Tamil Herald Australia

03/08/2025

A Coconut, a Counsellor, and $115,000 Later: The Triumphant Return of Laughing O’ Laughing

It began with a coconut.

Not a metaphorical one — a very real, very round coconut, held aloft by a temple committee locked in a heated debate over the safest, most spiritually sanctioned method of breaking it without causing divine offense or collateral damage.

This was the opening chaos of Laughing o’ Laughing, a Tamil stage comedy so perfectly pitched it might have been lifted straight from a suburban community WhatsApp group. But this wasn’t just another play. This was a resurrection.

After ten years away from the spotlight, Laughing o’ Laughing returned to Australian stages this year — sharper, louder, and more outrageously hilarious than ever. Audiences packed out two sold-out shows in Sydney, followed by full houses in Melbourne and Canberra, not just for the laughter but for the cause. By the time the final curtain fell, this riotous comedy had raised an astonishing $115,000 for the Sivan Arul Foundation, funding vital humanitarian work in the occupied Tamil homeland.

At the helm was the show’s creator and director, Dr. Jayasingham Jayamohan, who by day is a cancer specialist and clinical associate professor — and by night, a maestro of Tamil theatre. While most people spend their evenings winding down from a day of life-saving decisions, Dr. Jayamohan picks up a pen and sketches out scenes involving stubborn uncles, scammer-loving pensioners, and dangerously philosophical temple committees.

One standout sketch saw a recently retired Tamil uncle reinvent himself as a marriage counsellor, confident that years of enduring (and occasionally surviving) marital battles made him the perfect advisor. That is, until his first clients turn the session around.

Another scene featured a lonely elderly couple who cunningly trap cold-calling scammers in endless chatter, sending them on a wild, exhausting ride—turning the tables and outwitting the tricksters at their own game.

Continue reading in comments section…

03/08/2025

Tamil Community Leaders Meet Incoming Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka

Dr Manamohan of the NSW Consortium of Tamils and Mr Rajeevan Arumugam of the Australian Tamil Congress recently met with Mr Matthew Duckworth, Australia’s High Commissioner‑designate to Sri Lanka. The meeting was an introductory engagement, held prior to his formal arrival in Colombo.

In their discussion, Tamil community representatives outlined key expectations for Darckworth’s tenure: a stronger Australian stance at the September 2025 session of the UN Human Rights Council; consideration of Magnitsky-style sanctions against identified Sri Lankan war criminals; and the importance of fact-finding missions in Tamil-majority areas—including visits to sites like the Chemmani mass grave. They emphasised that reconciliation must be underpinned by accountability and truth-telling, and urged Australia to provide targeted humanitarian and development assistance to communities most affected by the civil war. They also raised concerns about accurate representation of Sri Lanka’s realities in DFAT reporting and asked for protections—both physical and financial—for Tamil Australians investing or volunteering in Sri Lanka.

Mr Duckworth, a senior DFAT career officer, was officially appointed by Foreign Minister Penny Wong on 6 July 2025. He previously held roles as Assistant Secretary of the United States Trade Taskforce and Deputy Chief Negotiator for the Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement. He has served abroad in Indonesia and Cambodia.

Though he was not able to make formal commitments before assuming his post, Mr Duckworth welcomed further dialogue with Tamil Australian stakeholders and extended his willingness to assist diaspora members once based in Colombo.

This engagement marks a proactive effort by Tamil advocacy groups to ensure that Australia’s diplomatic relationship with Sri Lanka is grounded in human rights, accountability, and responsive support for affected communities.

31/07/2025

[SHOCKED]
13 June 2025
Naarm Club

📮 DM for a tag.

30/07/2025

The Casey Tamil Manram hosted a vibrant Aadi Pirappu Vizha last Saturday, drawing hundreds of community members to celebrate this traditional Tamil festival.

Aadi Pirappu marks the beginning of the Tamil month of Aadi, a time associated with prosperity, spirituality, and gratitude.

30/07/2025

Australian Senators Raise Chemmani Mass Graves in Parliament, Call for Justice and Accountability

Canberra, 30 July 2025 — Australian Senators have issued a powerful call in Parliament for justice and accountability following the recent revelations from the Chemmani mass graves in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, where forensic excavations have unearthed harrowing evidence of atrocities — including the remains of children, their schoolbags still beside them.

