not demanding fair share! I myself own an award winning Information Technology firm servicing Federal and New York State agencies but got no opportunities with NY City Mayoral agencies due to local law 129,” Patel protested.
After the conclusion of the two-hour-long program, Hirji said, "Initial responses have all been positive, and we therefore remain encouraged that this type of knowledge sharing is critical for the continuing success of Indian BO's in the Tri-State Area.”
“Citi-Anchin India Business Initiative is planning to conduct educational seminars and events in future for the middle market Indian business community such as today’s, with the help of its Board of Advisors and collaborating partners, such as the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, TiE Tri-State, Hodgson Russ LLP, Moses & Singer LLP and Kelly Drye & Warren LLP”, concluded Acharya.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Prayers for peace light up Hanukkah celebrations in NY
THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE INDIAN EXPRESS (US and Canada Circulation) - 9 January 2009
THE Hanukkah celebrations held at the Indian Consulate in Manhattan last week were marred by the recent terror attacks on Mumbai and the brutal killing of Israelis.
Hundreds of Jews across the world mourned the death of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, directors of the Chabad-Lubavitch center in Mumbai who died in the terrorist attack on November 26.
Organized by the Indian Jewish Congregation of USA (IJCU) for the second consecutive year at the New India House, the Hanukkah celebrations witnessed nearly 150 members of the Indian and American Judaic community participating whose presence marked their solidarity against
heinous terrorist activities.
Despite the air of discomfort, the indomitable spirit of the fun-loving Jews could be felt when the
crowd joined Romiel Daniel, president of IJCU in singing the popular Jewish numbers during the event. Lael Daniel, Trustee and Public Relations Executive and son of Romiel said, “I don’t think that the Mumbai attacks hampered the spirits of Hanukkah. If anything, it has made it stronger. The peaceful and loving Jewish community, across the globe, is united and I’m sure that after these attacks, the rest of the world would show the terrorists that they are united as well.”
A number of dignitaries were present at the occasion, including Prabhu Dayal, the Consul General of India in New York, New Jersey Assemblywoman Linda R. Greenstein, New Jersey Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer and writer Shashi Tharoor.
Dayal said: “We all know that the US government gives a lot of aid to Pakistan — both military and economic. My
feeling is that Pakistan can never bring about a solution to the problem of terrorism but will always be a part of the problem. The earlier we realize this, the better will it be for us. We would do everything possible to ensure that incidents like the one in Mumbai do not occur in future; and that the Jews live in peace and harmony like members of other communities in India.”Dayal also added: “When the Chabad House in Mumbai was attacked, it broke our hearts because several members of the Jewish community were killed. The people who launched these attacks were not only enemies of India but also your enemies. We all know that these terrorists came from Pakistan. Therefore, I think, it is time that all the civilized nations and communities exert pressure on the government of Pakistan to ensure that these terrorist camps are wiped out.”
After a solemn beginning, the organizers tried to light up the spirits by kindling the Hanukkiah or the candles, where several members of the Jewish community took part along with the guests. Dancers of the Shirdance Company, an international dance institute in New York, entertained the audience with three colorful performances; including modern ensembles with a unique
Israeli twist, combining original Jewish-Israeli folk dances with different modern styles and techniques.
There were also renditions of Bharatanatyam by the members of the New York-based Jiva Performing Arts group.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Panel at IIT meet discusses future of energy
THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED ON THE INDIAN EXPRESS (US and Canada Circulation) - 25 July 2008
Experts predict that the world energy demand is likely to double by 2030 from a moderate 150 million barrels in 1980 and countries like China and India would emerge as its largest consumers. It’s high time that governments seriously consider harnessing the spiraling demand or think of alternative measures because dependence on OPEC nations might not be a viable option in the years to come as their increasing domestic demands would force them to switch gears.
Such alarming predictions have definitely driven the intelligentsia across the globe to hold frequent seminars and panel discussions to publicly discuss the gravity of the matter and suggest possible solutions. A change in the mid-sets of the people and Govt. policies is what can get a stranglehold of the situation.
In one of the panel discussions organized by the IIT-Bombay Alumni Association celebrating their 50th Anniversary at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York, the future of energy was discussed at length by a panel of five eminent people including Balu Balagopal, Co-Lead of Energy Practices in Boston Consulting Group; Steve Jacobs, President of RMI/ Decision Strategies Inc.; Vijay Modi a faculty member of Columbia University; Vikram Rao, retired CTO of Halliburon; Arvind Sangar from Geosphere Capital Management. Pradeep Anand of Seeta Resources LLC. was the session moderator.
To begin the proceedings, Jacobs said, “According to the Peak Oil View, Middle East Oil production will not rise any further, instead would be a larger market than the entire Europe by 2015 and would have little to export. The Plentiful Oil View on the other hand tells us that only 30-35% of the total oil reserves across the globe have been explored and the new technologies will allow 50-70% recovery. It also leads us that high oil and gas prices will enhance exploration and production spending.”
Jacobs added, “But the problem is that most of the world’s hydrocarbon reserves are located in politically and historically volatile areas and the challenge is developing infrastructure in such places. There are some viable options in the form of Extended Reach Drilling, Seismic Imaging explorations etc. but the question remains whether technology will save the day. Conservation, Alternative Fuel Switching and other energy solutions might be better options.”
