29th AGM of Ilankai Tamil Sangam USA
29th Annual General Meeting of Ilankai Tamil Sangam USA is to be held on October 14th, in Somerset, New Jersey.
Following are among the Guest Speakers scheduled to attend:
Brian Senewiratne, M.D., a Sinhalese, in Brisbane, Australia, has been campaigning for a just peace and democracy in Sri Lanka for the past three decades. With the recently deceased Adrian Wijemanne (a Sinhalese intellectual and a former executive in the World Council of Churches), they have been the ‘voice of Sinhala reason’ for many years.
Dr Senewiratne has contributed a number of articles (many on the Sangam), and addressed scores of meetings and conferences across the world (including the Eelam Conferences in New York in the 1980s). His principled stance on the ethnic issue has had a major impact in his lobbying efforts since he is not only a Sinhalese but a cousin of the outgoing President, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.
Dr. Karen Parker is an attorney specializing in armed conflict (humanitarian) law and human rights. She has represented non-governmental organizations at the United Nations since 1982, and, since 1983, has addressed the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. At the United Nations, she has presented more than 30 written and oral statements on the application of humanitarian law to the armed conflict in Sri Lanka and on the situation of the Tamils. She has submitted testimony on the conflict to the US Congress, and at the Parliaments in France, Australia, United Kingdom, and other countries.
Mr. V.P. Palam, the author is a retired public servant, editor and scholar. His career spanned from teaching, being the Head of the Tamil section of the Educational Publications Department Government of Sri Lanka and Associate Editor of Publications, Tamil University, Thanjavur, India. In 1978 he represented his country at a seminar-cum-training course at the Asian Cultural Center for UNESCO, Tokyo. He participated in the international seminar “Non violence as an effective means of change” in Surat India. In 1986 in recognition of his services towards the development of Tamil as a medium of education, the Government of Tamil Nadu honored him, where the then Chief Minister Dr. M. G. Ramachandran presented him with the traditional Golden shawl (comparable to a Medal). He is a native of Yaalppanam (Jaffna), Sri Lanka. He is now a naturalized citizen living in the state of Michigan.
Entertainment Programs also will be there:
-Classical fusion, by Community youngsters
-Special Program by Agni
Agni – An exciting mix of culture and music. This group of young men and women continue to dazzle audiences and gain new fans as they perform across Canada and the US. Having worked with many prominent Indian stars, such as Shankar Mahadevan, Shrinivas, Sujatha, T.M.Sounderarajan, P. Susheela, A. L. Raghavan, the list continues.…… A band that cherishes our multicultural Mosaic. Songs ranging from M S Viswanathan to A R Rahman – You must hear to believe their versatility. Agni’s talent, surpassing their age is ever evident in all their performances. They are committed to presenting high quality concerts and introducing their fans to music and dance in new and various forms. An Agni concert is an experience you won’t soon forget!
More Information: Sangam Events
