The “Kalai Thoothu Award Ceremony”, organized by the Thirumarai Kala Manram – Centre for Performing Arts, Canada, was held with great enthusiasm on October 26, at the Jecy Banquet Hall in Scarborough, Toronto.
The event was led by Mr. Jasikaran Emmanuel, President of the Canadian regional centre, under the guidance of Mr. Elias Arulanandthm, Director of Thirumarai Kala Manrams in Canada. The celebration marked two significant milestones: the 60th anniversary of the founding of the parent Thirumarai Kala Manram in Jaffna and the 35th anniversary of its establishment in Canada.
The event featured a series of felicitation speeches, artistic performances, and award presentations honoring excellence in arts and community service. Rev. Fr. Amuthujoseph Chandrakantan, Professor at the University of Toronto, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Rev. Fr. Benard received the Human Rights Activist Award. Sivasri Panchadchara Vijayakumara Kurukkal was recognized for spiritual service. Awards for outstanding contributions in the arts were presented to Mr. Rishi Sriskanthan for music, Mrs. Kirupanithi Rathineswaran for dance, and Mr. Ramaneekaran Shanmuganathan for folk drama. The ceremony also honored Mr. Siva Panchalingam for social service and Mr. Christian Emmanuel for his contributions to the growth of the Centre. In addition, தமிழர் தகவல் சஞ்சிகை, one of Canada’s oldest Tamil media outlets, received the Media Excellence Award.
Held in memory of the late Rev. Fr. N. Maria Xavier, founder of the Thirumarai Kala Manram, the ceremony was attended by religious leaders, members of the Centre for Performing Arts, and the Tamil community, making the event a memorable celebration of art, culture, and service.