The obvious question that crops up is what are the alternative energy sources? Rao informed, “There is no shortage of energy molecule. They are simply in the wrong place or wrong form. Unconventional sources of energy mixed with conventional hydrocarbons might help meet the surging global demand. No one source is going to be sufficient because the demand growth particularly in the 4 BRIC countries is very significant especially in the transportation sector and this will keep increasing with economic growth.”
In recent years, Ethanol has emerged as another feasible substitute for fossil fuel. But that too has its pros and cons. Rao highlighted, “Ethanol has 33% fewer calories than gasoline. If you substitute 50% gasoline by ethanol, the gas mileage will decrease by16 % than gasoline. So you will need more fuel to travel the same distance. But having said that, ethanol has higher octane rating of 113 compared to 87 for gasoline. If you run a high compression engine of 14-15 as against 9-10 you can take advantage from the energy of the high octane rating. In that case, net amount of the miles you get per gallon will be completely recovered and be even better. Just as in Indi race cars which run on methanol and ethanol. If policies that encourage a change in the engines then ethanol can be a very good alternative.”
In India, where there isn’t too much of any particular source of hydrocarbons, diesel from the Jatropha seeds might be the best alternative for India feels Rao. “In a recent survey, IMF has identified that diesel from Jatropha in India and ethanol from sugarcane in Brazil is the only two viable alternative fuels for them compared to others. Another resource can be Algae but that would require vast expanse of lands. Besides, every metropolitan city in India should switch to CNG for scooter, motorcycles and buses as they have done in Delhi. Bio Diesel can be a very good option as well because it will also take care of the CO2 emission problem.”
The disturbing rise of Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere due to increasing usage of fossil fuel is another major global crisis today. Balagopal said, “CO2 emissions is expected to a reach perilous mark of 42 Gtons by 2030 and atmospheric temperature might increase by 5-6 degrees. This would have a negative impact on the GDP growth rate.”
Suggesting a solution to the problem he added, “Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) might be viable option for mitigating the global warming problem. If 1000 largest stationary sources use this technology then 15 GT of emissions can be reduced per year. Today it would require about 45 Euros per ton to implement CCS technology at these facilities. But Carbon trading could offset the likely cost of capturing, transporting and storing CO2 emitted by the stationary fossil-fuel sources. But gain there are several challenges and requirements to be met.”
Sanger, did not seem too hopeful about the future. He said, “Demand destruction in the US and to a smaller extent in Europe may cause the oil prices to come down in the short run only. But in the long term, prices cannot come down if the developed and the emerging economies keep growing.”
Sangar continued, “You can use certain technologies to increase production by 5-10% but there is a practical limit to how much you can extract. Besides, we cannot forget that all oil fields decline over time. So, you have to keep finding new oil fields. In situations where the governments of countries like Nigeria, Iran, Russia, sitting on oil, do not allow extraction, curbing demand seems to be the most practical long-run solution.”
Experts predict that the world energy demand is likely to double by 2030 from a moderate 150 million barrels in 1980 and countries like China and India would emerge as its largest consumers. It’s high time that governments seriously consider harnessing the spiraling demand or think of alternative measures because dependence on OPEC nations might not be a viable option in the years to come as their increasing domestic demands would force them to switch gears.Such alarming predictions have definitely driven the intelligentsia across the globe to hold frequent seminars and panel discussions to publicly discuss the gravity of the matter and suggest possible solutions. A change in the mid-sets of the people and Govt. policies is what can get a stranglehold of the situation.
In one of the panel discussions organized by the IIT-Bombay Alumni Association celebrating their 50th Anniversary at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York, the future of energy was discussed at length by a panel of five eminent people including Balu Balagopal, Co-Lead of Energy Practices in Boston Consulting Group; Steve Jacobs, President of RMI/ Decision Strategies Inc.; Vijay Modi a faculty member of Columbia University; Vikram Rao, retired CTO of Halliburon; Arvind Sangar from Geosphere Capital Management. Pradeep Anand of Seeta Resources LLC. was the session moderator.
To begin the proceedings, Jacobs said, “According to the Peak Oil View, Middle East Oil production will not rise any further, instead would be a larger market than the entire Europe by 2015 and would have little to export. The Plentiful Oil View on the other hand tells us that only 30-35% of the total oil reserves across the globe have been explored and the new technologies will allow 50-70% recovery. It also leads us that high oil and gas prices will enhance exploration and production spending.”
Jacobs added, “But the problem is that most of the world’s hydrocarbon reserves are located in politically and historically volatile areas and the challenge is developing infrastructure in such places. There are some viable options in the form of Extended Reach Drilling, Seismic Imaging explorations etc. but the question remains whether technology will save the day. Conservation, Alternative Fuel Switching and other energy solutions might be better options.”The obvious question that crops up is what are the alternative energy sources? Rao informed, “There is no shortage of energy molecule. They are simply in the wrong place or wrong form. Unconventional sources of energy mixed with conventional hydrocarbons might help meet the surging global demand. No one source is going to be sufficient because the demand growth particularly in the 4 BRIC countries is very significant especially in the transportation sector and this will keep increasing with economic growth.”
In recent years, Ethanol has emerged as another feasible substitute for fossil fuel. But that too has its pros and cons. Rao highlighted, “Ethanol has 33% fewer calories than gasoline. If you substitute 50% gasoline by ethanol, the gas mileage will decrease by16 % than gasoline. So you will need more fuel to travel the same distance. But having said that, ethanol has higher octane rating of 113 compared to 87 for gasoline. If you run a high compression engine of 14-15 as against 9-10 you can take advantage from the energy of the high octane rating. In that case, net amount of the miles you get per gallon will be completely recovered and be even better. Just as in Indi race cars which run on methanol and ethanol. If policies that encourage a change in the engines then ethanol can be a very good alternative.”