The discovery has shocked the international community, renewing urgent demands for an independent investigation into alleged war crimes committed during and after Sri Lanka’s civil war.

In Parliament, Senators referred to the Tamil community’s Joint Appeal letter dated 16 July 2025, and urged the Australian Government to take concrete action. Among their requests:

✅ Advocate for an internationally monitored forensic investigation into Chemmani and other mass graves in Sri Lanka;

✅ Support the extension and proper resourcing of the UN’s Sri Lanka Accountability Project (OSLAP);
Implement Magnitsky-style targeted sanctions against individuals credibly accused of war crimes and human rights violations;

✅ As an observer at the UN Human Rights Council, support resolutions referring Sri Lanka to the UN General Assembly and Security Council.

Senator David Shoebridge of the Australian Greens reaffirmed his party’s long-standing support for the Tamil community, stating: “The Tamil diaspora has done so much to build Australia and contribute to our society. We have a responsibility to stand with them and ensure that the calls for justice are heard and acted upon.”

Senator Shoebridge has also written formally to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, urging the Government to take these steps at the international level and to lead with moral clarity on issues of accountability and human rights.

“The Greens are committed to working with the Tamil community and civil society to pursue real justice — not just symbolic words,” Shoebridge added.

"Senator Fatima Payman also spoke movingly in Parliament, saying: “My heart is with the Tamil community as the Chemmani mass grave excavation brings to light yet more heartbreaking evidence of atrocity. The recovery of children’s skeletons, with schoolbags still beside them, is a devastating reminder that justice delayed is justice denied.”

“I stand in solidarity with all those calling for an independent, international investigation — the world cannot look away.”

The Chemmani mass graves, first publicly revealed in the late 1990s, have long stood as grim evidence of Sri Lanka’s unresolved legacy of war. Despite prior warnings and testimonies, serious international investigations have been sporadic or blocked. The recent discoveries have reopened painful wounds for survivors and renewed international scrutiny.

Australia’s Tamil community — one of the most vibrant and civically engaged diaspora groups — has long campaigned for international justice, and has welcomed the strong stance taken by Senators this week.

Whether Australia now pushes for real action at the international level may prove pivotal in efforts to end impunity and deliver long-overdue justice for the victims of Sri Lanka’s civil war."

29/07/2025

Climbed it. Conquered it. Now sharing the view.

At the next learn how to accelerate your corporate career from leaders who have made it.

Jacqui Paurini - Director of Talent & Culture, Accor
Leading the people strategy at one of Australia’s top hotel groups, Jacqui brings a unique perspective on organisational leadership, culture transformation and talent development.

Gagan Singh – Associate Director, Optus
With a career spanning top tech organisations, Gagan offers lessons in resilience, leadership and how to thrive in the fast-evolving world of enterprise technology.

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A trusted advisor in tax, accounting and advisory services, Raj will unpack financial trends, team leadership strategies and what it takes to succeed in professional services.

Reserve your tickets at shorturl.at/X727a

28/07/2025

A Standing Ovation: Miss G Speech and Drama Outstanding Performing Award 🎭 ⭐️ 🎤 🥇

On a Tuesday night in Week 9 of last term, the stage lights at the Cumberland Council Local Business Awards shone on one very deserving name — Ms G Speech & Drama, winner of the Outstanding Performing Arts award.

Among ten outstanding finalists, Pragaa Ganesh, founder and driving force behind the business, stepped onto the stage to accept the award with heartfelt humility and gratitude. For her, this moment marked more than just recognition — it was the realisation of a lifelong passion, years of dedication, and a dream that started when she was just a little girl with big ideas about helping others find their voice.

Becoming a teacher was never a fallback plan for Pragaa — it was always the plan. A graduate of Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Primary Education, she envisioned a life filled with creativity, learning, and purpose. At just 22, she juggles roles as a full-time primary teacher, Speech and Drama educator, and the founder of Ms G Speech & Drama. Winning the Outstanding Performing Arts award not only recognises her work — it affirms her mission: to empower the next generation with the confidence to speak, perform, and express themselves freely.

“I’m still so incredibly humbled and grateful,” Pragaa shared after accepting the award. “This award wasn’t just about me — it’s about all of us.” She dedicated the honour to her students and families, who trust her with their children’s growth and creativity, her own family and grandparents, whose support never wavered, her partner Mahen, who stood by her on the night and every day, and her mentor, Merryl Lloyd, whose guidance and belief helped shape both her teaching and her business.

