Tamizh Calligraphy Day
24th February 2019.
I reached the entrance of the Tidal Park by 7:05 am. Jack and Artist6, the faces of Madrasters, waved at me.
Being a Volunteer
Along with Jack Anto and Artist six, other team members and I completed the main gate procedures. We reached Orangescape at 7:40 am after clearing the Tidal Park’s three level security system. We had a small meeting inside the hall by Jack. The work was planned precisely and assigned individually. After the meet, there comes the “Yellow t-shirts” of Madrasters. “Yellow t-shirt” and Madras (Chennai) have a special connection, indeed. We had a little snack to settle down our tummy. After that, the “Yellow army” was on field. I was assigned to be in the main entrance and guide the participants to complete their gate procedures. Other volunteers were in and around to guide the participants to the Venue hall. As the time flew, the participants started to flood. We were assigned volunteer until 9:20 am because, all the volunteers were participants after 9:30 am.
Being a Participant
I rushed to Venue hall and the workshop had already started. Artist6 was standing very confidently to steal the show. He has a strange habit of writing all the participants’ name on their material and will ask them to find their seats. Artist6 began to explain the history of calligraphy and its types practiced all over the world. Also, he explained how the art of calligraphy migrated to India. Now it’s the time for Tamizh calligraphy. All the participants were proud to know that they are the first batch to learn Tamizh calligraphy in the World. Along with the trainer, we started to practice the basic strokes followed by the actual letters. Artist6 taught two styles — gothic and rounded letters- for the beginners. We started practicing the rounded letters, with “Uyir Ezhuthukal”. His demonstrations and guidance gave more comfort to the audience.
After a short break, we were back to our seats. Now, it’s time for gothic style with “Uyir-Mei Ezhuthukal”. When Artist6 asked whether to demonstrate the gothic type, we responded that we would do it. You should have seen the smile on his face — “The sign of success”. After the practice session, we were assigned to write a name with our own style. I wrote 2 names. One for my friend Jerin, who was in the hall as a participant. Another one for the speaker, who wrote all our names. Surprisingly, the outcome of all the participants were outstanding. Every one expressed their thoughts and learning from the event. Among them, Sundharson, an young artist, said that he is going to conduct similar interactive workshop on pencil carving and will reveal all his secrets selflessly like Artist six did that day. That impressed everyone. Finally, event concluded with the vote of thanks by Jack Anto.
After the event, we had a small meet. Everyone’s face was bright and full of smile. We made it. The day ended with the photo session.
Sharing the Knowledge is real Power!
- Anonymous
