Julie Owens (Parramatta, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Kamban Vizha, the Kamban Tamil literary festival, which was held virtually from 29 to 31 October. I want to congratulate Kamban Kazhagam on staging this virtual celebration of one of the oldest languages in the world in a tough pandemic year, when so many other important cultural festivals have been cancelled. In particular, thanks to founder and chairman Jeiram Jegathesan, president Mr Shanjievan Gunaratnam and vice-president Ms Poorvaja Nirmaleswara Kurukka. Thanks so much for your dedication to the development of the three components of Tamil literature, in prose and verse, music and drama, through classes, workshops, competitions and events, including this fantastic festival. Thousands of people have attended over the years, to celebrate Tamil language and culture, including the works of the organisation's namesake, the legendary Tamil poet Kambar, author of the epic Ramavataram, also known as Kamba Ramayanam. I once again congratulate Kamban Kazhagam Australia on this significant milestone and on putting together such an extraordinary program of speeches, debates and performances. I have enjoyed them over the years. You do a great job.