What sets Ms G Speech & Drama apart is its intentional, syllabus-driven approach to teaching speech, drama, and public speaking. Students follow either a Speech and Drama or Public Speaking stream, where they build skills in vocal technique, expression, and performance. They explore poetry, monologues, Shakespeare, Australian literature — and most importantly, themselves. Through performance opportunities like eisteddfods and IMEB exams, students learn that their voice matters. They gain not only stage presence but life skills: poise, articulation, confidence, and resilience. Many students begin shy and uncertain — much like Pragaa herself once did — and leave the program as assured young communicators, ready to take on high school leadership roles, public speaking engagements, or just the next big challenge life throws at them.

When Ms G Speech & Drama was launched in 2021, it wasn’t about growing a business — it was about growing people. About providing a safe, joyful space where kids could be themselves and build confidence from the inside out.

Now, just four years later, the studio has become a beacon in the local community — recognised not only by families but now by the Cumberland Council Local Business Awards as a true leader in the performing arts space.

27/07/2025

Thirumana Thiruvizha Returns: Australia’s Only Tamil Wedding Expo Is Back—Bigger, Bolder & More Beautiful

Silk. Gold. The scent of jasmine in the air. The rhythmic beat of the thavil. The quiet hush before the thaali is tied. A Tamil wedding isn’t just a ceremony—it’s a rich, immersive expression of culture, tradition, and love. Every detail, from the folds of the kanjeevaram to the flavours of the sambar, carries the weight of generations. Now, that celebration of heritage comes to life once again in Australia, as Thirumana Thiruvizha returns for its second year—bigger, bolder, and even more beautiful.

Taking place on Sunday, 10 August 2025, at The Ponds Community Hub in Sydney, Thirumana Thiruvizha is Australia’s only Tamil Wedding Expo. After a vibrant debut in 2024 that brought together couples, families, and creatives from across the Tamil community, this year’s event promises an even richer experience.

Curated by Shamini and her team at Little Brown Book Wedding Planners, the expo offers Tamil couples and families a one-stop destination to explore, plan, and be inspired.

The day will showcase over 25 curated wedding vendors—from luxurious bridal fashion and heirloom jewellery to photographers who understand the nuances of Tamil rituals, and caterers who know exactly how rasam should taste on a wedding morning. But Thirumana Thiruvizha is more than just a planning event. It’s a sensory experience. A celebration of identity. A chance for couples to see themselves and their culture reflected in every part of their big day.

For founder Shamini, the expo was born from a simple but powerful idea: that Tamil weddings deserve a dedicated space. “Tamil weddings have a unique beauty and rich traditions that deserve a dedicated platform,” she says. “That’s why we created Thirumana Thiruvizha—a free event designed to bring the community together, offering Tamil couples and families a space to find inspiration, connect with trusted vendors, and celebrate their culture with pride.”

That vision resonated far and wide. The inaugural event in 2024 was a resounding success, welcoming a vibrant crowd of soon-to-be-weds, parents, grandparents, and industry professionals who all shared a passion for Tamil culture and weddings. The air buzzed with energy, colour, and creativity. This year, the expo returns with even more talent, heart, and community spirit. Whether you’re newly engaged or halfway through planning, whether you’re searching for a traditional touch or a modern twist, the expo offers something special for everyone. You don’t need to be tying the knot to enjoy the experience—many attend simply for the kanjeevarams, the kaapi, and the joy of celebrating something deeply familiar and deeply meaningful.

In an industry where cultural nuance is often an afterthought, Thirumana Thiruvizha places Tamil identity at the centre of the wedding planning journey. It’s an event where the rituals are understood, the aesthetics are honoured, and the traditions are celebrated—not explained. It’s a space where a bride isn’t asked to compromise between her culture and her vision, because both are treated with equal reverence.

So, whether you’re there to book your dream caterer, compare muhurtham photographers, or simply take in the beauty of Tamil wedding artistry, Thirumana Thiruvizha is an event that invites you to see—and celebrate—yourself. Because a Tamil wedding is not just about one day. It’s a story, a heritage, and a love letter to where we come from.

Thirumana Thiruvizha takes place on Sunday, 10 August 2025, from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM at The Ponds Community Hub in NSW. Entry is free—register via Little Brown Book.

