Organising Team 2024

Our team is a dynamic group of experienced individuals who have come together to volunteer and make a difference. United by a shared passion for traditional folk arts and culture, we are dedicated to promoting and preserving our rich heritage. Each member brings unique skills and enthusiasm to our mission, ensuring that our cultural legacy continues to thrive.

Maria Bhavani Dass

Project Advisor

Bhavani Dass is the General Manager of the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) – a Heritage Institution of the National Heritage Board. She leads her team to develop IHC into a leading heritage institution and a focal point for the diverse Indian community in Singapore. Prior to this, she was an educator for 20 years – a Tamil Language Teacher and Head of Department for ICT and thereafter as Assistant Director at the Mother Tongue Languages Branch at MOE. She was previously the Head Secretariat of Tamil Language Learning and Promotion Committee...

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Karthikeyan Somasundaram

Creative Director

Karthikeyan Somasundaram  is an actor, host, playwright, theatre practitioner, director and screenwriter. He has directed compelling plays like Pachae Bungalaa Rettae Kolaedaa in 2024 which is nominated for Best Director, Best Set Design and Best Ensemble in Life Theatre Awards 2024. His other endeavors include the directorial and acting roles in the bioplay Re Somma, critically acclaimed Vilangkuppannai (Animal Farm), and Adukku Veettu Annasamy 2, showcased as part of Esplanade's Raga 2016...

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Logeshwari Durairaj

Festival Manager

Logeshwari Durairaj's (Eshwari) dance journey started at the age of 10 with Bharathanatyam under the guidance of Guru Dr. Sree Ajith Baskaran Dass, she has dedicated 25 years to mastering this classical art form and continues to learn. She delved into Indian folk arts with the late Anandha Kannan, expanding her rpertoire to include Karagam, Oyil, Parai, Kummi, Saataikutchi, and more. Her thirst for knowledge led her to India, where she immersed herself in various art forms such as Devarattam, Therukoothu, Thudumbu, and Silambam...

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Subbu Adaikalavan

Festival Manager

Subbu is an accomplished IT professional with a background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Nanyang Technological University. Subbu was President of the Nanyang Technological University Tamil Literary Society, where he spearheaded impactful initiatives, including Pongattum Aanandham, a collaborative festival celebrating Tamil culture, and Tamil+AI, an innovative program integrating Tamil language into artificial intelligence. He directed Uthraa 2018, a notable stage production, and led a community involvement project aiding saree...

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Sreedevy

Dance Coordinator

Sreedevy, a recipient of LISHA’s 50 Most Inspiring Ladies Award, is a well-known dancer and choreographer in Singapore. Trained in Bharathanatyam at the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society, she is one of the founding members of Omkar Arts which started in 1987. She has performed extensively on TV, and in various arts and dance festivals and stage performances in Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Australia. She is involved in choreography work at various schools, the Esplanade and the Tamil media in Singapore and is a highly...

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Akshara Thiru

Percussion Coordinator

Akshara Thiru is an Indian and Afro-Brazilian percussionist, singer-songwriter and educator. He is a trained Parai artist and exponent of the Parai. He was trained by Chennai Manimaran Magizhini and Madurai Velu Aasan and continues to devote his energy into Parai’s study and empowerment. His love for Indian drumming is expressed through his ability to play various North and South Indian percussions. He is also currently pursuing his mridangam studies under the tutelage of Tripunithura Sreekanth.  His time performing with Brazilian drumming...

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Paul Jacob

Music Composer

Paul Jacob is one of Chennai’s finest musicians to have travelled the world. Having started out early playing bass guitar with the school band from the age of 12, Paul went on to be a part of several rock bands finally ending up with the amazing “Nemesis Avenue” which featured now Oscar winning keyboard whiz A. R. Rahman. Paul furthered his musical journey composing music for advertising while simultaneously studying Carnatic classical music under Grammy Award winner Shri. Vikku Vinayakram and Shri. Ravikiran...

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Na Mammathu

Researcher

Mammathu is a well-known musicologist, not only in India, but also all over the world. He is a distinguished figure in the realm of Indian music. Serving as Director and Head of the Department of Indian Music at MMFSA, Madurai since 2016, he is also the Principal Investigator Cum Organizer at the Tamil Music Research Centre, Thyagaraja Arts & Science College, Madurai. With a prolific career, Mr Mammathu has authored over 12 books in Tamil music and culture. Some of which include, Tamilisai Thazhirgal (2007), Thollisai Suvadugal (2016)...

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Kalaimamani Ilangovan

Choreographer

Kalaimamani M Ilangovan is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse educational background, including M.Com, MBA, PGDHRM, and M.Phil. He serves as the Secretary and Director of Kavin Kalai Kuzhu, showcasing exemplary dedication to the cultural domain. His expertise spans various forms of folk dances such as Karagattam, Kavadiyattam, Mayilattam, and more, along with proficiency in classical dances, fine arts, and performing arts...

