JEDDAH — Tamil actor/director Desingu T. Rajendar, in his inimitable style, carried the Tamil day at the India Forum celebrations on Thursday. The two-weeklong event organized under the aegis of Consulate General of India, Jeddah at the International Indian School Auditorium, provided a glimpse of South Indian culture, highlighting the diversity amid similarity among the different cultures of the southern India. Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai was the chief guest, and in his address expressed his appreciation of the uniqueness of the events presented by the Tamil community, while lauding the dedicated approach of the community toward organizing any event. “The Tamil community's uniqueness and professional organizing talent is commendable,” he said. He appreciated the Tamils contribution to the nation, and the event presented jelled with the theme of the function “India in development path”. The diplomat said, “All was in sync.” Rajendar had the audience in his palm with this variety performance that included insightful address, interspersed with jokes, and an on spot mimicry with a display of one-man orchestra while delivering the sound effects with his mouth. He called on the community to contribute with dedication and that in the end would be rewarding. “When I think of my early days, lived in poverty, I feel blessed today that I enjoy this stature…but I overcame those difficult times only with my faith in God and hard work. That's what you should also do put your faith in God and work hard to fulfill your aims and in the process would contribute to the development of the nation.” He stressed on the importance of parents taking interest in rearing their children with discipline. “I brought up my child with care and today I'm enjoy the fruit of my labor. He stressed the importance of allowing them the freedom to choose — be it personal or a career. But always be there to shape them,” he said. The other special guest from Tamil Nadu, Iniyavan, a leading Tamil Pattimandram (debater/moderator) speaker, gave an address that was laced with humor. Iniyavan, a TV personality, praised Rajendar for his ability to sway people with this incisive talk, while also lauded the community for their contribution in nation-building. “I'm blessed to be here,” he said while continuing to entertain the audience with jokes and asides. The function started with Qirat from the Qur'an followed by national anthems. The welcome addresses by Ganesh and Veda highlighted the community's contribution prior to the variety cultural program that saw children and adult members' perform the intrinsic cultural beats of Tamil Nadu. Bharata natyam and folk dances, songs, and dramas wowed the crowd. The packed audience stayed well past midnight to enjoy the fare on offer. The Kuravan and Kurathi dance (a tribal dance of the forest people) and the imaginative light dance (performed in total darkness) caught the eye. The dancers had wired themselves up with lights and the resultant robotic movements were just stupendous. The Tamil community members felicitated the special guests. Nurul Ameen and Mohideen gave the vote of thanks.
