MELBOURNE, 9 March 2026: The Australian Tamil Literary and Arts Society, founded 25 years ago in Melbourne, has long promoted Tamil culture through initiatives such as the Tamil Writers’ Festival, literary discussions, reading experience exchanges, exhibitions, and International Women’s Day celebrations.
This year, for the first time, the Society organised the “Tamil Excellence Awards” to honour students who achieved outstanding results in last year’s Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) examinations. The Monash Council proudly supported this event.
Delivering the presidential address at the event held on Sunday, March 30 at the Glen Waverley Community Centre in Melbourne, Society President and noted writer-artist Mr
Christy Nallaratnam said: “Since 2019, our Society has been recognising Tamil writers from Sri Lanka by awarding cash prizes of LKR 50,000 and certificates for their works across the short story, novel, essay, and poetry categories. Through this initiative, we aim to honour and encourage Tamil writers and gain wider recognition for their contributions within the global Tamil literary community. We have also actively promoted Tamil reading among youth through both in-person and virtual programs.”
Mr. Nallaratnam added that recognising Tamil students who excel in VCE not only celebrates their achievements but also fosters greater interest in learning Tamil among future
students. Organisations such as the Victoria Tamil Association and Bharathi Tamil School, along with their dedicated teachers, have been instrumental in preparing students with
commitment and love for the Tamil language.
The ceremony commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by renditions of the Australian national anthem and a Tamil song. Mrs. Shanthi Chandrakumar compared
the event.
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Professor Nithi Kanagaratnam, affectionately known as the "Father of Pop Music" in the Tamil community, in recognition of his over six decades of service to Tamil music.
The event opened with a traditional mridangam performance by young artist Abidharani Chandran, a rising star in Melbourne’s Tamil community.
Awards for excellence were presented to Tamil students from Victoria Tamil Association schools and Bharathi Tamil School by the Society's Treasurer Mrs. Sivamalar Sabesan,
Executive Committee members Mr. Manian Sankaran, and Prof. Sri Gauri Sankar. On behalf of the award recipients, Mr. Saaisaran Parthiban delivered a heartfelt speechs of
thanks.
A special honour was also bestowed upon veteran educator Mr. Murugesu Paramanathan by Society Patron and writer Mr V. S. Gananathan, recognising his longstanding contribution
to Tamil education in Victoria.
In a keynote speech titled, “The Many Facets of Nithi Kanagaratnam," Society Deputy Secretary and writer Mr. Noyal Nadesan traced Mr. Kanagaratnam’s journey in Tamil pop
music from his early days in Jaffna, noting” “Even as schoolchildren, we knew of Nithi’s songs in Jaffna. Generations have grown up
listening to his music. His legacy is truly remarkable.”
Dr. (Mrs.) Shyamala Nadesan introduced and discussed Nithi Kanagaratnam’s recently published book on traditional Tamil cuisine, “Ideas for Traditional Tamil Foods”, urging the community to embrace healthy eating habits and recommending that the book be translated into English for wider reach.
Following these tributes, Mr. Murugaboopathy, Secretary of the Society, ceremonially honoured Professor Kanagaratnam with a shawl, while President Mr. Christy Nallaratnam
presented the official commendation award.
An appreciation letter written by Society senior member and writer Paadum Meen S. Srikantharajah was also read out during the event.
The celebration concluded with Prof. Kanagaratnam’s remarks and a performance of selected songs. Notably, the event coincided with the wedding anniversary of Prof.
Kanagaratnam and his wife. As a heartfelt gesture, he honoured his wife with a shawl during the ceremony.
Former Society President and writer Mrs. Sakunthala Gananathan also presented a bouquet to Mrs. Kanagaratnam, offering her congratulations.
-Supplied.
