Japhire Gopi Kannan
Executive Producer
Mr. Japhire Gopi Kannan is the Founder of Anandha Traditional Arts & Music Ltd (ATAM) and Anandha Kondaattam, Singapore Indian Traditional Folk Arts Festival.
Inspired by his father CPT (RET) M Govindaraju and his late brother, Anandha Kannan, he has entered the arts and heritage realm and has accomplished a couple of noteworthy productions such as AK50 (2023), a groundbreaking musical with over 100 artists. He is also the Executive Producer of Anandha Koothu, the first Tamil webisode series for Pre-schoolers in Singapore, a project endorsed by LKYFB.
He was the Executive Producer of Anandha Kondaattam - Singapore Indian Traditional Folk Arts Festival 2024 that was staged in Esplanade, Theatres by the Bay in August 2024.
Beyond the arts scene, Japhire is a serial entrepreneur, founding innovative Insurance Technology platforms such as DoctorShield, HaxSafe, Tate&Livingston and Jaguar Transit in regional countries. He is also a Cover holder of Lloyds.
His innovations have been listed as Asia’s Top Innovators by The Insurance Business Asia and InsurTech Connect Forward50 APAC.Mr. Japhire Gopi Kannan is the Founder of Anandha Traditional Arts & Music Ltd (ATAM) and Anandha Kondaattam, Singapore Indian Traditional Folk Arts Festival.
Bhavani Selva Kumar
Project Advisor
Bhavani Selva Kumar is the General Manager of the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) – a Heritage Institution of the National Heritage Board. She leads her team to develop IHC into a leading heritage institution and a focal point for the diverse Indian community in Singapore. Prior to this, she was an educator for 20 years – a Tamil Language Teacher and Head of Department for ICT and thereafter as Assistant Director at the Mother Tongue Languages Branch at MOE. She was previously the Head Secretariat of Tamil Language Learning and Promotion Committee and is currently a committee member. She also sits in various panels that includes, the NationalTranslation Committee – Tamil Resource Panel, the Peoples’ Association’s Indian Culture & Language Advisory Panel and in Greendale Primary School’s School Advisory Committee.
Subbu Adaikalavan
Festival Producer
Subbu is an accomplished IT professional with a background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Nanyang Technological University. Subbu was President of the Nanyang Technological University Tamil Literary Society, where he spearheaded impactful initiatives, including Pongattum Aanandham, a collaborative festival celebrating Tamil culture, and Tamil+AI, an innovative program integrating Tamil language into artificial intelligence. He directed Uthraa 2018, a notable stage production, and led a community involvement project aiding saree weavers in Thirunelveli, earning recognition at NTU. Vice-President of the Tamils Representative Council – Youth Wing, he facilitated discussions addressing the challenges faced by Indian youths in Singapore.
Additionally, he demonstrated strategic planning abilities as Assistant Chief Programmer at Hall of Residence 7 Orientation program and Overall-in-charge of the Tampines Junior College Orientation program. He has been honored with awards like the TamilChudar Young Achiever Award and Mahakavi Bharathiyar Award. Subbu is also an accomplished stage actor and a dynamic radio DJ on Mediacorp Oli 968.
Karthikeyan Somasundaram
Creative Director
Karthikeyan Somasundaram is an actor, host, playwright, theatre practitioner, director and screenwriter. He has directed compelling plays like Pachae Bungalaa Rettae Kolaedaa in 2024 which is nominated for Best Director, Best Set Design and Best Ensemble in Life Theatre Awards 2024. His other endeavors include the directorial and acting roles in the bioplay Re Somma, critically acclaimed Vilangkuppannai (Animal Farm), and Adukku Veettu Annasamy 2, showcased as part of Esplanade's Raga 2016. Notable among his acting credits are his roles in 2+2 at Kalaa Utsavam 2020 and Grace Kalaiselvi's radio play Angry Indian Woman - The Trial at the Singapore Writers Festival 2020.
Apart from theatre, he has directed several MediaCorp television series such as the telemovie Deepavali Parisu, Vanakkam Singai and Uncle Taxi Engae Poguthu. He has also written for award winning television series such as CID Sakoonthala, Oru Naal Koothu, and Parambarai. He received the Best Scriptwriter Award (Other Categories) for writing Pradhana Vizha 2021. He won Best Info Ed Host and Best Actor in Pradhana Vizha 2022.