In India, where there isn’t too much of any particular source of hydrocarbons, diesel from the Jatropha seeds might be the best alternative for India feels Rao. “In a recent survey, IMF has identified that diesel from Jatropha in India and ethanol from sugarcane in Brazil is the only two viable alternative fuels for them compared to others. Another resource can be Algae but that would require vast expanse of lands. Besides, every metropolitan city in India should switch to CNG for scooter, motorcycles and buses as they have done in Delhi. Bio Diesel can be a very good option as well because it will also take care of the CO2 emission problem.”
The disturbing rise of Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere due to increasing usage of fossil fuel is another major global crisis today. Balagopal said, “CO2 emissions is expected to a reach perilous mark of 42 Gtons by 2030 and atmospheric temperature might increase by 5-6 degrees. This would have a negative impact on the GDP growth rate.”
Suggesting a solution to the problem he added, “Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) might be viable option for mitigating the global warming problem. If 1000 largest stationary sources use this technology then 15 GT of emissions can be reduced per year. Today it would require about 45 Euros per ton to implement CCS technology at these facilities. But Carbon trading could offset the likely cost of capturing, transporting and storing CO2 emitted by the stationary fossil-fuel sources. But gain there are several challenges and requirements to be met.”
Sanger, did not seem too hopeful about the future. He said, “Demand destruction in the US and to a smaller extent in Europe may cause the oil prices to come down in the short run only. But in the long term, prices cannot come down if the developed and the emerging economies keep growing.”
Sangar continued, “You can use certain technologies to increase production by 5-10% but there is a practical limit to how much you can extract. Besides, we cannot forget that all oil fields decline over time. So, you have to keep finding new oil fields. In situations where the governments of countries like Nigeria, Iran, Russia, sitting on oil, do not allow extraction, curbing demand seems to be the most practical long-run solution.”
Thursday, July 24, 2008
FeTNA: Fighting for Tamil dialect
THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED ON THE INDIAN EXPRESS (US and Canada Circulation) - 25 July 2008
Concern about losing the nearly three-millennium old, rich literary legacy of the Tamil language within the Tamil American community, was perhaps the primary driving force for the head honchos of the five prominent Tamil associations across the United States to contemplate forming an umbrella organization in the 80’s.
So, to promote the Tamil cultural heritage especially among the younger generation living in the vortex of a cross-cultural confluence, the Tamil Association of Delaware Valley, Tamil Sangam of Washington & Baltimore, New York, Ilankai and Harrisburg Tamil Sangams formed a non-profit organization called the Federation of the Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA) in 1987.
Thillai Kumarn, the ex-president of FeTNA (2006-2008) and a member of the newly elected executive board said, “At present, individuals are busy with their lives, children, education and group activities like birthday parties and stuff. They don’t have time or interest in getting involved with activities that has do with literature and culture. Hence, the desire to preserve the heritage, promote the Tamil language and transfer the knowledge to their children is decreasing. People like entertainment events…we get a full house when there is a light music concert but in case of Tamil scholarly and literary events very few people turn up. It’s a big challenge to make them aware and for that people have to show more commitment.”
Since its inception, this virtual, non-partisan organization, has focused on cultivating, promoting, fostering, and developing the advancement of knowledge in Tamil language, literature and culture; the exchange of ideas, better understanding and friendship between the Tamil people and other cultures. The FeTNA also initiates charitable events directly concerning the welfare of the Tamil community living throughout the world and encourages the formation of new Tamil Sangams in various parts of the US.
To bring the Tamil people especially the Tamil youths from all over the US under one roof, at least once a year, is the primary focus of FeTNA. To achieve this goal, a grand cultural event called the Annual Tamil Convention is held every year, each time in a different city of the US. The local Tamil Sangam takes charge of the event under the supervision of the nine-member executive committee.
At present, FeTNA has about 32 member organizations from across the US. One or more delegates (depending on the strength of the association) are sent from each member organization to represent their respective associations at various FeTNA events. But member or not, any Tamil Sangam or association can take part in the FeTNA events. “We are also encouraging individual life memberships for our organization. We have seven life members at present. But only members who have been presidents before or have made significant contributions to the FeTNA can apply to become life members, paying a one-time fee of $1000. FeTNA’s constitution (three pages of bylaws) does impose certain restrictions like that,” said Kumaran.
Within 21 years of its existence FeTNA has achieved many feats. Apart from helping local committees to form Tamil Sangams in their own cities, FeTNA also has been helping associations to run private Tamil schools in different cities of the US and also coordinate among themselves so that they can have a common syllabus and exam question papers. But undoubtedly the most credible achievement of the Tamil Americans of which FeTNA was a very important part of, was the creation of Tamil departments (called the Tamil Chair) in about three to four American Universities.
