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Hong Kong Diary – 2011

Chitra Sivakumar

December 2011

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ContentsKannada Sangha Outing in Lei Yue Mun Park...............................................................................................................3

Mahashivaratri Pooja in Hong Kong .............................................................................................................................5

International Jewelry Fair in Hong Kong.......................................................................................................................6

Grand Wedding Reception of Mr. M. Arunachalam's daughter in Hong Kong ............................................................7

Indian Movie wins award for Best Music Score in 5th Asian Film Awards (*)..............................................................9

Holi Celebrations in Hong Kong..................................................................................................................................11

Hong Kong Indian residents submit petition supporting Anna Hazare's IAC to Consul General of India (*) .............12

Satyanarayana Pooja in Hong Kong............................................................................................................................14

Ganesha Pooja in Hong Kong......................................................................................................................................15

Mathru Pooja in Hong Kong .......................................................................................................................................16

TCA - Dayal International Amateur Badminton Championship 2011 (*) ...................................................................17

Chennai Music Band in Hong Kong for Tamil Cultural Association members ............................................................18

Navarathri Kollu in Hong Kong ...................................................................................................................................20

Saraswathi Pooja in Hong Kong (*).............................................................................................................................21

Skandha Shasti Pooja in Hong Kong ...........................................................................................................................22

Deepavali Celebrations in Hong Kong ........................................................................................................................23

Charity Show by School Students for Hong Kong Cancer Fund..................................................................................24

Indian Badminton Team for Hong Kong Open ...........................................................................................................26

Doubles Gold by Indian-Chinese Pair in Chinese World Badminton Championship (*).............................................27

Kannada Rajyotsava in Hong Kong (*) ........................................................................................................................28

86th Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Birthday (*) ........................................................................................................................31

Dayal International Yoga Championships 2011..........................................................................................................32

Arumbugal 2011 .........................................................................................................................................................34

International Night 2011 ............................................................................................................................................37

OJAS – A rare brilliance (*) .........................................................................................................................................39

Note : * events were not attended personally.

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Kannada Sangha Outing in Lei Yue Mun Park

On February 19th, around 50 people joined for an outing at Lei Yue Mun Holiday Village. The eventorganised by Kannada Sangha Hong Kong was first of its kind for Kannadigas.

Due to rain, the members arrived at the camp site slowly and the activities started at around 4:30pm on19th afternoon. The plan to play cricket was cancelled due to wet pitch. So as soon as the children enteredthe camp, they found their interests and started playing. They played Table Tennis, American pool, Airhockey and many other games available in the holiday village. Adults started with indoor archery. Therewere few Arjunas who can target the bulls-eye. Evening went with Bhel puri time. All men helped mixingthe bhel puri and served the children and women.

The next session started at 7:30 and went on till 9:00 with variety of games. Men went for a walk aroundthe camp. Dinner was served from Surya Restaurant. Thanks to the committee for arranging good food.The essence of outing started only after 10:30pm. All the members got together in a small room andbingo was the first game to play. People in a particular corner won all the prizes. They were lucky tochoose the best vasthu corner of the room. Next was the singing and chatting session. This was thelongest session during the camp since it went on till 5:30am in the morning. No one thought about sleepand enjoyed the whole session singing various songs and chatting.

In the morning after a short knap, everyone assembled for breakfast. Toasted bread and jam with coffeeand tea were arranged by the group members themselves. After this session, again the group gotenergized. One set of people went for rope climbing. They enjoyed the activity as they were imitating amonkey going from one place to another through the rope. One group went for cycling. There were cyclecars which helped the members to travel in groups. Some children below three years of age also enjoyedriding the toy cycle.

At around 12:00am on 20th, all the members got together to leave the camp site. Each one’s mind wasfilled with memorable day night entertainments that they enjoyed. Their satisfaction reflected in everyones face and words saying that this must become a regular event in the coming years.

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Mahashivaratri Pooja in Hong Kong

On March 2rd, Mahashivratri pooja was done in Tung Chung at the Sadashiv Temple. More than 150devotees came to pray. Pooja was done all through the day to get the blessings of Lord Shiva. Arathiwas done by each one of them. Offerings like milk, ghee, yoghart, honey, sugarcane juice, rice, nuts etcwere given to the Panchamukha Snake. Most of the Tung Chung residents were happy to do this poojasince this is the first time such arrangement was made in this area.

