Bharathi Vizha 2022
The Bharathi Vizha was a week-long festival that began on September 3rd at Bharathiyar Palkalai Koodam, Puducherry, featuring a variety of activities designed to honor Bharathiyar’s legacy. The grand finale, however, was a spectacular culmination, bringing together literary enthusiasts, cultural icons, and political dignitaries to pay homage to the poet’s enduring spirit and vision.
On September 11, 2022, the vibrant cultural city of Puducherry witnessed the grand finale of Bharathi Vizha 2022 at the serene RKN Beach Resort. Organized by the XuFancheng Culture Study Center in collaboration with various esteemed organizations, this event was a fitting tribute to Mahakavi Subramania Bharathiyar, celebrating his unparalleled contributions to Tamil literature, culture, and society.
A Warm Welcome to Our Distinguished Guests
The event was graced by the presence of several eminent guests, whose contributions to art, culture, and governance were acknowledged and celebrated. Here is a look at the minute-by-minute details of the event:
16:00 PM – Registration:
Attendees began arriving, their excitement palpable as they registered for the grand finale of Bharathi Vizha 2022.
16:30 PM – Welcoming the Chief Guests:
The Chief Guests were warmly welcomed, and the audience registrations continued. The air was filled with anticipation and enthusiasm.
17:00 PM – National Anthem:
The event officially commenced with the Indian National Anthem, uniting everyone in a moment of pride and national spirit.
17:05 PM – Tamizh Thai Vazthu:
The “Tamizh Thai Vazthu,” an invocation to the Tamil Mother, set a culturally rich tone for the evening, highlighting the deep reverence for Tamil heritage.
Opening Remarks and Speeches
17:10 PM – Introduction to Chief Guests and Bharathi Vizha 2022 by Mrs. Radha Srinivasagopalan:
Mrs. Radha Srinivasagopalan introduced the esteemed Chief Guests and provided an overview of Bharathi Vizha 2022, highlighting its significance in promoting Tamil culture and Bharathiyar’s legacy.
17:15 PM – Welcome Speech by Dr. Gopal Jayaraman (IGNCA Regional Director):
Dr. Gopal Jayaraman delivered a heartfelt welcome speech, praising the collaborative efforts of all involved in organizing the event and emphasizing the timeless relevance of Bharathiyar’s works.
17:20 PM – Speech by Thiru. Annibal Kennedy, MLA, Oupalam, Puducherry:
Thiru. Annibal Kennedy spoke passionately about Bharathiyar’s impact on Tamil Nadu’s cultural landscape, highlighting the poet’s vision for a free and progressive India.
17:25 PM – Speech by Thiru. R. Baskar @ Dakshanamourtty, MLA, Ariyankuppam:
Thiru. R. Baskar shared insights into Bharathiyar’s revolutionary ideas and their influence on modern society, urging everyone to carry forward his ideals of equality and justice.
17:30 PM – Speech by Hon. Smt. Chandira Priyanga, Minister of Art and Culture, Puducherry:
Hon. Smt. Chandira Priyanga celebrated the artistic brilliance of Bharathiyar, highlighting the festival’s role in preserving and promoting Puducherry’s rich cultural heritage.
17:35 PM – Speech by Hon. Thiru. K. Lakshminarayanan, Minister of Tourism, Puducherry:
Hon. Thiru. K. Lakshminarayanan emphasized the synergy between tourism and culture, acknowledging Bharathi Vizha’s role in showcasing Puducherry’s artistic vibrancy.
17:40 PM – Keynote Speech by Hon. Thiru. N. Rangasamy, Chief Minister of Puducherry:
Hon. Thiru. N. Rangasamy delivered an inspiring keynote speech, reflecting on Bharathiyar’s unwavering spirit and his vision for a united and progressive society.
17:50 PM – Keynote Speech by Hon. Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Lt. Governor of Puducherry:
The Lt. Governor, Hon. Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, captivated the audience with her eloquent speech, emphasizing Bharathiyar’s timeless vision of harmony and inclusivity.