“The inclusion of the Tamil Chair in the University of California, Berkeley more than eleven years ago was a great achievement. The San Francisco Bay Area Tamil Manram, a member of FeTNA played a major role along with the Tamil Nadu Foundation and several other Tamil organizations in this enterprise. More than $400,000 was raised for this venture. FeTNA even participated and contributed at the 10th Anniversary of the Tamil Chair at UC Berkeley. There is a Tamil Chair in the University of Pennsylvania, Yale University and probably at the University of Toronto as well. We want to replicate this kind of success in future. Wherever there is any initiative to spread Tamil Language or literature, we get involved”, beamed Kumaran.
FeTNA patronizes Tamil Scholars (achievers in the various forms of art) from India especially those who cannot afford to come to the US on their own. “We not only help these scholars financially to continue their researches but also arrange for a trip around various US cities so that they can give lectures on their work and finds at the Tamil Sangams. We choose one Tamil scholar every year”, Kumaran informed.
FeTNA is also deliberating on sponsoring Indian students to come and study Tamil at the Universities of California (Berkely), Pennsylvania or Toronto but money seems to be the only constraint at the moment. “Once we gather sufficient funds we’ll go ahead with our plans,” confirmed Kumaran.
Honoring Tamil Achievers from different spheres is another of FeTNA’s endeavors. “Last year we honored two Tamil achievers from the field of Medicine and Accounting respectively. This year we have honored an engineer who has successfully started a company and sold it and a young director whose first movie will release in September”, said Kumaran.
Entrepreneurial and Matrimonial forums are the other important initiatives of the FeTNA. The purpose of Entrepreneurial forums is to encourage and educate young entrepreneurs to start businesses of their own. Successful businessmen and veterans come and give speeches at such events. On the other hand, Matrimonial Forums are organized to help parents find brides or bridegrooms for their children within the community.
But one of the biggest challenges for FeTNA today is communication and the geographical distance between the Tamil Sangams across the US seems to be a killer. Kumaran said, “All our members and offices are from different cities. We send out newsletters to our members and maintain a website, which is basically our window to the world. But this is not enough and we still have a long way to go”.
Moreover, to spread awareness amongst the American Tamilians and bring them together is a very difficult task even with the existence of an organization like FeTNA. “Not a lot of people know about FeTNA. We need to find out why FeTNA is not popular amongst many Tamil Americans. Only the Tamil activists and Tamil Sangam people know about our organization. So our primary focus is to increase membership and make every Tamil living in North America aware of FeTNA and bring thousands of attendants at the convention every year”, opined Kumaran.
Another big problem for FeTNA is monetary constringency because the annual convention is the only major event for fund-raising where they make profits. During the convention only small businesses or individual donors contribute. The rest of the money comes from the membership fees, which again is dependent on the strength of the Tamil associations. The maximum annual fee that a member family might have to pay is $300 depending on which Sangam they are members of. But in most cases it is lesser than that due to the small sizes of the Sangams.
“We actually have very few outside donors and don’t go after the big corporate houses for sponsorship. There are about 100-200 loyal FeTNA supporters who turn up at any event no matter which part of the world they are organized. They have consistently supported us in all our missions and we try to raise funds through individuals who are committed to FeTNA.”, informed Kumaran.
21st Annual Tamil Convention
The 21st Annual Tamil Convention was held at the Bob Carr Center for Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida this year amidst a lot of glitz and glamour. Members from various Tamil Sangams across the United States and National Tamil Youth Organization (NTYO) attended the convention.
The theme of the three day convention which began on July 4 was “Preserve the Tamil Race by protecting the language: Lets work together to protect the language.” Commenting on the theme of the Convention just before the commencement of the convention, ex-president Thillai Kumaran said, “In order to protect the Tamil race we need to protect the language and for that we need to come together and that is what the purpose of the annual conventions are.”
In fact the festivities had begun a day before with a reception held at the Marriot for the donors and the guests. The convention commenced on Friday, with speeches from the VIPS and guests. Prof. Su. Pa. Veerapandian, Tamil movie actor Nanda, well known Tamil film directors Thangar Bachchan and Seeman gave thought provoking and captivating speeches echoing the theme of the conference.
Scholarly discussions and debates on matters related to the preservation and the promotion of the Tamil language and the well being of the Tamils all over the world were organized during the convention. There were Poem recitals (Kaviarangam) moderated by Tamil Scholar Ko.. Velnambi from Tamil Nadu.
A Tamil Classical Music concert presented by Kalaimamani Sudha Ragunathan and troupe, Bharatha Natyam dance drama “SilambumThamizhum” performed by Kalaimamani Narthaki Nataraj, Tamil Classical Music History and Demonstration program by Naghur Moideen Mammathu, a light music concert presented by Ainkaran & Anitha Krishnan troupe were some of the highlights of the convention. The popular singers from Tamilnadu, Krish and Chimanyee and stand-up comedian Erode Mahesh also entertained the audience.
Apart from the main programs, several parallel sessions were organized at the hotel. Tamil Internet/Bloggers, Entrepreneur Forum, Tamil Matrimonial Forum (Singles and Parents meet), Tamil speech, poem recital, Yoga workshop by Azhiyar Vethathiri Center etc. were some of the prominent ones. Mr. G. Viswanathan, founder and the Vice Chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, was honored at the convention for his contribution to education in Tamil Nadu. The convention concluded with a series of lectures on the “Renaissance of Tamil language during the 20th century”.
Dr. Muthuvel Chelliah officially took over as the President of the new elected Executive Board of FeTNA at this year’s convention.
