by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
“Keerimalai” natural springs is known for its water and rituals. The water with mineral contents has curative value. Hindus believe the water here has miraculous powers to cure many diseases.
by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
“The most beautiful make-up of a woman is PASSION. But cosmetics are easier to buy” ~ Yves Saint-Laurent,(1 August 1936- June 1 2008), French Fashion Designer
“80” ~ Beautifully lit specially made candles decorate the venue
Saiva Mangaiyar Kazhagam in Wellawatte~ Tamil neighbourhood celebrated its 80th anniversary and Founder’s day on 11th of December 2010 at the school auditorium. It is one of the oldest Hindu Women’s School in the Island. The celebration included songs, dance and drama by the students.
A Band of Hindu Women founded the Saiva Mangaiyar Kalagam on 10th December 1930 to reawaken the Hindus from their slumber and apathy under Colonial rule, they had lost their Hindu Cultural moorings.
The women with foresight, untiring effort and undaunted enthusiasm led and started a Hindu school for women. The Saiva Mangaiyar Kazhagam has been in the forefront of efforts to foster Hinduism and to promote Tamil culture among the Hindu women of Colombo. Saiva Mangaiyar Kazhagam’ was established on 10th of December 1930 with the blessings of Srimath Swami Vipulananda Adigal and Muthaliyar Rasanayagam.
The three founders were Mrs. Rasamuthu Sathasivam, Mrs. Sornacanthy Nallianathan and Mrs. Balambikai Namasivayam. Mrs. Sornacanthy Nallianathan was educated throughout at St. Bridget’s Convent was the triad of architects.
The school which was started with seven students, now houses a few thousand students. The school excels in education and extra curricular activities.
“Lives of great women all remind ,you can make your lives sublime: When departing leave behind your footprints on the sands of time!”
All power and knowledge whether secular or spiritual in Hindu thinking are inherent in the human soul
View of the main entrance of Saiva Mangaiyar Kazhagam in Wellawatte
The school has grown gradually over the years
Brass Lord Nadarajar and Goddess Parvathy are dressed up for the celebration
“Kolam” drawn by White chalk at the main entrance of the venue
Statue of Thiruvalluvar at the auditorium of Saiva Mangaiyar Kazhagam in Wellawatte
Traditional Hindu welcome at the entrance of the auditorium
The school has more than 2,300 student on roll
Temple in the school which was built in 1939
Portraits of the Founders of the school
Earthen lamps are lit and placed on five fresh Betel leaves
Students for the traditional welcome
Portraits of famous 63 Naayanmars
School song is being sung
Devotional songs are sung by the students
School promotes the traditional values of our culture
Students light the traditional oil lamp
Pushpaanjali in dance form by the students of Saiva Mangaiyar Kazhagam of Colombo
Kampavaarithy Jeyaraj gives benediction
“Kuyile..,Kaattinile” songs are being beautifully sung by the students of Saiva Mangaiyar
President of Saiva Mangaiyar Kazhagam Sivanandini Duraiswamy welcomes the guests
“Kuravar” dance by the students of Music and Dance Academy of Saiva Mangaiyar Kazhagam
Member of Parliament Praba Ganeshan addresses the gathering
Scene from Sounds of Music by the student of Saiva Mangaiyar Kazhagam
Portrait and Person
Portrait of MEETO ~ Kamaljit Bhasin~ Malik (1978~2006)
by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
To commemorate the brief but brilliant life of Meeto or Kamaljit Bhasin-Malik (1978-2006), a scholar, activist and dancer, Meeto’s mother, Kamla Bhasin has decided to institute an award in her memory to honour young South Asians whose work demonstrates a commitment to communal harmony, peace, justice and human rights.
MEETO memorial award ceremony was held at Jatiya Nattyashala, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on 1st of October 2010. Several prominent South Asian activists, artists, academicians and diplomats attended the ceremony. Akeela Naz, a farmer and a woman’s leader from Punjab, Pakistan was awarded this year’s MEETO memorial award.
The award ceremony is held for the second time, the first award ceremony was held in 2009 in New Delhi. This year’s award night was followed by cultural events including participants of SANGAT XVth South Asian Feminist Capacity Building Course on Gender, Sustainable Livelihoods, Human Rights and Peace sang and danced for the song “Chalte Jaayenge” at the event.