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International Jewelry Fair in Hong Kong

One of the World's biggest 11th International Spring Jewellery Fair was held from March 4th to March8th this year in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. Jewelleries from world over were ondisplay under one roof. Lot of Indian jewels were on display this year attracting the visitors.

Competitions and Seminars were held to showcase the present trend, designs and technologies used inthis field. Fine jewelleries made of diamonds, gems, pearls and rubies were on display in Hall of Fame,Hall of Extraordinary, Designer Galleria, Antique & Vintage jewellery Galleria, Hall of Jade jewellery,Hall of Nature, Exclusive Showroom and Hall of Time.

It is a fair that attracts both the exhibitors and visitors to know the fashion and trend in various countries.

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Grand Wedding Reception of Mr. M. Arunachalam's daughter in Hong Kong

On February 27th, Mr. M. Arunachalam, President of Indian Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, PravasiAward Winner and a well known Businessman and Industrialist of Hong Kong, gave a grand WeddingReception to his daughter Ms. Umaiyal (called Uma) and his son-in-law Dr. Vivek Ramasamy in Conrad,Grand Ball room. The grandeur was accompanied by the visit of Hong Kong Special AdministrativeRegion Chief Executive Honourable Mr. Donald Tsung to wish the couple.

More than 500 people attended the ceremony to wish the couple.Many well established Businessmen ofHong Kong and friends attended the reception with their family.

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Indian Movie wins award for Best Music Score in 5th Asian Film Awards (*)

March 21st is the day for Asian Films in Hong Kong. The 5th Asian Film Awards ceremony was held inHong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

Peepli Live, the Hindi Movie by Producer Amir Khan nominated for four disciplines Best Movie, BestNew Comer, Best Editing and Best Music Score won the award for Music Score. The entire IndianOcean team was on stage to receive the prestigious Asian Award.

The Lifetime Achievement award went to Raymond Chow who introduced Bruce Lee to the Hong Kongmovie industry and to the world.

Winners at the fifth Asian Film Awards announced Monday in Hong Kong:

BEST FILM • UNCLE BOONMEE WHO CAN RECALL HIS PAST LIVES (Thailand)

BEST DIRECTOR • LEE Chang-dong / POETRY (South Korea)

BEST ACTOR • HA Jung-woo / THE YELLOW SEA (South Korea)

BEST ACTRESS • XU Fan / AFTERSHOCK (Mainland China / Hong Kong)

BEST NEWCOMER • Mark CHAO You-Ting / MONGA (Taiwan)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR • Sammo HUNG Kam-po / IP MAN 2 (Hong Kong)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS • YOON Yeo-jeong / THE HOUSEMAID (South Korea)

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BEST SCREENPLAY • LEE Chang-dong / POETRY (South Korea)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER • Mark LEE Ping-Bin / NORWEGIAN WOOD (Japan)

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGNER • HAYASHIDA Yuji / 13 ASSASSINS (Japan)

BEST MUSIC SCORE • Indian Ocean / PEEPLI LIVE (India)

BEST EDITING • NAM Na-young / I SAW THE DEVIL (South Korea)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS • Phil JONES, ZHANG Yan-ming / AFTERSHOCK (Mainland China/ HongKong)

BEST COSTUME DESIGNER • William CHANG Suk-ping / LET THE BULLETS FLY (MainlandChina / Hong Kong)

The Asian Film Award for Outstanding Contribution to Asian Cinema • KIM Dong-ho

The Asian Film Award for Lifetime Achievement Award • Raymond CHOW

“The Promotion of Asian Cinema” award • Fortissimo Films

The Asian Film Award for 2010’s Top-Grossing Film • AFTERSHOCK

Award ceremony sponsor, Moët & Chandon, has pledged to generously donate HK$10,000 for eachAward category and each of the four special Awards distributed to support the Japan Disaster Relief, witha total of HK$180,000.

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Holi Celebrations in Hong Kong

Holi was celebrated in Hong Kong on March 20th in Tung Chung. There were many individual parties athome, at beach and at public places. Children and adults were happy to play with colors. It was awonderful festival of colors to all Indians. Many Chinese were eager to know about the festival as therewere color play in public places too.