Executive Board (Period: 2008-2010)
President - Dr. Muthuvel Chelliah Maryland
Vice President - Dr. R. Prabhakaran Maryland
Secretary - Dr. Pazhani Sundaram Connecticut
Treasurer - Dr. Selvan Patchamuthu North Carolina
Joint Secretary - Mr. Peter Yeronimuse Maryland
Board Member - Mr. Sriskand Subramaniam Florida
Board Member - Dr. Gnanamony Thabaraj Florida
Board Member - Dr. Sundaravadivel Balasubramanian South Carolina
Board Member - Mr. Thillai K. Kumaran California
Interview with the President – Dr. Muthuvel Chelliah
Q. How long had you been associated with FeTNA? How has the FeTNA evolved from the time you first became a part of it?
I have been associated with FeTNA since the beginning, in one-way or another. The participation in our annual conventions has increased from a low few hundreds to more than couple of thousands in few years. Member Tamil Sangams in FeTNA have increased, the quality of programs has improved and number of invitees has increased considerably as well.
Q. What new initiatives or plans do you want to implement after taking over as the president of the FeTNA?
Tamil families from across the US want to teach Tamil to their children for many good reasons. One of the primary goals of FeTNA, as an umbrella organization of regional Tamil Sangams, in the coming years, will be to better coordinate the various Tamil Schools run by member Sangams though a standardized Teaching curriculum and embark on a process to get accreditation for those classes (K-12) from US schools and colleges.
Bring transparency to all decisions made by FeTNA and accountability for every penny collected and spent by FeTNA. Anyone (Tamil, American, even if not a delegate) can sit in FeTNA’s delegates meetings and observe what is discussed.
Increase FeTNA membership. Visit as many Tamil Sangams as possible and explain the win-win relationship for member Sangams if they become/renew FeTNA membership.
Do proper and appropriate advance planning and make sure some annual conventions do not end up with losses.
Make FeTNA’s 2009 Atlanta convention the grandest Tamil convention ever in North America.
Q. What are the biggest challenges that FeTNA has to deal with and how do you wish to overcome them?
Deliberate mischievous distortion of FeTNA’s image and its activities by various vested groups is the biggest challenge faced by FeTNA today. Even though all of FeTNA’s activities are open to public and all of FeTNA’s invitees come to US with a proper and valid US visa…this happens. FeTNA cannot understand or change what and why others do such things as FeTNA completely operates under the US law.
FeTNA will be as transparent as possible in its decision-makings, holding open delegates meetings, open election process, filing proper federal tax returns every year as required by the US law, enhance FeTNA’s public image by reaching out more to the media and provide all and any needed clarifications.
Q. On which ground(s) do you think your predecessors (ex-presidents) have not been successful? How do you intend to change them and set the records straight?
I do not and will not criticize predecessors and ex-office bearers. FeTNA is a non-profit organization, and I believe everybody in the past worked hard and did their best. I plan to work even harder to work towards FeTNA’s objectives and my plans that I have outlined earlier.
Q. Can you mention any significant aspect about FeTNA that sets it apart from other Tamil or other Community Organizations?
FeTNA works hard to bring a higher level of intellectual awareness and interest in promoting Tamil language, Tamil culture and arts among North American Tamils. We use our freedom of speech granted by the US constitution to speak for the rights of suffering Tamils anywhere on the globe. We bring true, well respected and dedicated Tamil scholars from India who are otherwise not given due respect they truly deserve in this commercially run world. We bring talented Tamil artists whose names and arts are not well-recognized or appreciated in Tamil Nadu or elsewhere. FeTNA brings a higher level of awareness to cater to the intellectual needs of American Tamils.
Q. Does FeTNA extend any kind of support to Tamilians living in India e.g. any charitable event to raise funds for the destitute, orphans, victims of ay catastrophe like the Tsunami etc or any scholarship programs for Tamil students who want to study in the US?
While FeTNA’s objectives are very clear about catering only to the language, cultural and arts needs of American Tamils (and not any Indian/foreign Tamils), we have in the past raised money in a few exceptional natural disaster incidences such as Tsunami and the Kumbakonam school fire, where a lot of children died.
Q. What kind of support have you been getting from your community in North America?
We get a lot of support from Tamils across the US who understand and support FeTNA
and from member Tamil Sangams/associations who comply with FeTNA’s objectives. Otherwise we would not have survived all these years. We are looking forward to the 22nd annual convention of FeTNA in Atlanta during July 4th weekend in 2009.
Q. Has the FeTNA been able to make a difference to the lives of Tamilians living in North America and if so how?
There are a lot of private groups and organizations catering to the generic needs of ordinary American Tamils with entertainment centered only on movie popularities and in movie theatres. FeTNA prides itself in being a class act. FeTNA offers a higher level of quality and entertainment from true Tamil Scholars and talented artists that one can get only in FeTNA conventions. No group other than FeTNA can claim to cater to such needs of North American Tamils.
Contact Info:
Federation of the Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA)
208 South Lasalle Street, Suite 814
Chicago, IL 60604
Concern about losing the nearly three-millennium old, rich literary legacy of the Tamil language within the Tamil American community, was perhaps the primary driving force for the head honchos of the five prominent Tamil associations across the United States to contemplate forming an umbrella organization in the 80’s.
So, to promote the Tamil cultural heritage especially among the younger generation living in the vortex of a cross-cultural confluence, the Tamil Association of Delaware Valley, Tamil Sangam of Washington & Baltimore, New York, Ilankai and Harrisburg Tamil Sangams formed a non-profit organization called the Federation of the Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA) in 1987.
