Pongal celebrations held at New South Wales Parliament

A grand Pongal celebration, 9th consecutive festivity at the New South Wales Parliament, was organised by the Tamil Arts and Culture Association of Sydney on 13th of February 2025.After 'Tamil Thai Vaazththu' Indian and Australian National Anthems were broadcast.President of Tamil Arts and Culture Association Thiru Karnan Chithambhabarathy welcomed the dignitaries including Hon. Chris Minns, 47th Premier of New South Wales, Hon. Steve Kamper, Minister of Multiculturalism, Mr Mark Hodges MP, representing The Hon. Opposition Leader, Ms Donna Davis MP, event host, Hugh McDermott MP: State Member for Prospect , Julia Finn MP, Charishma Kaliyanda, Member for Liverpool, Warren Kirby MP, Mr Jason Li MP, Member for Strathfield, Mr. S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India, councillors representing various councils across NSW and community leaders.Pongal's special address highlighting its significance to the Tamil speaking community and broader Australia was delivered by Anakan Babu, Secretary of Tamil Arts and Culture Association.Colourful performances by various dance schools added flavour to the Celebration.To conclude the program, Vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs Sumathy Ravi, Joint Secretary of Tamil Arts and Culture Association.- Our Overseas Reporter Govind Raj