by Heidi M. Pascual
Indian Americans have a great way of getting together outside of their special events or religious gatherings. Muththamizh Vizha is one such gathering. It's a celebration of Indian arts, which, according to Wisconsin Tamil Sangam President Jansi Prabakaran, consist of poetry, music, and drama. While not as significant as, for example, Indian Independence Day commemoration, this event is nonetheless a significant part of a cultural tradition that puts a high regard for the arts.
At the Middleton Performing Arts Center on October 14, families -- including grandparents and small children -- enjoyed an evening of performances that showcased intergenerational talents in music. Prabakaran said there was not enough time to gather performers for poetry or drama; yet attendees seemed not to mind at all. Excitement was all over the faces of children and youth getting ready for their numbers. Pride and joy were visible in the smiles of parents and relatives whose child or children were on stage. Cameras kept on clicking, documenting every "Kodak moment" as much as possible.
Colorful saris and headdresses were the standard of the day, prompting Prabakaran to ask this writer, "Why are you not wearing your sari?" The excuse was lame but nevertheless accepted with a smile.
In her welcome remarks, Prabakaran thanked profusely everybody who worked to make the local Muththamizh Vizha celebration possible, and expressed hope that Wisconsin Tamil Snagam could do it every year.
This article is a tribute to those who shared their musical talents with the community. The children who danced to the tune of the song "Apadi Podu" from the film "Gili" were Sagar Ranade, Vijay Veerabaskar, Vishal Naranayaswamy, Ivraj Seerha, Aikum Talwar, Simran Seerha, Harini Desikan, Tarjini Ranade, Anurag Sandireddy, and Anirudh Desikan. The choreography was handled by Chamu Anand.
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