Thillai Kumarn, the ex-president of FeTNA (2006-2008) and a member of the newly elected executive board said, “At present, individuals are busy with their lives, children, education and group activities like birthday parties and stuff. They don’t have time or interest in getting involved with activities that has do with literature and culture. Hence, the desire to preserve the heritage, promote the Tamil language and transfer the knowledge to their children is decreasing. People like entertainment events…we get a full house when there is a light music concert but in case of Tamil scholarly and literary events very few people turn up. It’s a big challenge to make them aware and for that people have to show more commitment.”
Since its inception, this virtual, non-partisan organization, has focused on cultivating, promoting, fostering, and developing the advancement of knowledge in Tamil language, literature and culture; the exchange of ideas, better understanding and friendship between the Tamil people and other cultures. The FeTNA also initiates charitable events directly concerning the welfare of the Tamil community living throughout the world and encourages the formation of new Tamil Sangams in various parts of the US.
To bring the Tamil people especially the Tamil youths from all over the US under one roof, at least once a year, is the primary focus of FeTNA. To achieve this goal, a grand cultural event called the Annual Tamil Convention is held every year, each time in a different city of the US. The local Tamil Sangam takes charge of the event under the supervision of the nine-member executive committee.
At present, FeTNA has about 32 member organizations from across the US. One or more delegates (depending on the strength of the association) are sent from each member organization to represent their respective associations at various FeTNA events. But member or not, any Tamil Sangam or association can take part in the FeTNA events. “We are also encouraging individual life memberships for our organization. We have seven life members at present. But only members who have been presidents before or have made significant contributions to the FeTNA can apply to become life members, paying a one-time fee of $1000. FeTNA’s constitution (three pages of bylaws) does impose certain restrictions like that,” said Kumaran.
Within 21 years of its existence FeTNA has achieved many feats. Apart from helping local committees to form Tamil Sangams in their own cities, FeTNA also has been helping associations to run private Tamil schools in different cities of the US and also coordinate among themselves so that they can have a common syllabus and exam question papers. But undoubtedly the most credible achievement of the Tamil Americans of which FeTNA was a very important part of, was the creation of Tamil departments (called the Tamil Chair) in about three to four American Universities.
“The inclusion of the Tamil Chair in the University of California, Berkeley more than eleven years ago was a great achievement. The San Francisco Bay Area Tamil Manram, a member of FeTNA played a major role along with the Tamil Nadu Foundation and several other Tamil organizations in this enterprise. More than $400,000 was raised for this venture. FeTNA even participated and contributed at the 10th Anniversary of the Tamil Chair at UC Berkeley. There is a Tamil Chair in the University of Pennsylvania, Yale University and probably at the University of Toronto as well. We want to replicate this kind of success in future. Wherever there is any initiative to spread Tamil Language or literature, we get involved”, beamed Kumaran.
FeTNA patronizes Tamil Scholars (achievers in the various forms of art) from India especially those who cannot afford to come to the US on their own. “We not only help these scholars financially to continue their researches but also arrange for a trip around various US cities so that they can give lectures on their work and finds at the Tamil Sangams. We choose one Tamil scholar every year”, Kumaran informed.
FeTNA is also deliberating on sponsoring Indian students to come and study Tamil at the Universities of California (Berkely), Pennsylvania or Toronto but money seems to be the only constraint at the moment. “Once we gather sufficient funds we’ll go ahead with our plans,” confirmed Kumaran.
Honoring Tamil Achievers from different spheres is another of FeTNA’s endeavors. “Last year we honored two Tamil achievers from the field of Medicine and Accounting respectively. This year we have honored an engineer who has successfully started a company and sold it and a young director whose first movie will release in September”, said Kumaran.
Entrepreneurial and Matrimonial forums are the other important initiatives of the FeTNA. The purpose of Entrepreneurial forums is to encourage and educate young entrepreneurs to start businesses of their own. Successful businessmen and veterans come and give speeches at such events. On the other hand, Matrimonial Forums are organized to help parents find brides or bridegrooms for their children within the community.
But one of the biggest challenges for FeTNA today is communication and the geographical distance between the Tamil Sangams across the US seems to be a killer. Kumaran said, “All our members and offices are from different cities. We send out newsletters to our members and maintain a website, which is basically our window to the world. But this is not enough and we still have a long way to go”.
Moreover, to spread awareness amongst the American Tamilians and bring them together is a very difficult task even with the existence of an organization like FeTNA. “Not a lot of people know about FeTNA. We need to find out why FeTNA is not popular amongst many Tamil Americans. Only the Tamil activists and Tamil Sangam people know about our organization. So our primary focus is to increase membership and make every Tamil living in North America aware of FeTNA and bring thousands of attendants at the convention every year”, opined Kumaran.
Another big problem for FeTNA is monetary constringency because the annual convention is the only major event for fund-raising where they make profits. During the convention only small businesses or individual donors contribute. The rest of the money comes from the membership fees, which again is dependent on the strength of the Tamil associations. The maximum annual fee that a member family might have to pay is $300 depending on which Sangam they are members of. But in most cases it is lesser than that due to the small sizes of the Sangams.
“We actually have very few outside donors and don’t go after the big corporate houses for sponsorship. There are about 100-200 loyal FeTNA supporters who turn up at any event no matter which part of the world they are organized. They have consistently supported us in all our missions and we try to raise funds through individuals who are committed to FeTNA.”, informed Kumaran.
