FeTNA (Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America) is a non-profit organization started with a vision, to establish a centralized organization comprised of elected representatives of Tamil associations in North America and of individuals living in North America who have contributed to the objectives of the Federation. It strives to cultivate, promote, foster, and develop the advancement of knowledge in Tamil language, literature and culture.
The 34th annual convention of FeTNA was held online this November 2021 (19,20 and 21) as it was decided not to host it in person to prevent any Covid related issues. Eminent scholars in their respective field of work were invited, which includes, TamilNadu Finance Minister Mr.Palanivel Thiyagarajan, Mr.Thangam Thennarasu-Minister for Department of Industries, Mr.Udhayachandran IAS, Ms.Aishwarya Rajesh-Actor, Mr.Gnanavel -Director of Jai Bhim Film, Mr.Sean Roldan-Music Director, Mr.Paarthiban-Actor, Mr.Raja Manickam-CEO TATA OSAT, Music performance by the Playback Singers Senthildass, Sathyanmahalingam, Surmukhi and Anitha, Dr.G Vishwanathan-Founder & Chancellor of VIT to name a few.
Senthilkumar Amirtharaj AKA, “SenArt Senthil” from New Jersey, USA was felicitated for his interesting creative work in composing (re-composing) the Tamil Nadu State song “Tamizh Thaai Vaazhthu”. The song which starts with the phrase “Neeraarum kadaludutha” was written by “Manonmaniyam sundaranaar” and was originally composed by the legendary Music Director Mr. M.S.Viswanathan .Generally official functions of the Government of Tamil Nadu (even non-government functions) start with this song and end with the “Indian National Anthem”. The song is sung daily in schools all over Tamil Nadu during the assembly in the morning.
Peravai’s (FeTNA) current President Mr.Caldwell VelNambi, Ms.Bamiela Venkat (Director-FeTNA) along with the Team-FeTNA, felicitated “SenArt Senthil” and his team for a commendable work on the song. The highlight here is in getting the Indian-American kids to sing the song, with their melting voices, in the right pronunciation of the language. We notice a squawk of a peacock in the very beginning of the song, which we think that might be to highlight its importance of it being the national bird of India.
When asked about the composition “SenArt Senthil” shared the details which he focused on when creating this song. He said, his composition of the song begins with the flavor of the Carnatic raaga “Shankarabharanam” and then went on to “Kalyaani”. “Shankarabharanam” is a mellifluous and smooth Raaga, suitable for a melodious, but still laid-back majestic presentation. Hence the song gives us a breezy feel to sing and to listen, also sounds majestic as the patriotic songs usually are.
An interesting point to be noted here is, the excellent work on audio engineering by Srihari Arthi Senthilkumar(Srihari SenArt) who is a student in Edison High School, New Jersey, USA.
In addition to the “Tamizh Thaai vaazhthu”, he along with his team has set the lyrics and composed a theme song for the 34th year FeTNA convention, ”Thamizhaa vizhi,Thamizhe Vazhi”.
“SenArt Senthil” who is a software professional, driven by his passion, diligently delivers anything that is required on music with enthusiasm.
Credits for the re-composed “Thamizh Thaai Vaazhthu”
Initiated and Supported by— Mr.Caldwell Velnambi (President of FeTNA)
Co-ordination — Ms.Bamiela Venkat (Director FeTNA)
Music Composer – Mr.SenArt Senthil (SenArt Music)
Arrangements and Drums – Mr.Gersan (Golden Studios)
Audio Engineer – Master Srihari Arthi Senthilkumar (Srihari SenArt)
Editing – Ms.Arthi Govindan
Sax & Flute – Mr.Mu Jegan
Tabla – Mr.Navin
Singer’s name in the order of appearance:
- Ajeesh Nathan 2. Sunthriwi Venkat 3. Prarthana Kanagaraj
- Srihari Arthi Senthilkumar 5. Lakshana Srihari 6. Parinitha Balaji
- Akshitha Jagadeesan 8. Krithik Saravanan
Reference for “Thamizh Thaai Vaazhthu” Song:
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CHyhrLhPJo
Reference for Felicitation:
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPNXdZLp2xs