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Hong Kong Indian residents submit petition supporting Anna Hazare's IAC toConsul General of India (*)

Indians living in Hong Kong, were continuously sending the loud and clear message that they aresupporting Anna Hazare in seeking a stronger anti-corruption law - the Jan Lokpal Bill, to combat thedisease, which has plagued India fora long time now.

The message was sent in form of a petition submitted to Indian Embassy here in Hong Kong.

The petition handed over to the Consul-General of India, Hong Kong, which is to be forwarded to Shri. KP Singh, Director, Rajya Sabha Secretariat. Mr. Singh is in charge of collecting all public opinion aboutthe Govt. Lokpal Bill. The Indian Community members also sent an additional copy to the PMO,addressed to Shri Manmohan Singh.

The petition stated that the signees are categorically against the Govt.'s original draft of the Lokpal Billand for Team Anna's version, the Jan Lokpalbill. Petition provides the example of ICAC in Hong Kong asa successful implementation of a strong anti-corruption system.

Over 1400 signatures were collected by volunteers of IAC-HK positioned at key junctions duringevenings of the past5 days. During signature campaign, volunteers discussed the petition with thosepassing by before seeking signatures. It was interesting to note unanimous support for the movementitself along with broad knowledge of the differences between the various versions of the bills. Thispetition is also planned to be submitted to UN Office as well with signature’s copies because the Indiarecently ratified UNCAC, and thus its Government responsibility to take necessary steps to eradicatecorruption by passing a strong anti-corruption law.

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Satyanarayana Pooja in Hong Kong

On September 10th, Kannada Sangha Hong Kong organised Satyanarayana Pooja with three karthas inthe Hindu Temple, Happy Valley. More than 100 devotees attended the pooja to get the blessings of thelord. Prasad was distributed to all at the end of the pooja.

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Ganesha Pooja in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Indian residents celebrated the Ganesha pooja with all enthusiasm similar to that of India. On2nd September, many idols were kept in houses and Ganesha was worshipped for 11 days and on the 11thday, September 11th the festivity began.

People took the Ganesha idol to beaches to submerge in water. People living in Hong Kong Island wentto Shek O beach and those living in Tung Chung went to Butterfly Beach. All children and adultsenjoyed this occasion together by getting the blessings of Ganesha.

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Mathru Pooja in Hong Kong

On 30th September, Chinmaya Mission Bal Vihar organised Mathru Pooja to thank all mothers during theNavarathri Festival time. The Pooja started with meditation in the presence of Swamini Nishitaji. TheTung Chung Bal Vihar Seniors sang Bhajans. The Tung Chung Bal Vihar Juniors had an interestingquestion answer session to show who a mother is. Children from Park Island presented bhajans. Therewere around 36 mothers and children who attended this pooja. With the guidance of Nishitaji, childrendid patha pooja and did arathi to their mothers with lot of love and affection. Mothers blessed them withimmense love. All mothers enjoyed this session to see their children performing the pooja with lot ofdedication.

Children distributed prasad to everyone. Chinmaya publication books were on display for sale. Manyparents bought them with lot of interest. More than 100 people attended this pooja.

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TCA - Dayal International Amateur Badminton Championship 2011 (*)

Tamil Cultural Association Hong Kong and Dayal Leisure and Cultural Association conducted the firstInternational Amateur Badminton Championship on 1st October 2011 in Hong Kong. Totally 36 teamsof Indians, Pakistanis and Nepalese participated.

In Men's category, Hemal Chand & Biren Tappa of Nepal were the winners. Kaman Dhoj & IndiraWanem came second.

In Women's category, Varsha & Kavitha were the winners. Farveen & Priya came second.

In Teens category, winners were Parth & Mihir. Vaspan Engineer & Urvil came second.

The 3.5 feet Shri Govindaswamy memorial cup (the rolling trophy) was given to the Winner Team.

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Prizes were distributed by Mr. Venkataraman, President of Tamil Cultural Association and Mr. YuvrajahDayal of Dayal Sports.