27/07/2025

Tamil Cinema’s Icon to Attend Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025 🎞️ 🎥

Melbourne is set to roll out the red carpet this August as legendary Tamil actor Arvind Swami arrives for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025. Revered for his iconic roles in classics like Roja, Bombay, and Thani Oruvan, Swami’s visit is a momentous occasion for lovers of Indian and Tamil cinema alike.

This year, the excitement is especially high with Arvind Swami’s latest Tamil film, Meiyazhagan, earning a nomination for Best Film — the festival’s most prestigious award. The film has garnered critical acclaim for its storytelling and Swami’s nuanced performance, making its nomination a proud milestone for Tamil cinema on the international stage.

Swami, who became a household name in the 1990s under the direction of Mani Ratnam, has consistently delivered memorable performances across genres. His journey from romantic hero to intense character actor mirrors the evolution of Tamil cinema itself — sophisticated, bold, and emotionally resonant. For Tamil Melbournians, this is a rare chance to witness one of their most beloved stars live in Melbourne, possibly through exclusive screenings, panel discussions, or meet-and-greet opportunities.

Running from August 14 to 24, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is the largest celebration of Indian cinema outside India. With over 75 films in more than 30 languages, the festival embraces the full spectrum of Indian storytelling — from Bollywood epics to independent gems, and of course, powerful regional works like Meiyazhagan. IFFM is more than a film festival — it’s a cultural gathering point that celebrates diversity, identity, and artistic excellence.

Continue reading in comments sections …

27/07/2025

Daughter of Eelam by Brami Jegan

(Ms Jegan is a former Australian Senate candidate who also served as chief of staff to former NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon. She previously worked as a news reporter for SBS after training at the London School of Journalism.)

This story starts in August 2002 when I went with appa back to the land on which I was born – northern Sri Lanka.

The Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE (Tamil Tigers) had signed a ceasefire agreement a few months earlier. Appa and many others in the diaspora were hopeful that there would be no return to war.

At the time my understanding of the Tamil struggle for self-determination was limited and clouded in ignorance. I had found growing up in the west with conservative Tamil parents difficult and confusing. I wanted to be just like my ‘white’ friends who I felt had endless freedom. I reacted by rejecting anything related to the identity enforced on me.

The decision to accompany appa on the 2002 trip was my peace offering to him. We spent three weeks in the Vanni region, the area administered by the LTTE prior to their defeat in 2009.

The human suffering that I saw in that community devastated by 19 years of war was heartbreaking. I met children who were blind, deaf and dumb because their mothers had been malnourished from the economic embargo. I carried babies that had been abandoned under trees. I sat panicking next to parents who cried remembering their sons and daughters long dead in battle. I heard of the rapes, torture and executions committed by the Sri Lankan armed forces. I still remember everything as if it was yesterday.

In the years that followed, I went back to the Vanni four times. I developed a strong attachment to the land, a deep respect for the courage of resistance and a commitment to the Eelam Tamil identity.

The haunting question of why I had been fortunate enough to grow up in the West, created a sense of guilt that externalised through my actions.

Continue reading in comments section…

Daughter of Eelam by Brami Jegan

(Ms Jegan is a former Australian Senate candidate who also served as chief of staff to former NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon. She previously worked as a news reporter for SBS after training at the London School of Journalism.)

This story starts in August 2002 when I went with appa back to the land on which I was born – northern Sri Lanka.

The Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE (Tamil Tigers) had signed a ceasefire agreement a few months earlier. Appa and many others in the diaspora were hopeful that there would be no return to war.

At the time my understanding of the Tamil struggle for self-determination was limited and clouded in ignorance. I had found growing up in the west with conservative Tamil parents difficult and confusing. I wanted to be just like my ‘white’ friends who I felt had endless freedom. I reacted by rejecting anything related to the identity enforced on me.

The decision to accompany appa on the 2002 trip was my peace offering to him. We spent three weeks in the Vanni region, the area administered by the LTTE prior to their defeat in 2009.

The human suffering that I saw in that community devastated by 19 years of war was heartbreaking. I met children who were blind, deaf and dumb because their mothers had been malnourished from the economic embargo. I carried babies that had been abandoned under trees. I sat panicking next to parents who cried remembering their sons and daughters long dead in battle. I heard of the rapes, torture and executions committed by the Sri Lankan armed forces. I still remember everything as if it was yesterday.

In the years that followed, I went back to the Vanni four times. I developed a strong attachment to the land, a deep respect for the courage of resistance and a commitment to the Eelam Tamil identity.