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Japhire Gopi Kannan

Executive Producer

Japhire Gopi Kannan is the Founder of Anandha Traditional Arts & Music Ltd (ATAM), that aims to promote, protect and preserve Traditional folk arts. Inspired by his father CPT (RET) M Govindaraju and his late brother, Anandha Kannan, he has entered the arts and heritage realm and has accomplished a couple of noteworthy productions such as AK50 (2023), a groundbreaking musical with over 100 artists. He is also the Executive Producer of Anandha Koothu, the first Tamil webisode series for Pre-schoolers in Singapore, a project endorsed by LKYFB...

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Lionel

Production Team

Lionell Heeran is a visionary Business Development Manager and social media marketer with nearly a decade of experience in events management. His unwavering passion for Indian traditional arts fuels his commitment to supporting cultural groups and raising awareness of these timeless art forms. As a skilled musician he plays the parai and thudumbu, Heeran captivates audiences and, as an instructor, has empowered countless young individuals to embrace and excel in these traditional instruments...

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M Bhagavathi

Production Team

M. Bhagavathi is an accomplished professional with a robust background in customer service, administration, and animal care. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational abilities in her roles at Adidas, Sephora, GlaxoSmithKline, SingHealth, and the Health Promotion Board. Her meticulous approach to administrative tasks and her commitment to maintaining high standards in both retail and healthcare environments underscore her dedication to excellence...

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Raj Kumar

Production Team

Hello, my name is Rajkumar Thanapalan. I am a lecturer with a rich background in marketing and media spanning over a decade. Throughout my career, I have cultivated a deep passion for the arts and culture scene.

My professional journey in the media has not only equipped me with a robust understanding of the industry but has also enriched my perspective on the interplay between media, marketing, and the arts...

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Wai Wai

Production Team

Anandhi Wai is a commercial insurance specialist with a decade of experience in the industry. She handles a diverse range of client profiles, manages claims, and executes various roles with expertise. Her endeavors in the insurance world are limitless, and she is eagerly exploring many untouched areas of financial risk transfer. Beyond her professional life, she is deeply involved in promoting the Tamil language and fostering educational, social, and cultural activities within the community...

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Yuggesh Kumar

Production Team

Yuggesh Kumar, or Yugi, is one of our newest members and is involved in the publicity department.

Having recently completed his diploma in Mass Communication, he has been working in the media for around five years, doing various roles in various sectors.

From his childhood till now, he has been nurturing...

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Nanthinee

Production Team

Nanthinee Shree, a marketing executive in the broadcast industry, specialises in local narratives and cultural representation. Recipient of the SG:Digital Scholarship for Film by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore, her profound passion for cinema propelled her into significant roles. She served as Festival Director at Perspectives Film Festival 2020 and participated in the Singapore International Film Festival’s Youth Critics & Jury Programme 2021. Driven by a desire to contribute to the local arts community, she aims to make lasting...

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Meyyammai

SINDA Youth Volunteers

Meyyammai is a dedicated student at Republic Polytechnic, pursuing a diploma in Customer Experience Management with Business. She actively participated in the Sinda Youth Leadership Seminar 2023 and now serves on the organising committee for the 2024 seminar, contributing under the Programmes Team. Meyyammai has engaged in various community service activities, including door-knocking exercises and volunteering as a member of the Sinda Youth Club, notably in events like The Pongal Elderly Engagement...

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Aathithyan Thiagarajan

SINDA Youth Volunteers

Aathithyan Thiagarajan is a dedicated and compassionate professional committed to community service. With two years of experience as a Youth Ambassador and Peer Leader at SINDA, he has honed his leadership and communication skills while making a meaningful impact. Additionally, as a Youth Leader for ITE students, he actively works to improve the ITE community, fostering growth and unity. Aathithyan's contributions have been recognized through appearances on multiple media platforms such as Tamil Murasu and Vasantham...

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Nisha

SINDA Youth Volunteers

Nisha has been dedicated to volunteering since 2017, demonstrating a strong commitment to community service and leadership. She participated in an overseas volunteering event at an orphanage in Batam, Indonesia, enhancing the lives of children through care and education.

From 2019 to 2023, Nisha served as a Grassroots Leader for Yio Chu Kang, organizing community activities and fostering youth...

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Anumitha  Murugapandian

SINDA Youth Volunteers

Anumitha Murugapandian is an Electronics and Computer Engineering student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, combining her technical education with a keen interest in motorsports journalism. Demonstrating strong leadership skills, she has facilitated the Singapore Indian Development Association’s (SINDA) Youth Leaders Seminar (SYLS) and was on the organizing committee for the SINDA Youth Empowerment Camp (SYEC). Known for her bubbly and friendly personality, Anumitha excels in media coverage roles and possesses extensive volunteering experience...

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