Sugam Newsletter (2)

JAN. 2021 | VOL. 1

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF SUGAM HOUSE

Sugam

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We at Sugam Karnatica strongly believe that the arts
are not superfluous to society; instead it is the
underlying force that propels it forward. Exposure to
arts and culture elevate individuals to a higher place
and help develop in them an increased innate ability
to multitask, added empathy in work, renewed vision
through the lenses of creativity and a constant drive
for innovation, amongst other positive traits. Arts and
culture are not only notable, but also crucial tools for
a holistic existence, and we at Sugam Karnatica are
passionate about leading the way in providing
education in arts and culture for the constantly
evolving new generation of this country.

More stories inside:

POSTER DESIGN -1

SCH STUDENT'S STORIES - 2

SK STUDENT'S STORIES - 7

SVS STUDENT'S STORIES - 14

SUGAM ANNOUNCEMENT - 20

EDITIORAL TEAM - 21

Through The Eyes Of A Winner

WRITTEN BY ABIRAMI S.RAJ KUMAR, 17

As we venture deeper into this pandemic, many "I would say that when I
of us seek various ways to bide our time. Some of learn a new lesson and can
us discover new talents and hobbies, some of us immediately get it right. It
focus on refining our existing talents and look for gives me a sense of pride
different ways to further pursue them. and pushes me to keep on
Sudharshaana Muralidharan is no exception to learning."
this. An abundantly talented young girl in the field
of carnatic arts, she recently participated in the Abirami: That’s a great reason! How was your
Malaysian International Carnatic Music Festival experience at the competition? Since it was a virtual
(MYICMF) and won 3rd place in the Vocal Krithi one.
Subsenior Category! Keep reading to learn more Sudharshaana: I was quite nervous and scared,
about this talented and enterprising budding considering that I’ve never done anything like this
singer. before, it was definitely nerve wrecking but also
exciting.
Abirami: Hi Sudharshaana, hope you are well! It’s Abirami: Totally! I know the feeling. So, how much
wonderful to speak with you! practice did you put into this competition?
Sudharshaana: I practiced every day for two hours
Sudharshaana: Hi there! I’m well, thank you. It’s a in the morning and two hours at night, starting from
pleasure to be doing this, thank you for giving me three weeks prior to the competition. My dad would
this opportunity! accompany me and help correct my mistakes and
contact my sangeetham teachers for further help. It
Abirami: No problem! What made you decide to was quite tiring but definitely worth it.
participate in MYICMF?
During MYICMF
Sudharshaana: Well, I wanted to take it as a
challenge because it’s an international
competition and I’ve only been competing at the
national level or internally in Sugam Karnatica.

Through The Eyes Of A Winner

WRITTEN BY ABIRAMI S.RAJ KUMAR, 17

Abirami: Wow, that’s a lot of effort that you put in! "I would say that when I
How long have you been learning sangeetham learn a new lesson and can
for? Do you enjoy it? immediately get it right. It
gives me a sense of pride
Sudharshaana: I’ve been learning sangeetham for and pushes me to keep on
six years. Yes, I do enjoy it. Learning music always learning." Sudharshaana
brings out the best in me, so I’m always
enthusiastic to learn more. Interview session
Abirami: I see, since this was an international
Abirami: That’s great! What is your favourite part competition and you were afraid in the beginning,
about learning sangeetham? did participating and winning take away most of
that fear ?
Sudharshaana: I would say that when I learn a
new lesson and can immediately get it right. It Sudharshaana: Yes, exactly.
gives me a sense of pride and pushes me to keep
on learning. Abirami: Alright Sudharshaana, that’s all the
questions that I have for you! Thank you for your
Abirami: How does carnatic arts impact your life? enlightening and inspiring answers. Here’s wishing
you all the best in your carnatic arts journey! Hope
Sudarshaana: Carnatic arts helps me further to see more wins from you in the future! Have a
identify myself with my culture and heritage. It good day.
also helps me to be more focused in my
academics, makes me more creative, and it gives Sudharshaana: Thank you so much! Hope you have
me a broader spectrum of knowledge in the field a good day as well.
of music.