Chennai Music Band in Hong Kong for Tamil Cultural Association members

September 24th evening would have been unforgettable evening for many music lovers of Hong Kong.Yes. A Chennai band Yodhaka was in town in KITEC Auditorium, Kowloon Bay, to give a scintillatingperformance of Sanskrit Slokas in Contemporary Indian music. Subhiksha, Darbuka Siva, Pradeep andSean performed four songs which gave the audience the feel of ancient music of India. They showed thesweetness of Sankrit language with their own music.

Members of the same band performed the Harmonize Projekt with popular Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi andEnglish songs in the form of Acapella. Acapella is singing songs with music also done by voices. Mrs.Kalyani Menon and Pradeep headed the team of the band with various nice numbers like Kandu KondenKandu Konden, Paruvame, Hello Mr. Ethirkatchi, Anda arabic kadalorum and many more songs. Therewas good support from Harshita, Subhiksha, Sean and Siva through out this band performance.

Last but the best one was the Folk band performance named La Pongal. "E Pulle Karuthamma", "Arisivaruthu", "Oru kodam thanni uththi oru poo poothadu", music composed by themselves made theaudience enjoy the village atmosphere. With three guitars and good voices of Sean, Pradeep and DarbukaSiva singing the folk songs gave audience the needed relaxation that they wanted in the stressful world ofwork.

When the Tamil Cultural Association President Mr. Venkatraman told that the Director Mr. Mysskin hascome as guest to see the show, everyone was eager to hear him. And the speech by the guest Mr.Mysskin was another memorable event of the evening with a song from Nandhalala. When Mysskin told

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his experience with Illayaraja and the situation of the song, everyone was thrilled to hear him. Then whenhe started of singing the song "Thalaatu Ketka naanum", everyone appreciated it by listening to it withgreat interest. The Music director Kay was also present during the occasion.

A mixed crowd of people from various parts of India and even Chinese enjoyed the show at the fullest.Tamil Cultural Association which organised the show took interest in this performance and brought theband to Hong Kong after watching their performances in Youtube.

The entire audience appreciated this group of youngters who has taken music as their life and whoperformed entirely a different music amidst the famous movie song performances in various channels andbig banner programmes. Even though the Harmonize Projekt band performed movie songs, that was alsoquite different.

Mrs. Deepa Sam and Mrs. Sudha Nair introduced the artistes and interviewed the play back singer Mrs.Kalyani Nair.

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Navarathri Kollu in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Tamil residents enjoyed the 10 days of Navarathri by having Kollu at their places andinviting all friends and children. Lalitha Sahasranamam was chanted all 10 days in different houses inthe morning and evening. The pooja were attended by lot of people to get the blessings of the God. EachKollu had different themes. Children enjoyed these days since they were given gifts during this time.

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Saraswathi Pooja in Hong Kong (*)

On October 5th, Hong Kong Tamil residents organised the Saraswathi Pooja in Happy Valley Temple.More than 100 people joined the pooja. They sat in line to do the pooja and chanted the LalithaSahasranamam. Everyone prayed to have good health and wealth.

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Skandha Shasti Pooja in Hong Kong

Shasti Pooja was organised in Hong Kong from 27th to 31st of October. On Saturday 29th there was aspecial pooja. Milk abishekam to Ganesha and Muruga was done by all the devotees who attended thepooja. Sandhanam, panchamritham, vibuthi, panner abishekam were done. Then Kavasam was put onMuruga and Ganesha. All devotees were delighted to see the idol decorated with flowers. Around 200people attended to get the blessings of Lord Muruga.

During the pooja, Skandha Shasti Kavasam, songs from Thirupugazh, kandar anubhuthi and other songswere sung by a group of adults and children. Prasadham made by all the devotees were given at the endof the pooja.

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Deepavali Celebrations in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Indian residents always enjoy celebrating Deepavali by arranging parties and gatherings.People come together, children and adults perform and have nice Indian dinner. They enjoy the party tothe fullest extent possible.

Once such celebrations was in Tung Chung on November 6th. Group dance, guitar music by Nataniel,Bollywood dance by Ivonne, Bharathanatyam by Gayathri Sivakumar, Classical dance by Subhiksha,Tamil song by Shreya were there to entertain people. There was a pair dance game which was enjoyed byone and all. Lucky draw and Bingo fetched prizes for some. All of them were gifted with a deepamstand.

