Cover photo: Governor Kemp presenting Tamil New Year proclamation to Atlanta Tamil Mandram office bearers.
Atlanta, GA, April 5, 2023: As the saying goes “The Beginning is the most important part of the work – Plato”, Atlanta Tamil Mandram (ATM) started its journey in the month of February 2023 and has garnered a lot of support in a very short time and is continuing to grow.
ATM members met with Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp to receive the proclamation recognizing April 14th, 2023, as Tamil New Year day in Georgia.
As per the GA state, “Proclamations are issued at the discretion of the governor as a courtesy to Georgia residents to recognize a day, week, or month for a cause of significant statewide interest. These documents are strictly honorary and are not legally binding.”
“This is indeed a great honor to all the Tamil natives living in the state of Georgia,” said a press release issued by ATM. Tamil is one of the longest surviving classical languages of India and Tamil literature is considered to be one of the greatest classical traditions and literature of the world. The earliest period of Tamil literature, Sangam literature, is dated from c. 300 BC until AD 300. Tamil is also spoken in many South Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
On March 29, 2023, a group of members comprising the ATM Founders, Executive Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Subcommittees and Youth volunteers assembled at the State Capitol, GA to meet the Governor. The friendly staff and security warmly welcomed the team.
Dr. Indran Indrakrishnan, support was pivotal in this process. Dr. Indrakrishnan is a nationally recognized Gastroenterologist and his passion for colon cancer awareness earned him recognition in the Georgia Senate and currently serves on the Georgia Board of Physicians Workforce, appointed by the Governor. Also, the Georgia house of representatives passed a unanimous resolution declaring January 14th as Thai Pongal Day in Georgia in 2018 because of Dr Indrakrishnan’s efforts. Thank you so much Dr. Indran.
The members had an opportunity to interact with the Honorable Governor Brian P. Kemp and distinguished First Lady Marty Kemp. ATM’s President Pavithra Natarajan and Founder Thangamani Paulchamy shared a few words with the Governor on the importance of Tamil New year and thanked him for honoring the day. The Governor and the First Lady handed over the signed proclamation to Thangamani Paulchamy and Pavithra Natarajan.
The lobby and the stairwell wore a festive look with men and women clad in traditional attires. The hue of colors adorned the already ornate State Capitol building. There is no better way to showcase our culture than the men wearing the Dhoti and Silk shirt and the women in silk sarees. It was a sight to watch, and the visitors were in awe!
This year, ATM celebrates Tamil New year on April 23rd as “Chithirai Thiruvizha”. Being ATM’s inaugural event cultural events and a special debate (Pattimandram by SUN TV Fame Mr. Raja and Mrs. Bharathi Baskar) is planned for the event. In addition to that, the guests will get to enjoy a sumptuous traditional feast served on plantain Leaf.
ATM, through the release, invited NRI Pulse readers to be part of this fun event and celebrate Tamizh Puthandu” (Tamil New Year) with the association.
More information can be found at www.atlantatamilmandram.org.
