IPOH: In a remarkable achievement, around 380 drummers performed continuously for 30 minutes during the National Day celebrations. These drummers, hailing from different parts of Malaysia, played three different types of Tamil drums including the “Tamil Athi,” “Parai Tappu Melam,” and “Chatti” drums. The event was organized by Sebastiar Arts Academy at the Indian Recreational Club field in Buntong on Friday (Sept 10). The organizers are planning to submit the event for the Malaysia Books of Records (MBR) to be recognized as the record holder for the most participants playing drums. Due to the cost, they will send an endorsement instead of inviting MBR officers to attend the event. It is expected that the certificate will be received in a month’s time.
Commenting on the event, Iruthiyam Sebastiar, the director of the academy, expressed that this was the first large-scale event of its kind in Malaysia with numerous participants. He highlighted the significance of the “Athi Parai,” an ancient Tamil instrument, and mentioned the academy’s previous entries in the MBR for different traditional events. The opening of the event was conducted by Abd Rashid Abdullah, the director of the Perak Culture and Arts Department, who also read the endorsement form. Abd Rashid emphasized that arts and cultural events play a vital role in fostering unity and promoting understanding of different cultures. He stated that with increased knowledge and appreciation of diverse cultures, there would be reduced mockery and stronger unity amongst communities.
Abd Rashid further pointed out that the Lion Dance, which was once exclusively associated with the Chinese community, now involves active participation from Malays and Indians as well. He expressed his hope that the Indian traditional drums could be introduced to Malay and Chinese schools to generate interest and enable cross-cultural engagement.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