It was an entertaining joyful evening for every one.

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Charity Show by School Students for Hong Kong Cancer Fund

On November 5th, Saturday, two budding dancers of Natya Shikara performed to raise fund for HongKong Cancer fund. Sakshi Kaushik and Vaishnavi Kaushik are students of Mrs. Sandhya Gopal, founderof Natya Shikara Dance school of Hong Kong. Both students had already graduated in Bharathanatyamand studying Grade 13 in Shatin College and KG V respectively. The performance was appreciated by allwho witnessed it. Both of them displayed their talent and the interest in the art by performing all thedances with full enthusiasm.

The programme was dedicated to two Cancer Victims. Mr. Sanjay Vase, businessman and one who isactive in charitable organisations and Mrs. Anuradha Prithviraj, sister of Mrs. Sandhya Gopal. The raisedfund was presented to the representative from Hong Kong Cancer Fund.

The programme started with the Mallari, that upholds the glory of almighty. In bygone days, this mallariplayed using Nadaswaram heralded the commencement of the procession of the idols of Gods from thetemples to the people far and near. In the same way, the mallari performed by the girls gave a good startoff to the entertaining evening for everyone.

Kauthuwam sung in praise of Lord Muruga was next feather in their cap of performance. It portrayed thevalour of the Lord. Next item took the audience to the marriage of a commoner with the Lord. Andal,the diety of Tamil Nadu sang a song about her dream wedding with Lord Vishnu. The dance for thatsong was like a play enacting each and every scene of the wedding.

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The session after break gave a feel of Hong Kong music with Hong Kong dancers. The songs composedby Mr. Jairam and Mrs. Sandhya Gopal were very well performed by the dancers. Tamburi Meetidava,Sangeeta samrajya sancharine and Tarana, three songs and the dances messmerised everyone.

Being the final year students having lot to study, they were able to bring out the best out of them for asocial cause.

Best wishes to both the dancers and the whole group who made it possible.

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Indian Badminton Team for Hong Kong Open

Indian Badminton team had come to Hong Kong to participate in Hong Kong Open Super Series 2011.Ms. Saina Nehwal, the reigning champion of this tournament and Arvind Bhat, the Indian NationalSingles Champion and other upcoming Indian team members headed by Mr. Gopichand were in HongKong. Mr. Gopichand who is former National champion, celebrated his birthday with Mr. Yuva,Badminton player of India in yester years and is a Yoga master, Badminton player and trainer living inHong Kong for more than five years.

All players had training sessions prior to the tournament.

Saina was happy to give an interview for Hong Kong people. During the short interview, she told thatshe enjoyed being in Hong Kong and will put all her effort to win it this year also. She was happy to seethe strong support for her last year in this tournament even though she was playing against a Chineseplayer last year. She is very keen in winning this event as she is preparing to enter 2012 LondonOlympics. She wished all Hong Kong people a happy new year.

In this tournament the Indian Team has to get satisfied with some of them going upto the Quarter Finals.

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Doubles Gold by Indian-Chinese Pair in Chinese World BadmintonChampionship (*)

Doubles pair of Yuva Dayalan and Lee Bun of Hong Kong won the Gold in 30 years above group in 18thMedia cup Chinese World Badminton Championship held in Shunde, China on 17th November. They betChinese pair Sui Chan Ho and Sun Jun Moo in finals 21-16, 21-17.

This tournament is conducted every year and competitors from 25 countries participate under variousgroups between the age of 25-30, 31-35, 35-40, 41-50, 51-60 ,61-70, 71-80, 81-90. The interesting aspectof this tournament is that lot of former world champions and former international players compete in this.More than 3000 competitors play in 50 badminton courts in one arena for three days.

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Kannada Rajyotsava in Hong Kong (*)

Rajyotsava was celebrated on 20th November in Sheung Wan Civic Center. Awesome Kannada Playbacksinger Mrs. B.R Chaya along with her husband Mr. Padmapani and Humorist Mr. Yashvant Sirdeshpandewere the chief guests for the occasion. There were variety of group songs like Children group, SivaThandav group and couple dances by the Hong Kong residents.