Cultural Extravaganza
18:00 PM – Musical Theatrical Drama on Mahakavi Bharathiyar:
The highlight of the evening was a mesmerizing musical theatrical drama on Mahakavi Bharathiyar, performed by talented cultural artists from Mumbai and Puducherry. The drama beautifully captured the essence of Bharathiyar’s revolutionary poetry and indomitable spirit, leaving the audience spellbound.
Recognition and Gratitude
20:00 PM – Prize Distribution:
The prize distribution ceremony celebrated the winners of various competitions held during the week, acknowledging their talent and dedication to preserving Bharathiyar’s legacy.
20:40 PM – Vote of Thanks:
A heartfelt vote of thanks was delivered, expressing gratitude to all participants, organizers, and supporters who contributed to the success of Bharathi Vizha 2022.
20:50 PM – National Anthem:
The event concluded with the Indian National Anthem, marking the end of a remarkable evening that celebrated the cultural richness and literary brilliance of Mahakavi Bharathiyar.
Honoring Our Esteemed Guests and Contributors
Chief Guests of the Grand Event:
- Hon. Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Lt. Governor of Puducherry
- Hon. Thiru. N. Rangasamy, Chief Minister of Puducherry
- Hon. Thiru. K. Lakshminarayanan, Minister of Tourism, Puducherry
- Hon. Smt. Chandira Priyanga, Minister of Art and Culture, Puducherry
- Thiru. Annibal Kennedy, MLA, Oupalam, Puducherry
- Thiru. R. Baskar @ Dakshanamourtty, MLA, Ariyankuppam
- Shri Kesavan, I.A.S, Secretary DP&AR, Vigilance, Town and Country Planning, and Home
- Shri A. Nedunchezhiyan, I.A.S., Secretary to Government (Art & Culture)
- Shri Dr. T. Arun, I.A.S., Tourism Secretary, Govt. of Puducherry
- Dr. Gopal Jayaraman, Regional Director, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Puducherry
- Dr. P. V. Bose, Principal, Bharathiyar Palkalai Koodam, Puducherry
- Dr. Shreevarma, Founder and Chairman, Shreevarma Ayurveda
- Dr. VidyaA Ramkumar, Chairperson Dowry Prohibition Advisory Board, Govt. of Puducherry
Special Honorary Guests:
- Shri KRV Ganesan, Proprietor, Aswins Home Special
- Shri Satish Kumar, President, Rotary Club French City
- Smt. Lalithambigai, President, Rotary Club Eves
- Shri Srinivasan, Secretary, Rotary Club French City
- Shri Arumugam Rajesh, Director, Sangaranarayanane & Co
- Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, Aurobharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry
- Shri Arul, Senior Architect, INTACH, Pondicherry
Reflecting on the Week-Long Celebration
Inauguration:
The Bharathi Vizha commenced on September 3rd at Bharathiyar Palkalai Koodam, College, Puducherry, with an inspiring inauguration led by Hon. Thiru. K. Lakshminarayanan, Minister of Tourism, Puducherry, and Hon. Smt. Chandira Priyanga, Minister of Art and Culture, Puducherry.
Competitions:
XuFancheng Culture Study Center and Bharathiyar Palkalai Koodam, College, organized a series of competitions from September 3rd to 6th, featuring singing, poetry recitation, painting, and dancing with the theme “Mahakavi Bharathiyar.”
Community Initiatives:
- September 6th: XuFancheng Culture Study Center, in collaboration with the Rotary Club French City, organized a badge, uniform, and certificate distribution event at Govt. Primary School, Muthialpet.
- September 7th: A free medical camp and distribution of raincoats for Swachh Bharat community workers in Pondicherry was conducted by XuFancheng Culture Study Center and the Rotary Club French City.
- September 8th: A poetry recitation and cultural event on Mahakavi Bharathiyar was held at Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry, organized by XuFancheng Culture Study Center and Aurobharati.
- September 9th: A talk on Women’s Empowerment was organized by XuFancheng Culture Study Center in collaboration with Pondicherry arts college College.
Celebrating the Spirit of Bharathiyar
The grand finale of Bharathi Vizha 2022 was a celebration of the spirit, courage, and vision of Mahakavi Bharathiyar. The event showcased the profound impact of Bharathiyar’s works on Tamil culture and society, inspiring future generations to embrace his ideals of freedom, equality, and unity.
