Kalaivizha proceedings of the Boston Thamil Association are usually plentiful with rich entertainment bedecked with dazzling dances and delightful events. But the one staged by the organizers on the 25th July at the Merrimack College Auditorium was a sharp contrast and they had every reason to term it as “Em Thamizhar Thuyarathinam” (our mournful day) on account of the civil war which erupted in their mother land, Sri Lanka. In order to condole their deceased brothern in the war and to express their unified solidarity for the war victims, the entire events were dedicated to this noble cause.

Their feelings of remorse were so prevalent that each item pointed to this poignant mood. Almost all the items emoted despair, desolateness, dedication, determination and delight (to a small extent that better days are ahead). However the over riding feeling was one of pathos-what a transition from the customary merry to the inflicted melancholy! This was also quite visibly seen in the program brochure which contained details within black captions.

On entry into the auditorium the audience was greeted with melodious songs in Tamil language expatiating on its rich heritage and greatness. The program got into the stride with the traditional ‘Tamil thaai vaazhththu’, as the invocation, to begin a sober atmosphere. The first item itself rolled out as a ‘call in attention’ number titled “Pookkal Erihinradhae”(flowers infurno). The participants reenacted the scene of unprecedented attack on the innocent boys in Sri Lanka to near-reality.

Next item ‘Manadhil Urudhi Vaendum’ was portrayed by the children giving a clarion call to the displaced people to gather with determination to work for the sovereignty of their homeland. They employed amicably poet Bharathiar’s theme song with the same title.

“Thai Mannukkum,Muruganukkum” was next in order. This dance program was done in two parts; the first part paid soul stirring homage to the motherland and to those killed in the war besides a portrayal of the special attractions in their native land. The second part was more of a folk dance in praise of Lord Muruga invoking His blessings to achieve the desired goal.

Following this, the President of the Association briefed the audience on the circumstances that led to mark the current performance as a pure dedication with a touching reference to the happenings in their homeland.

The beauty and splendor of the native villages of the parents were proudly presented by their children in the program “Thaai Naadu’. The long and cherished heritage was very well brought out inviting the listeners to have a glimpse of their past glory.

‘Bright future awaits us’ was the essence of the item that followed suit. This was intended for the imprisoned kids prompting them to a happy stage similar to the joyful Gopis in Gokulam.

The much-awaited and the mammoth presentation –“Meenakshi Varalaaru” was to adorn the stage next. The storyline is well-known. The divine child, Thadaathagai (as Meenaakshi was named at first) excelled in arts, valor and rule. She conquers many kingdoms until she meets Lord Shiva in Kailash. She gives up her valor and turns a typical Tamil bride in front of the Lord who eventually marries her. There was ample scope for entertainment and jubilation in the narration. But the entire gamete was so effectively controlled not to overdo any such sentiment. In fact, traditionally this program would be titled ‘Meenakshi Kalyaanam’. But in line with the theme of the kalaivizha, the term ‘varalaaru’(history) replaced ’kalyaanam’ (wedding). Even the marriage scene was described only in verbal commentary.

In spite of aligning with the theme, the portrayal of this presentation was of the highest order reliving the actual story. And in this, the multi-talented coordinator, Suresh Sivasithamparam, along with the cast of over 40 children and adults, deserve full-praise for their unstinted effort to launch this mythological production with great aesthetic and theatrical values.

“Geethanjali”, was presented next. In this orchestral program, the kids of the Association showcased their musical talent in Eastern and Western classical music.

“Martyrs are not buried but sown on earth to remerge”, so said a poet. The next item was in tune with this. The program began with an asserting song depicting the ‘current somber mood of the all Tamils” as a sequel to the unfortunate happenings, as well as a boost for their morale, the Oscar winning song “Jai Ho”, was performed and the participants reacted on the stage with resoluteness.

The program concluded with a somber program in letter and spirit entitled “Ruins”. This turned out to be a sum up of the previous presentations. It is quite apt here to quote the lines in the brochure, “As darkness surrounds and our people fall, our hearts pile-up with shattered dreams, untold stories, wounds that never heal, scars that stay for ever. When all else fails, the hope remains for a better day and happiness to come….. It is time to learn to live again.” We pray that it arrives soon!

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