Mrs. B.R Chaya sang solo songs and sang some duet songs with Hong Kong music lovers. Mr. Yashvantmade the hall roar with laughter with all his comedy.

All the members mingled with each other before the starting of the celebrations with a sumptuous lunch.

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86th Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Birthday (*)

On 23rd of November more than 500 people gathered to celebrate 86th Birthday of Sathya Sai Baba.Dance, Drama and Singing by Sai Centre students and volunteers brought the memories of Sathya SaiBaba.

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Dayal International Yoga Championships 2011

Joey Yung bagged a prize money US$ 1500 emerging as Champion of Champions on the final day ofthree day 1st Dayal International Yoga Champions held in Hong Kong on 4th December. She competedin the Below 18 in Individuals and Junior category in Artistic and Rhythmic competitions. Along withthe Championships she won gold in various categories like Rhythmic Pair, Artistic Singles and ArtisticPair winning total cash prize of US$450. Everyone was surprised to see Joey answering questions onYoga compared to the other two competitions Avinash Kumar and Gaurav Kumar Sharma with detailsduring the Champion of Champions Viva encounter.

She was followed by Avinash Kumar of India bagging the second prize of US$1000 along with Below 18gold.

Charis Cheung of Hong Kong and Gaurav Kumar Sharma of India won gold in 18-25 group for femaleand male categories, Gloria Suen of USA and Pak Yang Ang of Hong Kong won 25-35 group female andmale categories, See Sook Ching (Adeline) of Hong Kong, Kenneth Chan of Hong Kong won in 35-45category, Lam Mei Ling, Elaine of Hong Kong and Wong Kam Ming of Hong Kong won in 45+category. They all won US$150 Cash.

The Championship was organised by four Yoga masters Yuva Dayalan, Deva, Samrat and Neelesh ofIndia living in Hong Kong and teaching Yoga for more than 5 years. This event is organized by HongKong Yoga Federation and Dayal Leisure and Cultural Association in collaboration with Tamil NaduSports University in cooperation with Indian Yoga Federation, Singapore Yoga Association, ThailandYoga Association, Taiwan Yoga Federation, China Yoga Association, Macau Yoga Association, VietnamYoga Association. 160 participants from 7 countries, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore,USA, Spain competed showcasing their talent in Yoga with competitive Yoga postures which was feast tothe eyes of all Yoga learners from various countries.

This championship has instilled a seed into the minds of Hong Kong people to compete in Yogacompetitions which will give them a chance to learn more and more to have a healthier life.

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Ms. Helen Yeung, CEO, Standard Charted Bank of Hong Kong, Mr. K. Sital of Indian Association ofHong Kong, Ms. Edith Chen, Managing Director, Calvin Klein, Dr. Nerain Majumdhar, Secretary ofIndia Yoga Federation, Dr. T.A Krishnan of AYUSH Yoga were present during the Final ceremony toencourage all the participants and distributed the prizes.

The final ceremony was a cultural events of dances and scintillating demonstrations of the winners. Theproceeds of the Championships were given to the organisation called ORBIS that helps people to havebetter vision.

Workshop on the first day by Dr. T.A Krishnan, Yuva Dayalan, Kumaran, Dileep, Yograj CP attractedmore than 40 participants. It was really surprised to see the participants trying out all complicated asanastaught during the workshop by high profile Yoga practitioners.

The organisors are now getting to ready for a similar event next year after seeing the lot of enthusiasmfrom the residents of Hong Kong. More than 1000 people attended this three day event learning Yoga bywatching and cheering the participants.

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Arumbugal 2011

Tamil Cultural Association, Hong Kong organised a programme for children ‘Arumbugal’ on 3rd

December in Kai Fong Association Hall, in which more than 80 children performed and more than 400watched the show. It was an interesting show for one and all.

The programme started with Tamizh Thai Vazhthu from 15 children of the Tamil Class organised byYIFC. The next interesting one was the Fancy Dress programme in which 35 children decorated thestage, dressed up in various costumes like Angels, Robots, Sages and Gods, Bees, Army man, Pirate etc.

Natya Shikara students performed three items, Alarippu, Jatheeswaram and Thillana to showcase whatthey had learnt.