Abirami: That’s some awesome benefits! So, did
winning in the MYICMF competition motivate you
in any way?

Sudharshaana: It definitely motivated me to put
in more effort into practicing consistently. It also
taught me to be more forthcoming to bigger
challenges and not back down from it.

During MYICMF
Annoucement of Winners

Sugam Culture & Heritage: Who we are

WRITTEN BY J. TANISHA DEVI, 13

Most people think of Sugam as a place to learn to "Behind every creative
sing, dance and play some musical instruments. endeavour exists a more
It’s much more than that. Sugam is an profound concept."
organisation aimed at societal transformation
through arts and culture. Initially formed as Founders of Sugam Karnatica
Sugam Sangeet Sabha in 2003, the organisation Their creativity transcends traditional ideas and
changed its name to the current Sugam Culture rules to create meaningful new forms, methods and
and Heritage Foundation (SCH) five years later to interpretations to help execute programmes of the
reflect its focus of leveraging the arts and culture organisation and invent novelty products and
to transform and progress the community. The services for the community. Last but not least the
organization was founded by Sujietra Jayaseelan, word excellence refers to their commitment to be
Sumitra Jayaseelan and Subatra Jayaseelan, three the best and deliver the best.
talented sisters who had forged their niche in the Behind every creative endeavour exists a more
Carnatic music industry. Through their endeavour, profound concept. Imagine what the world would
Sugam Karnatica, the three sisters began offering be like if we just stopped creating. We wouldn’t
classical music to the masses. even be where we are now. That’s why Sugam
Why was Sugam created? It’s aim was to serve Culture and Heritage was created to help blossom
communities in a transparent, measurable, and the full potential of people and communities and
accountable way to enable people to be lead them like a magical divine rod directing their
independent and enhance their development. powers to create and inspire change. Arts and
This organisation endeavours to create real and culture are not only notable to us but also a crucial
lasting positive social changes for Malaysia tool for a holistic existence.
through their contribution in Arts, Culture &
Education, via their wings Sugam Karnatica and
Sugam Samskara. Everyone has their own goals,
right? Sugam has its own goals too. One of their
goals is to enhance the standard of living and
quality of life for communities through an
innovative curriculum featuring arts and culture.
As daunting as the task appears to be, Sugam has
its own unique way of achieving it. Sugam
provides a platform for youth to obtain affordable,
quality arts, and creative education to contribute
in developing an innovative nation. This is in line
with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals of
safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage of a
community.I would like to add on their core
values too. Ever heard of spice? Spice to Sugam is
actually not about tantalising the tastebuds, but
each alphabet represents an intrinsic value. S is
for service, P is for passion, I is for integrity, C is for
Creativity, and E is for Excellence.
Service and passion underpin the cause of the
organisation and in the implementation of the
organisation’s activities for the benefit of the
community. Integrity refers to Sugam’s role in
constantly upholding the governance of the
organisation as well as in community relations.