Paul Jacob
Music Composer
Paul Jacob is one of Chennai’s finest musicians to have travelled the world. Having started out early playing bass guitar with the school band from the age of 12, Paul went on to be a part of several rock bands finally ending up with the amazing “Nemesis Avenue” which featured now Oscar winning keyboard whiz A. R. Rahman. Paul furthered his musical journey composing music for advertising while simultaneously studying Carnatic classical music under Grammy Award winner Shri. Vikku Vinayakram and Shri. Ravikiran.
His interest in Indian traditional music led to the formation of Bodhi Music,where he produced several collaborative efforts with folk and classical music working with award winning producers and artists including Thione Seck - Senegal, Francois Breant - France, Susheela Raman - UK, Oikyotaan - India, Yogeswaran Manickam - UK, Laya Project - Israel and the Hungarian Gypsy Orchestra. His music for “The Square Circle” - a documentary by Timery Murari, won the best documentary music award at the Cannes fest in 1998. Paul has also been instrumental in producing music festivals in India including “The Laya Project Live” and “Chennai Sangamam” which featured over 2500 artists from all over India.
Sreedevy Sivarajasingam
Dance Coordinator
Sreedevy, a recipient of LISHA’s 50 Most Inspiring Ladies Award, is a well-known dancer and choreographer in Singapore. Trained in Bharathanatyam at the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society, she is one of the founding members of Omkar Arts which started in 1987. She has performed extensively on TV, and in various arts and dance festivals and stage performances in Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Australia. She is involved in choreography work at various schools, the Esplanade and the Tamil media in Singapore and is a highly sought-after choreographer, producing consistently stellar results at Nationwide school competitions.
Sreedevy also runs a dance school and company with over 150 students. She has choreographed and performed in 2 full length productions Aathi Antham Illai and Srngara Nayika staged as part of Esplanade’s Raga Series. Sreedevy was also one of the mentors for the Singapore performance teams at the Kala Utsavam open stage program. Sreedevy is currently choreographing for the Chingay Festival. Sreedevy also founded Kuthu Fitness exercise program in 2015 and it continues to be popular amongst Indian ladies in Singapore.
Lionell Heeran
Assistant Producer
Lionell Heeran is a visionary Business Development Manager and social media marketer with nearly a decade of experience in events management. His unwavering passion for Indian traditional arts fuels his commitment to supporting cultural groups and raising awareness of these timeless art forms. As a skilled musician he plays the parai and thudumbu, Heeran captivates audiences and, as an instructor, has empowered countless young individuals to embrace and excel in these traditional instruments.
Beyond his musical expertise, Heeran's talents extend to directing shows, serving as a director of photography, and managing productions, where his creative vision brings projects to life. As an actor, he brings depth and authenticity to his performances, captivating audiences on stage and screen. Heeran's mission to preserve and promote Indian heritage drives him to inspire widespread appreciation and engagement with this rich cultural.
Logeshwari Durairaj
Assistant Producer
Logeshwari Durairaj's (Eshwari) dance journey started at the age of 10 with Bharathanatyam under the guidance of Guru Dr. Sree Ajith Baskaran Dass, she has dedicated 25 years to mastering this classical art form and continues to learn. She delved into Indian folk arts with the late Anandha Kannan, expanding her repertoire to include Karagam, Oyil, Parai, Kummi, Saataikutchi, and more. Her thirst for knowledge led her to India, where she immersed herself in various art forms such as Devarattam, Therukoothu, Thudumbu, and Silambam.
Beyond her performances on stage, Eshwari is also skilled in production and stage management, as well as wardrobe management. Her diverse skill set and dedication make her a formidable force in the world of dance and production.
Bhagavathi
Treasurer
M. Bhagavathi is an accomplished professional with a robust background in customer service, administration, and animal care. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational abilities in her roles at Adidas, Sephora, GlaxoSmithKline, Sing Health, and the Health Promotion Board. Her meticulous approach to administrative tasks and her commitment to maintaining high standards in both retail and healthcare environments underscore her dedication to excellence.
Currently advancing her education with a Bachelor in Molecular Biology & Applied Chemistry at La Trobe University, Bhagavathi continues to build on her strong scientific foundation. Her passion for animal care is evident from her roles at Doggie Retreat and Ozzy & Friends, where she ensured the well-being of numerous dogs daily.
Recognized for her hard work and dedication with accolades such as the Eagles Award and multiple Progress Awards, Bhagavathi’s diverse skill set and academic background make her an invaluable asset to any organization.