21st Annual Tamil Convention
The 21st Annual Tamil Convention was held at the Bob Carr Center for Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida this year amidst a lot of glitz and glamour. Members from various Tamil Sangams across the United States and National Tamil Youth Organization (NTYO) attended the convention.
The theme of the three day convention which began on July 4 was “Preserve the Tamil Race by protecting the language: Lets work together to protect the language.” Commenting on the theme of the Convention just before the commencement of the convention, ex-president Thillai Kumaran said, “In order to protect the Tamil race we need to protect the language and for that we need to come together and that is what the purpose of the annual conventions are.”
In fact the festivities had begun a day before with a reception held at the Marriot for the donors and the guests. The convention commenced on Friday, with speeches from the VIPS and guests. Prof. Su. Pa. Veerapandian, Tamil movie actor Nanda, well known Tamil film directors Thangar Bachchan and Seeman gave thought provoking and captivating speeches echoing the theme of the conference.
Scholarly discussions and debates on matters related to the preservation and the promotion of the Tamil language and the well being of the Tamils all over the world were organized during the convention. There were Poem recitals (Kaviarangam) moderated by Tamil Scholar Ko.. Velnambi from Tamil Nadu.
A Tamil Classical Music concert presented by Kalaimamani Sudha Ragunathan and troupe, Bharatha Natyam dance drama “SilambumThamizhum” performed by Kalaimamani Narthaki Nataraj, Tamil Classical Music History and Demonstration program by Naghur Moideen Mammathu, a light music concert presented by Ainkaran & Anitha Krishnan troupe were some of the highlights of the convention. The popular singers from Tamilnadu, Krish and Chimanyee and stand-up comedian Erode Mahesh also entertained the audience.
Apart from the main programs, several parallel sessions were organized at the hotel. Tamil Internet/Bloggers, Entrepreneur Forum, Tamil Matrimonial Forum (Singles and Parents meet), Tamil speech, poem recital, Yoga workshop by Azhiyar Vethathiri Center etc. were some of the prominent ones. Mr. G. Viswanathan, founder and the Vice Chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, was honored at the convention for his contribution to education in Tamil Nadu. The convention concluded with a series of lectures on the “Renaissance of Tamil language during the 20th century”.
Dr. Muthuvel Chelliah officially took over as the President of the new elected Executive Board of FeTNA at this year’s convention.
Executive Board (Period: 2008-2010)
President - Dr. Muthuvel Chelliah Maryland
Vice President - Dr. R. Prabhakaran Maryland
Secretary - Dr. Pazhani Sundaram Connecticut
Treasurer - Dr. Selvan Patchamuthu North Carolina
Joint Secretary - Mr. Peter Yeronimuse Maryland
Board Member - Mr. Sriskand Subramaniam Florida
Board Member - Dr. Gnanamony Thabaraj Florida
Board Member - Dr. Sundaravadivel Balasubramanian South Carolina
Board Member - Mr. Thillai K. Kumaran California
Interview with the President – Dr. Muthuvel Chelliah
Q. How long had you been associated with FeTNA? How has the FeTNA evolved from the time you first became a part of it?
I have been associated with FeTNA since the beginning, in one-way or another. The participation in our annual conventions has increased from a low few hundreds to more than couple of thousands in few years. Member Tamil Sangams in FeTNA have increased, the quality of programs has improved and number of invitees has increased considerably as well.
Q. What new initiatives or plans do you want to implement after taking over as the president of the FeTNA?
Tamil families from across the US want to teach Tamil to their children for many good reasons. One of the primary goals of FeTNA, as an umbrella organization of regional Tamil Sangams, in the coming years, will be to better coordinate the various Tamil Schools run by member Sangams though a standardized Teaching curriculum and embark on a process to get accreditation for those classes (K-12) from US schools and colleges.
Bring transparency to all decisions made by FeTNA and accountability for every penny collected and spent by FeTNA. Anyone (Tamil, American, even if not a delegate) can sit in FeTNA’s delegates meetings and observe what is discussed.
Increase FeTNA membership. Visit as many Tamil Sangams as possible and explain the win-win relationship for member Sangams if they become/renew FeTNA membership.
Do proper and appropriate advance planning and make sure some annual conventions do not end up with losses.
Make FeTNA’s 2009 Atlanta convention the grandest Tamil convention ever in North America.
Q. What are the biggest challenges that FeTNA has to deal with and how do you wish to overcome them?
Deliberate mischievous distortion of FeTNA’s image and its activities by various vested groups is the biggest challenge faced by FeTNA today. Even though all of FeTNA’s activities are open to public and all of FeTNA’s invitees come to US with a proper and valid US visa…this happens. FeTNA cannot understand or change what and why others do such things as FeTNA completely operates under the US law.
FeTNA will be as transparent as possible in its decision-makings, holding open delegates meetings, open election process, filing proper federal tax returns every year as required by the US law, enhance FeTNA’s public image by reaching out more to the media and provide all and any needed clarifications.
Q. On which ground(s) do you think your predecessors (ex-presidents) have not been successful? How do you intend to change them and set the records straight?
I do not and will not criticize predecessors and ex-office bearers. FeTNA is a non-profit organization, and I believe everybody in the past worked hard and did their best. I plan to work even harder to work towards FeTNA’s objectives and my plans that I have outlined earlier.