Sugam - The Journey

WRITTEN BY SUSHMEETA BALAN KUMAR, 19

I was introduced to Sugam in 2015 by an old "I am forever thankful for
friend. He described Sugam as “a place that
educates people in our arts and culture”. And to that because it made me a
that friend, I will never be able to thank you
enough! I remember it as clear as day, 3rd March better singer and allowed
2015, I walked into the grounds of Sugam, clearly
without an inkling as to what was in store for me, me to discover the wonders
but as I started engaging in the numerous
activities that Sugam had organized, I slowly of Carnatic music."
unravelled the pages of the story of Sugam’s
evolution. Formerly known as Sugam Sangeet In 2015, when I joined, Teacher Suji, one of the
Sabha when it was formed in 2003, this arts sisters, accepted me into Sugam with open arms
education institution aimed to provide music and a huge smile on her face. She explained that
lessons. I never thought people could work with Sugam Arts & Culture Berhad consisted of Sugam
their siblings, I could never agree on even one Karnatica - providing formal and non-formal Indian
thing with my brother, but that ideology changed arts and culture programmes (all Indian classical
when I met the founders of Sugam, the three arts - Sangeeetham, dance, and several instruments)
sisters - Sujietra Jayaseelan, Sumitra Jayaseelan as well as Sugam Samskharaa - a cultural institution
and Subatra Jayaseelan. providing education in Vedic values and culture
Later, in 2008, Sugam Sangeet Sabha was (Vedic Chanting, Bhagavad Gita, Bhajan, Yoga,
converted to Sugam Arts & Culture Berhad where Sugam Sunday School). These new concepts were
they not only provided music lessons, but also introduced in 2013. I immediately decided to enrol
other classical arts including instruments and for Sangeetham classes. Teacher Suba, another
dance for people across all ages. Furthermore, sister, was my Sangeetham teacher. She worked
Sugam introduced an interesting initiative,’Sugam hard to bring out the best in every one of her
Sunday School’. Here, children could enrol to students. Every line, word and note had to be sung
learn about the beauty of our Hindu culture while in perfection before we moved on. I am forever
enjoying some lovely Milo and Nasi Lemak during thankful for that because it made me a better singer
breaks! and allowed me to discover the wonders of Carnatic
music.
Sugam students posing with Teacher Suji shortly after Not only does Sugam Karnatica provide classes, its
painting Sugam House. students are trained to perform from an early stage
to boost their confidence via an annual concert put
up by Sugam Karnatica. I learnt that this annual
event, Music Carnival, where we witnessed hundreds
of other Sugam students perform on stage to
showcase what they had learnt throughout the year,
was a tradition. Each year, as the days pass, I look
forward to this event in anticipation, as it is very
exciting.
Not only did I enjoy the sounds of the many
instruments such as the violin, Mridangam, Tabla,
Harmonium and Veenai, I felt so privileged
watching the Bharatanatyam dancers perform
various familiar Carnatic pieces through this
concert.

Sugam - The Journey

WRITTEN BY SUSHMEETA BALAN KUMAR, 19

I also witnessed little children from the Zizu class, "I have grown with Sugam,
3-6 years of age, perform a variety of songs and
dances soulfully and it was evident that they were and I cannot imagine life
dedicated to learning and perfecting the
choreography at such a tender age. At the end of without it."
the show, students are rewarded for their
performance throughout the year and the hard Although 2020 was a tough year, Sugam definitely
work they put into attaining flying colours in their managed to open up a host of opportunities for
theory exams.Apart from that, Sugam has a choir students interested in pursuing a professional career
team called ‘TAP to Raagas’- TAP stands for Talent in the mentioned fields.
Acceleration Programme. TAP to Raagas has Besides all of this, 41 years ago, when the 3 sisters
competed in many competitions and also were young , they used to have puppet shows at
performed for many events. I am so proud to be a their home. They were soon joined by a curious and
part of this choir. It’s a great experience as interested audience of friends and family, and it
together, we learn many new songs and explore started growing bigger and bigger. Noting this, they
how to harmonize our voices seamlessly. Teacher decided to incorporate it into Sugam Karnatica,
Sumi leads the team, determined to perfect our calling it ‘Sugam Samarpanam’, a holiday
coordination and also to bring out the best of our programme. I had no idea what it was, until
voices. November 2015 came along and there was so much
In 2017, Sugam and Annamalai University of India chatter about this very highly anticipated
joined hands to allow students to be examined by programme. Whispers around halls and its
highly trained musicians and to be rewarded by a preparations encouraged me to sign up and I can
certificate issued by the university. This acted as assure you that it was the best decision I had made
an additional examination along with the internal throughout my journey with Sugam! It was super
ones provided by Sugam Karnatica itself. In 2020, fun, and so many friendships were built. I felt closer
Sugam Arts & Culture Berhad converted to to the Sugam team than I ever did before.
Sugam, consisting of Sugam Karnatica, Sugam In 2020, we had to say goodbye to the old Sugam
Samskhaara and Sugam Culture & Heritage House before moving into the Sugam Academy
Foundation. Under the Sugam Culture & Heritage building. Many of my friends and the Sugam team
Foundation many concerts and competitions are came together to paint the house before handing it
organised, this includes the prestigious Malaysian over to the owners. It was a very tearful day as so
International Carnatic Music Festival. many memories of events conducted in the house
Sugam Karnatica also opened up a new system in flashed before our eyes. However, I am convinced
2020 where the older students could choose to Sugam has a bright future ahead and I’m here to
pursue their Diploma or Degree in Carnatic vocals, witness it. I am beyond excited to see what’s in store
instruments or dance right here in Sugam, with for Sugam and everyone who has been and will be a
the examination and certificate awarded by part of it!
Annamalai University. In conclusion, Sugam has been a huge part of my
life and I’ve loved every single experience
encountered here,from the Navarathri
performances, external competitions to the charity
lunches! I have grown with Sugam, and I cannot
imagine life without it. Not only did I learn my
culture and Sangeeetham as an art form, I have
built numerous relationships and made countless
memories. I am now a part of the Sugam family and
I couldn’t be prouder!