This programme had variety by having the Kudumbath Tamizh, Tamil word game show organised byChitra Sivakumar and Neeya Naana anchored by Thaika Thalha and Adithya Thirupathi. Stand upcomedy by Zuliha Zulfika treated audience with laughter.

There were many singers, dancers and instumentalist singing, performing and playing nice songs. Folkitems mixed with current trends entertained the audience.

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International Night 2011

International Night, a popular event at YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College was held on December10th. Hightlight of this year is due to increase in crowd, there were two repeatitive session. More than1000 people witnessed the events performed by the students.

The theme was a Flight going to various places of the world. There were Indian, Nepalese, Chinese,Phillipines, Japanese, Korean, American dances. There was a fashion show that showcased the differenttypes of dresses worn in different countries. This programme is organised to inculcate the cooperationbetween students belonging to different countries.

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OJAS – A rare brilliance (*)

Report by Mrs. Sumathy Ragothaman

The Community Service Wing of Kannada Sangha, Hong Kong has been actively involved in providingmonetary support to needy children in educational institutions functioning in the backward areas in India.What started out as a small activity in the year 2009, has now grown with the strong ground support ofNGOs like ELCIA, SoCare, Vlead and Snehdeep and KSHK is now providing support and monetaryassistance for activities like education of deserving and needy children in rural areas, imparting computertraining to visually handicapped persons, care of HIV affected children, etc.

In order to mobilize funds for their community service activities, KSHK has been organizing culturalevents in Hong Kong every year. This year, the fundraising event organized on 17.12.2011 by KSHK wasa mega dance show named “OJAS”- a rare brilliance. A group of artists from Abhinava Dance Company,Bengaluru, comprising of the artistic duo Mr.Rajendra and Ms.Nirupama, Mridula, Priyanka, Neha,Divya, Rohini, Ragini and their technical director Mr. Srinivas had been invited to perform in HongKong. Among the donors who supported this event and made it a grand success were Banks, corporate,commercial institutions and individuals. The Consul (Cultural affairs) of India in Hong Kong, Mr. AjitaKumar presided over the function. The program was graced not only by the Indians living in Hong Kongbut many foreigners as well.

Although the basic dance style of Abhinava Dance Company is Kathak, it has crafted a unique style bycombining the best of Indian dance forms with the best of western style of dancing, to reach out to aglobal audience. They have performed across countries in America, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.Every piece they performed in OJAS was a rare gem. The program began with invocation. The Dancecalled ‘Lasya Ranjini’ featured dance movements reflecting the beauty of temple sculptures. It integratedBharathanatyam style of dance with Karanas found in the ancient book, Natyashastra. The next piece,‘Sringara Rama’ depicted the emotion of love of handsome prince Rama and beautiful princess Sita,when their eyes meet in the garden in Mithilapuri. If this dance portrayed the divine love of Lord Rama,the next piece, ‘Rasa-Lila’ portrayed the naughty love of Lord Krishna, his consort Radha and the Gopis.Here the message was love along with Sharanagathi.

The next piece, ‘Ta-Dha’, set to Indian Music integrated with Spanish Music, depicted coming together oftwo great forces to create an extraordinary experience. The next piece ‘Angikam’ was a dance sequence

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created with basic dance movements portrayed in Ancient Dance books. In the next piece ‘Nigah’, thetwo artists created an expression of love by means of their anklets. The audience too joining in thisdialogue created an impression of Universal language of love. The last piece ‘Rhapsody in footwork’ wasa sequence created as a celebration of the highest aspects of life with energy and enthusiasm woven withvibrant rhythm and footwork patterns.

The standing ovation received at the end of the program was proof enough that the event was a grandsuccess. The subtle movements, the colorful costumes, the appropriate lighting arrangements and theunique contemporary music together created a rather unique experience for the audience and led them to adifferent world altogether. The descriptions provided by Ms. Nirupama at the beginning of each piece wastranslated and provided in Cantonese by Ms. Theresa from Hong Kong.

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Yet to be covered

ICAC SeminarOJASSital 80th birthdaySeptember Jewelry FairFood FairChitra Pournami PoojaKarthigai Deepam PoojaPuratasi Saturday Pooja

Guangzhou Schools Visit