(From left) Wan Mohd Mahfodz, Sri Radhakrishnan, Saraswathy, MBOR official V. Menaga, Nalini, Nathindran and Zone 13 Penggerak Belia Selangor youth movement representative A. Vinod.
A landmark celebration of Tamil heritage was held as part of festivities marking the silver jubilee of Shah Alam city.
The “Tamizh Vanna Vizha” event was organised by the Kota Kemuning assemblyman’s office, Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), Zone 13 residents representative council (MPP), and arts and culture non-governmental organisation Sri Rathakrishanan Fine Arts (SRFA).
Kota Kemuning assemblyman Preakas Sampunathan who played an instrumental role in the tribute via encouragement, involvement and facilitation.
Masspoemrecital participants dressed as Bharathiyar during the tribute.
The celebration, with over 3,000 attendees, was held at MBSA’s Aster Hall in Bukit Rimau.
Also present were Shah Alam mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim and
It was jointly launched Deputy National Unity Minister and Senator K. Saraswathy, Selangor human resources and poverty eradication committee chairman V. Papparaidu, Klang MP V. Ganabatirau, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry division secretary Mohamd Raizuli Mat Jusoh, arts and culture unit assistant director Wan Mohd Mahfodz Wan Hasan and Malaysia Hindhudharma Maamandram president Sri Radhakrishnan Alagamalai.
In her address, Saraswathy expressed praise for how the tribute was led by youths.
She also commended the event’s role in reintroducing traditional and cultural knowledge to younger generations.
Papparaidu voiced hope that the event would grow into a state-level celebration that could reinforce unity through cultural engagement.
The idea for the tribute came from Zone 13 MPP chairman Nathindran Raj Baskaran.
He then invited SRFA founder and president Nalini Rathakris to collaborate on an initiative for the Indian community.
Nalini conceptualised the event as a celebration of Tamil Puthandu (new year) aimed at reviving and showcasing authentic Tamil cultural elements.
Her vision was to create an immersive platform for the younger generation to embrace their cultural roots.
An event highlight was a mass recital of “Achamillai Achamillai” written by well-known 18th century poet Bharathiyar from Tamil Nadu, India.
Featuring 1,631 participants from schools and cultural groups nationwide, the recital made it into the Malaysia Book of Records for the “Most Participants in a Poem Recital”.
It paid homage to Bharathiyar’s fearless spirit and symbolised pride in Tamil identity.
Adding vibrancy to the event were contests in Tamil public speaking, rangoli kolam art, thoranam tying, and bharatanatyam.
A lively bazaar offered traditional food, attire, books and handmade crafts.