How the online world took over 2020

WRITTEN BY TAYANAA LOGENTHIRAN, 17

When people mention 2020, what is the first "Similarly, Sugam
thing that comes to your mind? For me, like most
people, it is Covid-19. Many fell sick, many lost Karnatica immediately
jobs, but one common thing that affected
everyone was the lockdown – the inability to move acted on the situation and
freely from one place to another. For Malaysia, it
was announced in March 2020. Schools, began searching for the best
businesses, and many other sectors in the country,
scurried to discover the wonders of our only option for us, their students,
alternative – the online platform.
as they realised that Covid-
Similarly, Sugam Karnatica immediately acted on
the situation and began searching for the best 19 had not only put our
option for us, their students, as they realised that
Covid-19 had not only put our health at risk but health at risk but also our
also our education. Not long after, we were
introduced to an application that rapidly gained education."
its fame, “Zoom”. Zoom classes quickly became
the new norm. Sugam Karnatica also ensured that At first, all of us were excited! Waking up 5 minutes
their team was well-prepared to guide any before an early class was like a once-in-a-lifetime
student facing technical issues. opportunity. With almost all events occurring
virtually, the phrase ‘In the comfort of your own
homes’ became a common one. Zoom classes also
brought along many new, funny experiences.
Sometimes my classmates would forget to mute
their microphones and shout for their parents to
bring their books. The whole class would erupt in
laughter and through the screen we would watch
our friend’s face turn red. Other times, our
computers would lag, and our faces would freeze.
That’s when screenshots became our worst enemy!

Sugam Online Class

How the online world took over 2020

WRITTEN BY TAYANAA LOGENTHIRAN, 17

However, these cherishable moments were "Regardless of the
accompanied by countless obstacles. The challenges, Sugam
teaching and learning process became harder as Karnatica made the best of
communication was not as effective, especially for the worst times"
instrument learning, where the teachers were
unable to place the student’s fingers in the
correct position, and for dance classes where the
teachers could not lift the drooping elbows of
their students.
Regardless of the challenges, Sugam Karnatica
made the best of the worst times. They went the
extra mile to organise Navarathri celebrations,
open days and competitions including the
Guruguha Challenge, Deiveega Raagam and
more, virtually. To top it all off, the Sugam Culture
and Heritage team came up with an extraordinary
way to continue the tradition of hosting the
Malaysia International Carnatic Music Festival
(MYICMF) 2020, online! Many people, including
the students of Sugam Karnatica got the
opportunity to perform and witness performers
from all around the world, who were able to
showcase their talent without spending hours on
a flight, because the online world was accessible
from every corner of the Earth.

Online Events via Facebook

In my opinion, I believe that Sugam Karnatica
adapted to the new norm in the best way possible
and all their hard work has paid off as they ensured
that we received the same amount of knowledge
that we would have gained in a physical class.
However, I am still eagerly waiting for everything to
return to normal because it has been a long time
since I have seen my teachers and friends and I miss
them very much.

