Thamizh Dialect

Born in Sri Lanka as the second of five daughters of Mr. and Mrs. K. Sivasubramaniam of Colombo, she received her secondary education at Methodist College, Colombo. A distinguished academic, she holds an Honours degree, a Master’s, and a Doctorate from Sri Lanka. Her teaching career began at Vembadi Girls’ College in Jaffna, after which she joined the University of Jaffna as a lecturer. She later pursued a research-focused academic path at Tamil University in Thanjavur, ultimately becoming Professor and Head of the Department of Music and the Centre for Advanced Bharatha Natyam. With numerous research publications in both Tamil and English, she has presented her work internationally at various conferences. At the 1995 World Conference of Tamil Research, her groundbreaking finding that "Karaikkal Ammayar is the Mother of South Indian Music" was the only research included in the final declaration. Her book Karaikkal Ammayar – Mother of South Indian Music was published in both English and Tamil by the Government of Tamil Nadu. In 1996, her work Bharatha Isai Marabu received the Best Book Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu. She was also honored with the Eminent Musicologist Swami Vipulanandar Award by the esteemed Karanthai Thamizh Sangam and was named "Woman of the Year 2003" by the American Biographical Institute, USA. Currently, she serves as Emeritus Professor at Tamil University, Thanjavur, and She has completed two Major research Projects funded by the University Grants Commission,New Delhi

Shaantha Jeyaraj, student of Dr Gnaanaa Kulendran in Vembadi Jaffna, is a pioneering cultural ambassador whose lifelong work has been deeply rooted in the preservation and promotion of the Tamil language and heritage across continents. A celebrated culinary artist, educator, author, and producer, she made history in the 1980s as the first Sri Lankan Tamil woman to appear on India’s national television channel Doordarshan, and in 1991 authored Naveena Murai Cakugal, the first-ever Tamil-language book on cake-making, marking a cultural milestone by bringing Western culinary arts into the Tamil literary and educational space. Since then, she has continued to write extensively in Tamil, publishing influential works such as Shantha’s Cakes (2009), Shantha’s Samaiyal (2009), Asaiva Samaiyalum Asathal Biriyanikalum (2012), Palsuvai Anubavangal (2015), and Tharunangal (2015), while her upcoming books Unarvugal, a personal reflection, and a biography of her grand uncle, Mr. S. M. Nayagam, father of the Sri Lankan film industry, further underscore her commitment to documenting Tamil stories. Her forthcoming book Cultural Cakes (2026) continues this mission by celebrating Tamil identity through edible art. After migrating to Australia, Shaantha established Palkalaikkalanjiyem (The Academy of Fine Arts and Home Economics), where she taught Tamil arts, organised festivals like Kalai Vizha and Kalaicharam, and nurtures the next generation of Tamil performers. As a writer, radio host, interpreter for Tamil asylum seekers, and theatre producer involved in productions like Naatya Vandhanam, Yaathra, and Sem Mann, Shaantha has used every platform—be it literature, stage, kitchen, or airwaves—to champion the richness, beauty, and global relevance of the Tamil language and its cultural legacy.

Tharmeega Manimaran is a Canadian-born Eelam Tamil artist with a diverse background in film and theatre acting, Bharatanatyam, and Koothu. She completed her arangetram in 2017 under the tutelage of Guru Smt. Padmini Anand in Canada, a disciple of Padmashri Adyar K. Lakshman. Tharmeega has performed Bharatanatyam at notable events such as the Toronto International Dance Festival and the World Tamil Conference (FeTNA) in Chicago. Deeply passionate about Tamil history and its rich artistic traditions, Tharmeega has also pursued training in the traditional Tamil folk art of Koothu. She has portrayed historic characters on stage, including Ariyapoomalai in Kaathavarayan Koothu and Sakunthalai in Sakunthalai. While completing her bachelor’s degree at McMaster University, Tharmeega was approached for film roles and has since acted in several Tamil film projects, including Thayakam, Neelira, and Sem Mann

CJ Germany’s foray into acting came as a natural extension of his artistic expression, and it’s quickly becoming a growing passion. After the success of his music video Kangal Rendum Pesuthey, he discovered a deep love for performance beyond the stage and studio. What started as a creative experiment soon sparked genuine excitement, leading him to explore roles that challenge him emotionally and artistically. Though still new to the acting world, CJ approaches it with the same discipline and curiosity he brings to music. His background in rhythm and emotion—refined through years of violin, drumming, and singing—has given him a unique edge in connecting with characters and conveying depth on screen. He’s now in discussions for a few upcoming screen projects and collaborations across Europe and Asia, and while he's keeping details under wraps for now, he promises there's more to come. As he puts it, “If it feels right and tells a story I believe in, I’m all in.”

Swetha Jayashree is a dedicated Bharatanatyam practitioner who began her dance journey at the age of 3 under Guru Shri A. S. Ratheesh Krishna, completing her arangetram under his guidance. She is currently pursuing advanced training with Guru Dr. L. Narendra Kumar at Anusham Dance School and Karanas training under Padma Bhushan Dr. Padma Subramanyam and Dr. Gayatri Kannan. A gold medalist in M.A. Bharatanatyam (2022–2024) from Vels University, Swetha also holds a diploma in Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University, alongside degrees in Visual and Mass Communication. She works as a classical dance teacher and freelancer, with performances at prestigious events like the Chess Olympiad, TN Global Investors Meet, Khelo India, and G20. Recognized with awards like the Kalaimagal Award and Natiya Chemmal Award, she holds an Asian Book of Records title and has directed award-winning documentaries, including one that earned the Sri Krishnaswamy Endowment Award. Swetha has also completed Phase 1 of Navarasa Sadhana under Guru Venu G.