Mahar Nonbu – Oct 2008         Click here for photos

• For the first time in NSA history Maharnonbu was celebrated by NSA members.

• This was held at Uniting Church Hall, South Strathfield as evening event with dinner.

• Pooja started with prayer songs were sung by members for Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswathy.

• Kids brought their toys and organised Gollu.

• Achies brought flowers and did a beautiful Rangoli.

• Delicious foods were brought by the families.

• ‘Vazhai Maram’ was brought to the hall and poojas were conducted.

• After the pooja, everyone did the ‘ambu poduthal’ on vazhai maram, which was really enjoyed by the kids.

• EC said this is example NSA dedication to drive our Nagarathar culture among Australian Nagarthar community.

Diwali Celebration – Nov 2008         Click here for photos

• This year Diwali Celebrations were held at Mrs & Mr Annamalai Sundarm house at Ingleburn.

• Celebrations started with pooja at Shiva Mandir, Minto.

• Sparklers were lit.

• Delicious homemade Diwali special dinner was served.

• On behalf of EC, President Subramanian Shanmugam thanked Mrs & Mr Annamalai Sundaram for hosting the event.

Pillayar Nonbu – Dec 2008         Click here for photos

• The Pillayar Nonbu function and Annual meeting of the Nagarathar Sangam was held at Uniting Church Hall, Frances Avenue, South Strathfield

• All chettiars, achis and children attended the function in our traditional dress of dhothis and silk sarees.

• All members sung devotional songs.

• Prayer was followed by pooja.

• Mr. Arunachalam Chettiar of Lakshmipuram gave away the ezhais.

• Eighty ezhais were taken.

• Delicious typical pillyar nonbu dinner cooked by our members was served

• This was followed by AGM.

Tamil New Year Camp - April 2008

• This year’s TNY 2008 camp was held at Heathcote Scouts Camp from 18^th Apr – 20^th April 2008.

• Members arrived on Friday, 18^th Apr, 4pm onwards.

• Achis deliciously cooked Rava Kitchadi, Sambar and Chutney for dinner.

• After dinner, a discussion forum was conducted on ‘Nagarthars History’.  Members discussed and shared information on our History.

• Saturday, 19^th Camp’s main events began with a prayer by kids and Mr. Karuppan Chetty Ganesan.

• President, Subramanian Shanmugam announced the successful incorporation of NSA.

• Australia Clean up Day certificates were distributed to participated members.

• First Tamil Seithi Malar has been released by Mrs. Chitra Algappan and received by Mrs. Shanthi Annamalai.

• An updated directory was released.

• Mrs. Meena Muthaiah, Mr. Muthiah Ramanathan and Mr.Manikam Ramanathan conducted ‘Amazing race’ – an exciting treasure hunt game.

• Prof C.Sathyamoorthy and Prof. Meena Sathyamoorthy delivered a lecture on Sky Meditation, which was an eye opener to meditation for most of our members.

• This event was followed by special chettinad lunch cooked by chettiars.

• In the after-noon men played cricket and Mrs & Mr.Manivasagm conducted outdoor games for achis and kids.

• Members’ kids participated in fancy dress parade in the evening.

• Mr. Manivasam conducted ‘Tamboola’ game.

• Mrs & Mr. Muthaiah Ramanathan conducted ‘Ideal couple’ and Mrs & Mr. Alagappan Muthu won the title.

• After dinner, Ms. Divya Annamalai conducted trivia.

• On Sunday, members played Anthakshari, and games were conducted for kids as well.

• Prizes were given away for all events.

• A special non-veg / veg lunch was prepared by chettiars.

• Mrs.Devi Krishanan gave vote of thanks.

• Members checked out at 5pm after a memorable weekend get together.

Australia Clean up Day - Mar 2008         Click here for photos

For 'Clean up Australia Day', Shiva Mandir, Minto has been selected and registered with Clean up Australia Day and temple management.

The temple was completely cleaned up by our members and also did some road work and garden work as requested by Temple management.

Rubbish collection was organised through Campbell town council.

Appreciation certificates were given by Clean up Australia to our sangam and participated members thanking our contribution to Australian community.

The temple management was so happy and thanked NSA for helping them in right time – just before 'Maha Sivarathri' festival.

The temple management provided lunch and drinks to our volunteers.

This has been published in ‘Shivam’ temple’s newsletter with photo.
 

Dr Kalaimani's visit  – Feb 2008           

Dr. Kalaimani, one of the key organisers of recently concluded International Conference of Nagarathars at Kualalumpur, Malaysia visited Australia in Feb 2007.  A get together was organised by NSA to meet Dr.Kalaimani at Mrs & Mr. Muthukaruppan Ramasamy’s residence at Giraween on 23^rd Feb.

• Function started at 6pm with President Mr. Subramanian Shanmugam welcoming everyone.
• Mr. Annamalai Sundaram introduced Dr.Kalaimani to NSA members.
• Dr. Kalaimani shared his experiences of ICN with our members.  Also, shared and explained his involvements with out social service activities and Lakshmi pooja.
• Delicious chettinadu food cooked by our members was served.