Online Events via ZOOM

A Chat with Sugam Karnatica’s ‘Big Teacher’

WRITTEN BY THEIVANAI NATARAJAN, 12

Sujitra Jayaseelan, or Teacher Suji as she is fondly "But as she went on, it
known, is one of the founders of Sugam Karnatica, dawned on her that she had
and an outstandingly remarkable singer. She this zeal for Carnatic music-
started singing at the age of three. At first, she that she’s getting pleasure
hadn’t any idea about Carnatic music. But as she by singing Carnatic music."
went on, it dawned on her that she had this zeal
for Carnatic music- that she’s getting pleasure by Music then became a part of Teacher Suji’s life- just
singing Carnatic music. like brushing teeth and eating. She found her inner
peace by singing and listening to Carnatic music.
Teacher Suji first learnt Carnatic music from Mr. This ignited a fire in her to start teaching Carnatic
Siva Subramaniam at Sungai Petani, Kedah. At music. That was when she, along with her sisters
the age of 12, she continued her training in Subatra and Sumitra, founded Sugam Sangeet
Carnatic music under Smt. Vijayalakshmi Sabha, which was later renamed ‘Sugam Karnatica’.
Kulaveerasingam. Teacher Suji fancies the ragam
Hindholam. She says that this ragam gives a
strong, groovy vibe. A ragam such as Hindholam
inspires you to sing Carnatic music. Although
Teacher Suji didn’t master any instruments, she
makes up for it with her singing. Well, she had
learnt the harmonium, but I bet she sings a
hundred times better!

Picture Collage by Aghalya Manimohan, 12

A Chat with Sugam Karnatica’s ‘Big Teacher’

WRITTEN BY THEIVANAI NATARAJAN, 12

Teacher Suji’s favourite aspect in teaching "Music isn’t magic, We will
Carnatic music is the company of the children get the hang of it if we
around her. She simply adores interacting with practice daily."
them and enjoys the easy banter that they share.
Besides teaching, Teacher Suji has also performed
in several concerts, including the Gems Concert,
Navarasa Concert, and the Thyagaraja Fusion
Concert.
Teacher Suji affirms that the reason for her
musical prowess is that she practises Carnatic
music every single day. “Music isn’t magic,” she
says. “We will get the hang of it if we practice
daily.” Teacher Suji advises that if we practise
Carnatic music on a daily basis, we will certainly
earn the inner peace that she did.

Leaving Sugam House…

WRITTEN BY DHARSHANA SIVANESHWARAN, 14

Leaving anything that we have created a strong "One of my favourite things
bond with, is hard for everyone, and this was true about the house was the
for us at Sugam. We had to leave the Sugam slope at the front of the
House because of the current pandemic situation. garden."
Sugam House has been more than a school for
many of us. In the last eight years, we have Teacher Suji said, “Of course I was sad to move out
created memories, had many performances and of Sugam House, but it was an unavoidable situation
celebrated many festivals. One of my favourite mainly because of MCO (movement control order).
things about the house was the slope at the front We were very used to moving as we have moved 8
of the garden. All the kids, including myself, had times since we established Sugam in 2003, so I was
hours of fun running up and sliding down. What prepped for this. It was still devastating, as we’ve
lovely memories. been in this house for over 8 years and was the
Sugam is founded by the three Jayaseelen sisters, house that we remained in the longest. It's not the
Sujitra, Sumitra and Subatra; known to us Sugam end because there are more places for us. We
kids as Teacher Suji, Teacher Sumi and Teacher started small and we grew bigger, not just as a
Suba. It would have been the hardest for them to community but as a family. Now we are continuing
leave the house, so I decided to get their point of classes online like the rest of the world. I always try
view on it. my best to think positive and hopefully the next
place we move to will be one to remember too.”

Sugam Sisters Sugam House Entrance

Leaving Sugam House…

WRITTEN BY DHARSHANA SIVANESHWARAN, 14

Teacher Sumi said, “I liked this house as it had a Food fair at Sugam house
lot of space outside and it was always nice to see
the kids playing there after class, sliding down the One of the many group sessions
slope and running around, and I think this added at Sugam House
a lot of life to the whole house. There was also a
tree right in front of the house that I liked. It was a Annual Navarathri prayer at Sugam House
big, beautiful and majestic Neem tree. Since
Neem has medicinal property, I feel that it cast a
very good shadow on the Sugam house. Some
kids came here when they were 10, and now they
are 18. So, they practically grew up in that house.
The house had a very good vibration as well. This
house will be a very fond part of Sugam’s history.”

