Geethavani Awards 2011, the annual event of the Sydney OBA, was held on Saturday, 10th September 2011 at The Hills Centre, Castle Hill Sydney. Amidst many challenges, the 2011 committee of Sydney OBA headed by Mr.Jeyakanthan presented Geethavani Awards successfully for the sixth time.
Geethavani stands out from other events in a number of aspects. Primarily it gives an opportunity for the local talents to display their singing ability. It provides the perfect platform for them to get the recognition that they need to kick-start their singing career. The other noteworthy aspect of this event is that, a significant part of the proceeds from the event goes for the development of education in Vanni, and a part of it is being used for the development of our alma mater. In addition, a part of the proceeds is used to award Jaffna Hindu students who excel in studies.
The Geethavani Awards is a musical extravaganza comprising exciting music competition, dances, and light music. This year’s music programme was directed by "Vishwaas Production". Mr.Ganathipan Aruneswaran, son of a Jaffna Hindu College old boy, conducted the programme remarkably well with his multi-cultural troupe.
Geethavani Awards has been a flagship event of Sydney OBA for the past six years. Last two year’s programmes were held at the Bankstown Townhall; it was a house full event, and many were to stand and watch the programme. Due to its continued success and overwhelming support from the music lovers in Sydney, the 2011 committee decided to move this year's Geethavani to “The Hills Centre”, a premium entertainment centre in Sydney. This year over 1400 people attended the event and enjoyed the evening.
The musical evening started at 6.30 PM with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp (MangalaVilakku) by Mr.S.Ponnampalam, former Principal of Jaffna Hindu College. Then the old boys sang the college song.
Then, Mr.K.Jeyakanthan, President Sydney OBA welcomed the participants and guests. In his welcome speech, he briefed the assistance provided by the OBA for the educational needs of the Vanni students. He said that a significant part of this year’s contribution too would be used for the same purpose.
Last year Sydney OBA raised over $10,000 with the proceeds from Geethavani 2010 and contributions from OBA members. This was used to fund projects to upgrade the facilities at some of the schools in Vanni Region and support the needy children.
A part of the fund also was used to award the Jaffna Hindu students who took 3As in the A/L 2010 examination results. The President said that this will continue in the future too, and noted that some changes is being done to the scheme to encourage students more.
The President thanked the committee members, advisers and other volunteers for their commitment, contribution and the teamwork, without which this event would not have happened, he said.
Mr.M.Prabaharan and Mr.T.Thirukkumaran were the Masters of Ceremony and conducted the event excellently.
As like last year, this year too, the prestigious ‘Geethavani Awards’ for the outstanding performances were judged under four categories. Category 1 was solo for 12 – 18 age group. Category 2 was solo for 19 – 35 age group. Category 3 was solo for the over 35-age group, and the fourth category was the duet. The final contestants, to perform on the stage, were selected from a large number of applications.
Four, five, and three contestants were selected for solo categories 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Three pairs contested in the duet category. All the contestants entertained the crowd with their mesmerizing voice. It was a treat to listen to those raw talents. The winners of the competition under each category were chosen by the votes of the audience. The Winners were:
Category 1: Ms Dheekshitha Venkadeshan - award sponsored by Sri Accounting
Category 2: Mr.Shyam Gomatam - award sponsored by TSS World Money Transfer
Category 3: Ms Sandhya Nag - award sponsored by VIM Tech
Duet: Ms.Kanmani and Mr.Aravamuthan - award sponsored by BJ Accounting
Each winner received a trophy and 500 Dollar cash prize. The Geethavani Trophy 2011 was a new design by the Sydney OBA. The TSS World Money transfer was the principal sponsor.
Geethavani 2011 Souvenir also was released at the event; the souvenir was well designed and presented all Geethavani details nicely. The college was given prominence in the cover design with the Sydney OBA in the background. Gnanam Arts designed the Jaffna Hindu Entrance in the souvenir cover and stage artwork.
After the audio treat to the participants, delicious food also was served.
Mr.Y.Suthan, Secretary Sydney OBA, delivered the Vote of Thanks. The event concluded at 11.00 PM.
News by: JaffnaHindu.Org WebTeam,Sydney
