Anbenum Peruveli - from the Founder’s Diary

Anbenum Peruveli - website and album launch on January 30 th 2024

Rarely am I stumped for words. I was, that day, for a brief period. After experiencing an evening amongst musicians and Tamil scholars who presented Vallalar’s poems, making his ideals swim through the air straight in to my heart.

It was a grand musical presentation at the very least, if I can call it that. Educative, eye opening, moving and mind blowing. The evening  started off with music videos of 6 of Vallalar’s poems composed by Sean Roldan and sung by Sri. Sanjay Subrahmanyan. Everything about it was so unique. The sound was rich and fresh, the music was passionate and tunes were catchy, and the words were soul-stirring. The visuals were beautiful with an element of the extraordinary in them.

I didn’t know what to expect but I didn’t expect this musical rhapsody!

At one point I felt sad for everyone who wasn’t sharing the experience there with me that day.

Universal brotherhood, no one should go hungry, no division or discrimination, are some of the highlights in Vallalar’s verses. So much to learn, so much to think about, so much to soak in, and so much to become. This is my takeaway from the launch of the Anbenum Peruveli website and music album that took place at M.S. Subbulakshmi auditorium at the Asian College of Journalism in January, 2024. The documentary directed by Rafiq Ismail is a pleasure to behold, and Sean Roldan has elevated the experience with the lilting, vibe-worthy and soulful melodies. 

There are many more people involved in this musical outing who deserve to be celebrated and I hope the documentary I watched today is also watched by all of you, by students, by every Tamilian at least, if not EVERYONE ever!!

- Sujata Tarakesan