Teacher Suba said, “It was very emotional to move
out because we were in that house for 8 years and
have grown to love the place and the vibration
inside. The place is one thing, but it’s the people
in it that makes it what it is. It was a very tearful
experience for all of us and the students as well.
Cleaning, packing and then coming back to an
empty place was very emotional. I wasn’t happy at
first as I was very emotionally attached to the
house, but we had to do it for the greater cause of
Sugam.”

After all the memories that we’ve made there, it is
sad but it just might be a good thing to move on
to another fresh start. After all, Sugam is not just a
place, but a community and a vision.I loved
Sugam house for many reasons and it is hard to
move on from something that has had a big
impact on my life. I’ve been with Sugam since I
was 5 and I turn 14 this year. In the ten years, I
have made a lot of friends and learnt a lot of
things. We were always served with great food at
the Sugam House, and it was a good day for me if
it was nasi lemak. Sugam is a really big part of my
life and I hope that when I am done studying, I
can come back and contribute in a way I can, by
adding to the growth of another generation of
Sugam kids.

GOODBYE SUGAM HOUSE

POEM WRITTEN BY SUMITRA JAYSEELAN

In 2012 we moved into this house of education,
We filled it with our love for arts, culture and tradition

We had 8 years of students come and stay,
Leaving a lot of memories along the way.

Innumerable rehearsals, lively stage performances,
The stress of examinations and festival celebrations,
Kicking football at the field, having breakfast with friends,
Not forgetting times of prayer and giving God our thanks.

We shared many memories, we hold it in our core,
We taught each other, while learning so much more,

8 years of growth, 8 years of achievement,
8 years of blessings, and 8 years of talent.

The pandemic shook us and we had to pivot online,
Virtual activities, tasks reassigned,

We thank our teaching force for facing the new norm,
Reaching out to students, anticipating the end of the storm.

We are officially leaving “Sugam House” as it has come to be known,
Soon, we will find a new place for our tales to be told.

Thank you to our Sugam family for making this space a home,
We move to a new one, carrying with us the Sugam chromosome.

Sugam Vedic Fest 2020

WRITTEN BY V. HARSHINI RHEYA NAIDU, 15

The Vedic Fest of 2020, was definitely an "I, honestly admired the
interesting experience. Quite frankly, it was students who stepped up to
challenging, annoying and disorientating to do volunteer for the individual
everything online, including the pre-event performances."
preparations. Everyone was buzzing with not only
excitement, but also worry during practice runs After the opening, the group presentations began,
because there were many setbacks like audio kicking it off with our adorable juniors. Their puppet
problems, unstable Internet connection and show performance was without a doubt the cutest,
everyone having to do everything individually. with each student using an animal puppet to
However, each group had something unique to convey their message of friendship. Next up were
bring to the table and worked hard at giving their the Year One students, whose storytelling
all to the presentations. presentation was titled “My Puranic Hero”. These
seven -year-olds definitely put in a lot of effort into
their presentation; each student was dressed in a
costume depicting their puranic hero and had told
their stories fully in character. It was definitely
entertaining seeing all the small Ganeshas, Krishnas
and Murugans enthusiastically narrating their
puranic tales.

Yoga Team Some slides used at the presentation.
The little ones all dressed up for the virtual SVS Fest.
The yoga team started off the program with a
bang, with a surprising amount of energy
considering it was at 8.00 in the morning. It was
followed by a few students who lead our usual
Universal Prayer in both English and Tamil. The
mantra chanting was done by multiple students,
all whom had memorised beforehand. I, honestly
admired the students who stepped up to
volunteer for the individual performances before
the group ones, as they went the extra mile to
work on, not only their part in the group
presentation but on an additional mantra, sloka or
Thirumurai. For example, the students who
volunteered to do Bhagavad Gita recitation had
fully memorised both the sloka and translation
and delivered it fluently. The students who sang
Thirumurais were no less diligent, who had
undoubtedly practiced hard as could be seen
through their good pronunciation and tune.

