The New England Tamil Sangam celebrated Chithirai Vizhaa 2010 (Tamil New Year) on Saturday, 1 May 2010 at Keefe Technical School Auditorium, Framingham, MA. Key highlights of the program were a humorous and informal debate, and light music. Prof. R. Subrahmonia Ayyar (Retd. Dean of Academic Programs, IIT Mumbai; visiting faculty, MIT and Tufts) graciously honored the occasion as Chief Guest.

The program started with a Tamil Prayer Song (Tamil Thaai Vazhthu) followed by the welcome speech, presented by Mrs. Vidhya Kalyanaraman, President of the New England Tamil Sangam.

The first event was the lively debate (“Pattimandram”) with the topic ‘Who changes more after marriage - Man or Woman?’ Selvanayaki Mayilsamy compered the event and served as judge as well. Srinivasan Krishnamoorthy (team lead), Aarthi Krishnakumar, Latha Krishnaswamy, Premalatha Murali and Kasthuri Gopalaratnam argued in favor of the woman going through more changes. Annamalai Velmurugan (team lead), Saravanan Chidambaram, Krishnakumar Velmurugan, Bamiela Venkat and Radha Narayanan took the opposite stance, i.e. the man experiencing more changes. Selvanayaki framed this lively discussion with an awesome introductory speech, and introduced the participants. There were many displays of quick wit and repartee throughout the debate, and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the show. The result was in favor of,“Woman”.

The second event was the light music program, "Ninaithaale Inikkum (Sweet memories)" performed by a small group of talented local performers. These singers presented an enchanting collection of light music ranging from old favorites to popular new hits. The program started with Marghazi Poove from the movie May Maadham which was melodiously sung by Uma and Priya, with Padma and Srilakshmi providing chorus. Krishnakumar’s vocal stood out with Chinna mani kuyile from Amman Koil Kizhakala. Thathiththom from Azhagan by Priya and Chinna Chinna aasai from the movie Roja by Srilakshmi showcased these singers’ amazing voice range. Srilakshmi wowed the audience with a special performance of dancing while singing. Kangal Irandal from Subramaniyapuram was the perfect song for the couple Uma and Sankar. The audience began clapping and dancing for Padma’s Oh podu from the movie Gemini. Two beautiful girls Kavya Balaji and Janani Baskaran danced for Padma’s song. We could picture Rajinikanth and Sathyaraj in Krishnakumar and Sankar when they sang Ennama kannu from the movie Mr. Bharath. The other featured songs were Katril Varum from Oru Naal Oru Kanavu sung by Sankar, Uma and Priya, Pacha malai poovu from Kizhakkuvasal  by Sankar, Meow meow poona from Kandasamy by Srilakshmi and Krishnakumar, Oh magazeeya from Tamil Padam by Priya and Sankar, Unnakul naane from Pachai Kili Muthucharam by Uma, Karupputhan Enaku Pidicha from Vetri Kodi Kattu by Priya, Dolu Dolu Than  from Pokiri by Uma and Sankar, Illamai Idho Idho from Sagalakala Vallavan  by Krishnakumar with chorus by Priya, Uma, Padma, Srilakshmi; and Chillava from En Swasa Kaatre by the whole troop. 

Malar Senthil and Aparna Krishnamurthy did the honors as emcees for the program. Mr. Raj Velmurugan ended this delightful event with a nice and crisp thank you note.

Following the live entertainment, a sumptuous dinner was served. 
Overall, Chithirai Vizhaa 2010 turned out to be a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable treat for the local community. Kudos to all New England Tamil Sangam volunteers for making this happen!

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