“Days and organizations are established to preserve and pass on to future generations what risks being lost or forgotten over time. I see the Nallur Saiva Tamil Cultural Arts Association in this light—an organization that is both timely and essential. It has been founded and is being led by the right people, in the right place,” said the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, Mr. N. Vethanayahan, in praise of the initiative.
The prize distribution ceremony and annual function of the Nallur Saiva Tamil Cultural Arts Association took place this morning, Saturday (23.08.2025), at the Nallai Thirugnana Sampanthar Aatheenam. The event was held under the chairmanship of the Association’s Co-Chairman and former Chief Secretary, Mr. L. Ilangovan.
As part of the celebrations, students of the Cultural Arts Association performed traditional Pannisai and Kolattam. Prizes were awarded to the winners of an essay competition conducted among students from schools in the Jaffna and Valikamam Education Zones.The event also marked the release of Dr. Thirunavukarasu Kamalanathan’s book, ‘Pozillum Polivum’. In addition, the Kaalai Kathir newspaper was honored with the prestigious ‘Selvazhi Nayanam Award’.
Delivering the blessing speech at the event, Dr. Aru. Thirumurugan noted that the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple festival had concluded successfully. However, he expressed concern over recent obstacles faced in acquiring sand for the temple premises. He stated that some individuals had prevented the procurement of sand, and that the local Pradeshiya Sabha has passed a resolution not to provide sand for the temple in the future.
“It is disheartening that a Tamil Pradeshiya Sabha has made the decision to withhold sand from Nallur,” he said, calling the act inauspicious. He concluded with confidence, stating, “Nallur will take care of everything.”
In his speech, the Hon. Governor stated that not only is public engagement with spirituality declining, but the value placed on spirituality has also diminished. He emphasized that spirituality is essential to a meaningful life. In this context, he commended the Nallur Saiva Tamil Cultural Center for its dedicated work over the past five years, particularly for involving and encouraging young children in cultural and spiritual practices.
Referring to the remarks made by Dr. Aru. Thirumurugan, the Governor expressed regret over recent decisions regarding the denial of sand for the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple. He described these decisions as unfortunate and emphasized that the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple is not only a sacred site but also a globally recognized symbol of Jaffna. “It is because of Nallur that we take pride in being born in the soil of Jaffna,” he said.
The Governor further noted that both Saiva traditions and Tamil identity are facing internal and external pressures from various quarters. In this context, he affirmed that organizations like the Nallur Saiva Tamil Cultural Center are essential, as they play a vital role in preserving and protecting Saiva and Tamil heritage in these challenging times.
Jaffna Divisional Secretary S. Sutharsan and Pallai Divisional Secretary R.T. Jayaseelan also participated in the event.