Sugam Vedic Fest 2020

WRITTEN BY V. HARSHINI RHEYA NAIDU, 15

The Year Two team, on the other hand, had come "We adapted, adjusted and
up with a mix of a skit and a PowerPoint accommodated to our
presentation on the Ramayana, Yudha Kanda. circumstances and managed
Each student was dressed up as a character from to pull off our fest as
the famous epic, and related different parts of the spectacularly as we do every
Yudha Kanda while their teacher shared a year"
PowerPoint presentation with colourful pictures
on the screen. The third year students had We had each done a slide on one topic from our
prepared a presentation similar to the previous syllabus this year and compiled it into a PowerPoint,
two, with the students portraying their characters presenting our slides individually. We’d done our
on the topic of the ten avatars of Vishnu or the best to make our slides and presentation as
Dasavatara. interesting as possible, so the younger kids could
They were followed by the Year Four students who enjoy it as well. We were all proud with our
presented the Faces of Mahabharatha, with the performance on the day.
likes of The Pandavas, Draupadi and Abhimanyu. So yes, this year’s Sugam Vedic Fest was filled with
The fifth and sixth year students who had a surprises and challenges, but we adapted, adjusted
slideshow on the planetary system, the seven seas, and accommodated to our circumstances and
fasting and japa. Finally, it was our turn, the senior managed to pull off our fest as spectacularly as we
group. do every year.

My fellow seniors and I during our class presentation.

Saying goodbye to SVS for 2020!

Temple worship in the new normal

WRITTEN BY JANARDTHAN SURENDRAN, 15

A temple is a calm and holy place. It serves as a Devotees must wear masks upon entering the temple.
place to worship our gods. Some temples can also [Dinuka Liyanawatte/Reuters]
be a place where an individual can obtain
knowledge. The main reason an individual enters The Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs) limited
a temple is either to pray or to meditate. The calm the number of individuals that were allowed to
surrounding serves as a suitable environment for enter the temple, and social distancing became a
people to meditate. The mantras that are chanted must. prasadam and vibhuti are prepared to be
by the priest flows into our ears as a calm melody. distributed in order to avoid contact. Worshipers
must also wear masks as the mask helps to protect
However, a small pathogen just came out of the people around the temple. Children under 12 were
blue. That pathogen spreads a disease called not allowed to enter the temple due to their safety.
coronavirus 19. It originated from China, and it Due to the stringent SOPs, less people went to the
slowly started to make its way around the globe. temple to pray and most opted to pray at home
As the cases were rising in Malaysia, our instead. Temple managements introduced new
government decided to take swift action and online systems for temple prayers. Temples had
declared a lockdown, or as we call it a MCO online pooja sessions so that people could pray at
(Movement Control Order) in March of 2020. Due home during a religious day. Some of the religious
to this lockdown, people were forced to stay at festivals that were affected by the pandemic were
home and all temples were also forced to be held online by temples such the Tamil New Year,
closed. After 3 months of MCO, temples were Navarathri, and many more. Our beloved Sugam
allowed to operate in June 2020. However, strict also held Navarathri prayers and performances
standard operating procedures (SOP) were during Navarathri through online sessions.
compulsory to be obeyed in order to put a stop to
the spread of the corona virus disease. A temple staff sticking tape on the floor to help
worshipers maintain social distancing.

Temple worship in the new normal

WRITTEN BY JANARDTHAN SURENDRAN, 15

The experience of the online prayers is not the same with the experience that we can obtain only in the
temple. Prayers can be more intimate at home with our families. We can also increase spiritual
relationships between family members and chant mantras to create positive vibrations in our homes.
We might have to continue this routine for quite a while. In order to enjoy the temple environment, we
must work together and follow the instructions given by the government. Together we can overcome this
disease, and go to the temple anytime we want. So let’s all pray that this pandemic ends, so that we can
live without any worries. This also goes to show that God is everywhere and not just necessarily in the
temple surroundings .