Q. Can you mention any significant aspect about FeTNA that sets it apart from other Tamil or other Community Organizations?
FeTNA works hard to bring a higher level of intellectual awareness and interest in promoting Tamil language, Tamil culture and arts among North American Tamils. We use our freedom of speech granted by the US constitution to speak for the rights of suffering Tamils anywhere on the globe. We bring true, well respected and dedicated Tamil scholars from India who are otherwise not given due respect they truly deserve in this commercially run world. We bring talented Tamil artists whose names and arts are not well-recognized or appreciated in Tamil Nadu or elsewhere. FeTNA brings a higher level of awareness to cater to the intellectual needs of American Tamils.
Q. Does FeTNA extend any kind of support to Tamilians living in India e.g. any charitable event to raise funds for the destitute, orphans, victims of ay catastrophe like the Tsunami etc or any scholarship programs for Tamil students who want to study in the US?
While FeTNA’s objectives are very clear about catering only to the language, cultural and arts needs of American Tamils (and not any Indian/foreign Tamils), we have in the past raised money in a few exceptional natural disaster incidences such as Tsunami and the Kumbakonam school fire, where a lot of children died.
Q. What kind of support have you been getting from your community in North America?
We get a lot of support from Tamils across the US who understand and support FeTNA
and from member Tamil Sangams/associations who comply with FeTNA’s objectives. Otherwise we would not have survived all these years. We are looking forward to the 22nd annual convention of FeTNA in Atlanta during July 4th weekend in 2009.
Q. Has the FeTNA been able to make a difference to the lives of Tamilians living in North America and if so how?
There are a lot of private groups and organizations catering to the generic needs of ordinary American Tamils with entertainment centered only on movie popularities and in movie theatres. FeTNA prides itself in being a class act. FeTNA offers a higher level of quality and entertainment from true Tamil Scholars and talented artists that one can get only in FeTNA conventions. No group other than FeTNA can claim to cater to such needs of North American Tamils.
Contact Info:
Federation of the Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA)
208 South Lasalle Street, Suite 814
Chicago, IL 60604
Friday, June 27, 2008
Despite controversies this Guru tickles
THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED ON THE INDIAN EXPRESS (US and Canada Circulation) - 27 June 2008The Love Guru turns out to be a complete laugh riot, irrespective of all the controversies and discontent it has evoked amongst Hindu communities about how it desecrates Hinduism and its doctrines. It comes as a shock though, as to how Mike Myers, who co-produces, co-writes and plays guru Pitka' in the movie, has managed to secure a PG-13 rating for a film inundated by concupiscent remarks and gestures!
But Mike, seems to have answers for all of that. "When they see the film they'll know, what Guru Pitka believes in, has a mythical, fictional non-denominational belief system and is about the "force"(as in Star Wars). This is a tribute to all notions of spirituality and its non-denominational and that is the end of it", he says at a pre-release press conference at Waldorf Astoria.
A comedian who just loves to make people laugh, Mike, believes,"A comedian is forced to nibble at things but I never bite or break the skin, I do this with hockey and myself too (chuckles). But of course, if I have offended anybody then I apologize for that. I have never wanted to hurt anybody's feelings but at the same time it's my duty as an artist to be misunderstood."
In the movie, Pitka is an American who was left at the gates of an ashram in India as a child and raised by gurus. He moves back to the U.S. to seek fame and fortune in the world of self-help and spiritualism. His unorthodox methods are put to test when he is called upon to bridge the gap between Toronto Maple Leaf's star hockey player and his estranged wife.
Whatever might be the fate of this guru at the box-office, but his tall, dark and handsome Indian chela, Rajneesh played by Manu Narayan, the unforgettable Akash' of Andrew Lloyd Webber's mega-hit Broadway musical, Bombay Dreams, definitely gives a commendable performance. Mike agrees too, "If you cut open Manu, you will see, he is made up of 99% talent and 1% water, just the same as Justin Timberlake. They are from the same factory. These people come to play and they make things better than already. He is a beautiful soul who I have the great privilege of now counting as my friend."
Manu, born and brought up in Delmont near Pittsburg, started off being a theatre artist with occasional guest appearances in soaps like The Sopranos, Law and Order and Lipstick Jungle. After earning a double degree in voice and saxophonefromCarnegieMellon University, he took lessons in Carnatic music from South India, where his parents originally come from.
When asked about his interests, Manu, also a professional singer and dancer beams, "What I like about my career so far is to be able to do both (music & acting) and would love to continue doing so. Being a Hollywood star (laughs) is an awesome life. You get to do great projects and work with wonderful people like Mike Myers and that would be a dream come true if it happens. I would also love to do some Bollywood or Tamil movies. Doors are definitely opening now. I was asked by Kamal Hassan to do "Dashavataram" but unfortunately I wasn't able to at that time."
As a South Asian, Manu has faced racial issues during his struggling years and feels it's tough to pervade the community barrier and make a career as an American actor. He had even opened up a South Asian theatre called Rasa Theatre with his friends. "There is such a need because there aren't many South Asian playwrights here. In order to get better turnouts in our community, playwrights need to be produced. As our writers get more proficient, good stories will be written and more South-Asian theme-based movies produced in Hollywood. Besides, things are opening up more and more. We, as a South Asian community have become more vocal about our tastes, therefore, Hollywood is going to write more for us," concludes the optimistic Manu.
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