Memorial and Memento
The Award comprises of Indian Rupees 100,000/=, a citation and a memento
Dedication and Discussion
Professor Amena Mohsin from the Department of International Relations at the Dhaka University addresses the gathering
In Honour
Dr. Hameeda Hossain, the Co-Chair of the South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR) hands over the book to MEETO’s mother Kamla Bhasin
Book in Memory
Religion: A Tool for Discrimination in South Asia? is launched at the MEETO Memorial Award ceremony which is dedicated the work to MEETO
Songs on Stage
Past and present participants from Bangladesh who attended SANGAT South Asian Feminist Capacity Building Course sing songs on stage
Mother and Memory
MEETO’ mother and renowned feminist and feminist scholar Kamla Bhasin addresses the gathering
Stays on Stage
Dr.Amreen Ahmad of Pakistan addresses the gathering while this year’s award winner Akeela Naz stays on stage before receiving her award
Sharing Thoughts
Abha Bhaiya shares her thoughts of MEETO
Mother’s Words
Brij Bhasin, MEETO’s maternal Uncle reads her mother’s words
Key Note
Sunila Abeysekera delivers the key note at the ceremony
Farmer for Landless Farmers
Award winner Akeela Zaz addresses the gathering
Last Year and This Year
Akeela Naz of Pakistan receives her award from Anusheh Anadil of Bangladesh~last year’s MEETO memorial award recipient
Special Guests
A section of audience at the event
Shot from Stage
Guests at the occasion
Songs of Peace
Anusheh Anadil sings songs of Peace
by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
“Think of the magic of that foot, comparatively small, upon which your weight rests. It’s a miracle and the dance is a celebration of that miracle”~ Martha Washington,(1789-1797), (American First Lady~George Washington’s Wife)
“Pillaiyar Perunkathai” (Story of Lord Vinayagar) ends today~10th of December 2010. Devotees used to gather at Pillaiyar temples and read “Pillaiyar Perungathai” as a group.
Normally 21 days of fast is observed and special poojas are performed are performed during this period. “Gajamugasoora Samhaaram” is held at the end of the “Pillaiyar Perunkathai” at Lord Vinayayagar temples. “Gajamugasoora Samhaaram” was held at Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple in Bambalapitty on 10th of December 2010 amidst heavy downpour.
by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
International campaign on Violence Against Women (VAW) is carried out from 25th November to 10th December every year.
Women from different South Asian countries decided in 2002 to celebrate 30th November as South Asian Women’s Day.
16 day campaign on Violence Against Women is underway along with South Asian Women’s Day.
We stand together!
Many men just stop by to see what is happening here in Kirulapone junction by women.
Women are HUMANBEINGS!
STOP sexual harassment
Women have rights.Hotlines for help for women.
Let’s stand up against sexual harassment.
Glad to paste stickers of Violence Against Women (VAW) in buses-138,Kottawa-Pettah,Maharagama-Pettah
Pasting stickers on the bus-138 route bus in Kirulapone.
Indrani Kusumalatha&her troupe(Community Encouragement Foundation) sing&perform in Kirulapone now.
Banner in Kirulapone for the campaign on Violence Against Women (VAW).
Respect WOMEN
Respect Humanity.
Work towards sustainable peace and prosperity in the region. WOMEN can make a difference☺
Think seriously about the issue&make your commitment honestly. Treat WOMEN with dignity and equality.
Some school boys giggle and think this is useless. Guys, you need to think for yourself,your mother,your sister&of course your girl friend.
Violence Against Women (VAW) is not a laughing matter! Think aloud, and be wise!
“What a good move by women” says an old gentleman in his White sarong into my right ears☺.We need more men like this gentlemen.
South Asian Women’s Day 2010. I’m extremely happy & humbled to be the first to update an event via my BlackBerry,Twitter, Yfrog while rain & shine.
South Asian Women’s Day is being celebrated today all over South Asia. Let us share and show SOLIDARITY!
Showing the spirit of SOLIDARITY!
Candles are lit at a house in Bambalapitty,Colombo to celebrate ☺ South Asian Women’s Day-2010 ☺
Click for more @DushiYanthini ~ Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com
PassionParade