The haunting question of why I had been fortunate enough to grow up in the West, created a sense of guilt that externalised through my actions.

"I sunk into a surreal daze of confusion and panic as two worlds that could not be reconciled unfolded before me: one of endless opportunities and freedom in a country now my home, and the other of tremendous suffering and violence inflicted upon the community which I had fled.

My last trip to Sri Lanka was in March 2006. The rumblings of war had started. My friends in the Vanni said it would be the ‘final war’. They said that they would not be there when I returned. I didn’t believe them, so I never said goodbye. I never said a proper thank you for their courage and their sacrifices and for opening their hearts and homes to a bratty Tamil diaspora girl who never truly understood their world.

In 2009, when the Sri Lankan Government again unleashed unforgiving violence on the Tamils in the north, appa was one of the 400 000 or so people in the 'killing fields'. He miraculously survived. More than 100 000 children, women and men did not.

Three years on, the shock, grief and guilt has subsided enough so that I am no longer overwhelmed by it. But the pain of 2009 and the continuing injustice has left deep violent unforgiving scars.

The resilience of the Tamil people, their 64 year long resistance to ethnic persecution and brutality at the hands of the Government of Sri Lanka has become my inner core.

The Tamil struggle will forever remind me that there are people in this world that are oppressed, brutalised and forsaken. It is my privilege to stand in solidarity with them.

I will do this proudly as a daughter of Tamil Eelam.

Brami Jegan, 28 August 2012"

25/07/2025

Rhythms Reimagined: The Sai Brothers and Coco’s Lunch Unite 🪘

The Sai Brothers—Sai-Nivaeithan and Sai-Sarangan Ravichandhira—are renowned for their mastery of South Indian percussion particularly the mridangam, kanjira and tabla. With Raising Rhythms, they bring their exceptional rhythmic prowess into an exciting collaboration with the Australian vocal ensemble, , blending traditional Carnatic rhythms with the harmonies of Western a ca****la music.

In this groundbreaking performance, the Sai Brothers aren’t just accompanists; they are the heartbeat of the show. Their intricate rhythms and powerful percussion elevate the soulful harmonies of , creating a dynamic fusion that resonates with energy and precision. Through their expert command of traditional instruments, they bring authenticity and depth to the collaboration, enhancing the vocal textures with every beat.

At the core of Raising Rhythms is the synergy between the Sai Brothers and Dr. Lisa Young, a member of Coco’s Lunch and a skilled konnakol (vocal percussion) artist herself. This shared understanding of rhythmic language allows for a seamless blend of East and West, creating a unique sound that pushes the boundaries of both traditions.

Raising Rhythms is more than just a performance; it’s a conversation between cultures. The Sai Brothers’ intricate rhythms form the foundation for this bold fusion, while Coco’s Lunch adds a new layer of vocal richness. Together, they craft a musical journey that transcends cultural boundaries and showcases the transformative power of collaboration.

Music lovers are invited to experience Raising Rhythms at the Orange Regional Conservatorium on Friday, 25 July 2025, from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm. Tickets are now available via Humanitix, with prices starting at AUD 45 for adults and AUD 20 for children, offering a chance to witness this electrifying fusion of talent live on stage.

ARTISTS

Lisa Young, Voice & Percussion

Jacqueline Gawler, Voice & Percussion

Gabrielle MacGregor, Voice & Percussion

Emma Gilmartin, Voice & Percussion

Sai-Nivaeithan Ravichandhira, Mridangam & Kanjira

Sai-Sarangan Ravichandhira, Mridangam & Kanjira

24/07/2025

🩸 Blood Donation Drive – In Memory of Adshaiyan

On of 27th July, members of the community will be donating blood in memory of Adshaiyan.

This meaningful initiative is a tribute to his legacy and aims to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation.

Those who wish to participate can follow these simple steps:

1️⃣ Visit www.lifeblood.com.au and register or log in

2️⃣ Click on the ‘Teams’ tab in the top right, then select ‘My Teams’

3️⃣ Join the team: The Vel Team and hit submit

4️⃣ Book a time slot to donate via the link in bio

📞 For support, contact the Australian Red Cross at 13 14 95 or send a DM to The Vel Team 🦚

Every donation counts. Let’s honour Adshaiyan’s memory by giving others the gift of life. 🫶