Devotees watching live online poojas at home

Origin of worship with kavadi - story of Idumban

WRITTEN BY CHANDRIKA PRABHU, 15

Once upon a time, there lived a demon named Idumban. The name Idumban is very symbolic and it

means arrogance. This demon was a disciple of Sage Agathiyar, a revered Vedic sage of Hinduism. One day,

Sage Agathiyar ordered Idumban to bring him the Shivagiri and Shaktigiri hills, as he wanted to pray to

them as Lord Shiva and Goddess Uma. Idumban, along with his wife, went northward, and prayed to both

the hills while chanting the respective mantras. He then used snakes to tie both the hills on either side of a

pole and carried the pole on his shoulders as a kavadi. When he was near the hill of Palani, Idumban felt

fatigued, and decided to take a break.

At this stage, Lord Muruga had been outwitted in a contest for going round the world. His elder brother,
Lord Ganapathy had won the prized ‘nyaanappazham’, or the fruit of wisdom, by simply going round his
parents, whom the elder sibling had declared as his whole world. Lord Muruga had instead travelled around
the world on his peacock, convinced that he will be the victor. Angry with what he considered as an unfair
loss, the frustrated child left the divine parents and came to the foot of the Sivagiri hill. Siva pacified him
by saying that Muruga himself was the fruit (pazham) of all wisdom and knowledge. Hence the hills where
he was at was called Pazham-nee ('You are the fruit') or Palani. (Later Muruga would withdraw to the hill and
settle there as a recluse in peace and solitude.) Meanwhile, Lord Muruga spotted Idumban, and decided to
play a trick to test his devotion to Sage Agathiyar.

Ganapathy receiving the nyaanappazham after going around his parents.

Origin of worship with kavadi - story of Idumban

WRITTEN BY CHANDRIKA PRABHU, 15

Idumban, refreshed by a good rest, decided to resume his quest. Lifting his pole, he realized he could not lift
the hills as they had become too heavy, Idumban noticed a young boy wearing only a loincloth sitting at the
hilltop. He demanded that the boy vacate at once, so that he could resume his task. As the boy refused,
Idumban flew into a rage and began fighting the boy. Soon, Idumban was defeated and killed. Later,
Idumban was brought back to life on the humble request of his wife and Sage Agathiyar.

Upon realizing that the young boy was actually Lord Muruga under disguise, Idumban immediately
prostrated himself before the lord. He prayed to Lord Muruga for the honour of serving him by standing
guard before his temple. He also prayed for Lord Muruga to bless and help all mortals who carry the kavadi
to honour the lord, and to rid them of all their miseries.

And this, is how people began to worship Lord Muruga with this ceremonial sacrifice of carrying a kavadi.

Idumban carrying the Shivagiri and Shakthigiri People carrying kavadis to worship Murugan
hills as a kavadi

SUGAM TIMES

ANNOUNCEMENT

by Harshine Balachandran, 15

SUGAM TIMES

EDITORIAL TEAM

1. V.Sanjugtha 2. Kamala Velautham Advisors
3. Sumitra Jayaseelan 4. Vanieswari Gunaseelan

Editor Team

Editor: Sushmeeta Balan Kumar
Asst. Editor (SCH): Abirami S.Raj Kumar
Asst. Editor (SK): Tayanaa Logenthiran
Asst. Editor (SS): V. Harshini Rheya Naidu

Writing Team

Abirami S.Raj Kumar, 17
Chandrika Prabhu, 15
Dharshana Sivaneshwaran, 14
Harshine Balachandran, 15
J. Tanisha Devi, 13
Jaiyeswarr Sivaneshwaran, 12
Janardthan Surendran, 15
Kirthyika Nantha Kumar, 14
Navin Nesan Sivanesan, 11
Sushmeeta Balan Kumar, 19
Tayanaa Logenthiran, 17
Theivanai Natarajan, 12
V. Harshini Rheya Naidu, 15

SUGAM TIMES

EDITORIAL TEAM

Photography Team
Gautham Ravindran, 12
Shravani Sai Siva Krisna Rau, 15

Design Team
Aghalya Manimohan, 12
Harshine Balachandran, 15
Kirtini Shriya Naidu, 11