Na Mammathu
Researcher
Mammathu is a well-known musicologist, not only in India, but also all over the world. He is a distinguished figure in the realm of Indian music. Serving as Director and Head of the Department of Indian Music at MMFSA, Madurai since 2016, he is also the Principal Investigator Cum Organizer at the Tamil Music Research Centre, Thyagaraja Arts & Science College, Madurai. With a prolific career, Mr Mammathu has authored over 12 books in Tamil music and culture. Some of which include, Tamilisai Thazhirgal (2007), Thollisai Suvadugal (2016), Thamilar Thinai (2016) and Enrum Thamilisai (2016).
He also has garnered more than 16 awards, showcasing his profound expertise and contributions to the field. His stupendous work Tamil Isai Peragarathi(Lexicon of Tamil Music (Terminologies) won him State Government's BharathiarAward.
Kalaimamani Ilangovan
Choreographer
Kalaimamani M Ilangovan is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse educational background, including M.Com, MBA, PGDHRM, and M.Phil. He serves as the Secretary and Director of Kavin Kalai Kuzhu, showcasing exemplary dedication to the cultural domain. His expertise spans various forms of folk dances such as Karagattam, Kavadiyattam, Mayilattam, and more, along with proficiency in classical dances, fine arts, and performing arts.
He actively imparts training in folk dances to students across educational institutions and corporate entities. Furthermore, he has conducted seminars, webinars, and workshops on folklore, contributing significantly to the preservation and promotion of Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage. He has paticipated in renowned events such as the National Folk Festivals in Udaipur and Goa, as well as international showcases in countries like USSR, Singapore, and Oman. Notably, he has also organized and led international seminars and workshops, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation on a global scale.
Raj Kumar
Media Liaison Officer
Hello, my name is Rajkumar Thanapalan. I am a lecturer with a rich background in marketing and media spanning over a decade. Throughout my career, I have cultivated a deep passion for the arts and culture scene.
My professional journey in the media has not only equipped me with a robust understanding of the industry but has also enriched my perspective on the interplay between media, marketing, and the arts.
I relish every opportunity to discuss and explore new ideas within this vibrant sector, whether it's delving into contemporary art trends, examining cultural narratives, or engaging in thoughtful conversations about the future of the arts.
Wai Wai
Production Team
Anandhi Wai is a commercial insurance specialist with a decade of experience in the industry. She handles a diverse range of client profiles, manages claims, and executes various roles with expertise. Her endeavors in the insurance world are limitless, and she is eagerly exploring many untouched areas of financial risk transfer. Beyond her professional life, she is deeply involved in promoting the Tamil language and fostering educational, social, and cultural activities within the community. Her extensive background in Burma Tamil culture enriches her understanding and appreciation of diverse heritage
Yuggesh Kumar
Production Team
Yuggesh Kumar, or Yugi, is one of our newest members and is involved in the publicity department.
Having recently completed his diploma in Mass Communication, he has been working in the media for around five years, doing various roles in various sectors
From his childhood till now, he has been nurturing a love for writing and creating content and is glad to fulfill his passion and dream through helping the team out in the event by creating publicity materials.
Nanthinee
Production Team
Nanthinee Shree, a marketing executive in the broadcast industry, specialises in local narratives and cultural representation. Recipient of the SG:Digital Scholarship for Film by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore, her profound passion for cinema propelled her into significant roles. She served as Festival Director at Perspectives Film Festival 2020 and participated in the Singapore International Film Festival’s Youth Critics & Jury Programme 2021. Driven by a desire to contribute to the local arts community, she aims to make lasting contributions to Singapore's cultural landscape.
Meyyammai
Production Team
Meyyammai is a dedicated student at Republic Polytechnic, pursuing a diploma in Customer Experience Management with Business. She actively participated in the Sinda Youth Leadership Seminar 2023 and now serves on the organising committee for the 2024 seminar, contributing under the Programmes Team. Meyyammai has engaged in various community service activities, including door-knocking exercises and volunteering as a member of the Sinda Youth Club, notably in events like The Pongal Elderly Engagement. She has also volunteered at the Umar Pullavar Tamil Language Centre, gaining insights into Tamil arts and culture. At Republic Polytechnic, Meyyammai was a member of the Badminton Team for a year and played a key role in the Indian Cultural Group, serving on the Front of House Team for Nakshatra 2023. Her leadership skills were honed through her three-year tenure in the Student Council and four years in the National Police Cadet Corps in Secondary School. Additionally, Meyyammai's passion for the arts was evident during her four years in the Indian Dance CCA in Primary School
Aathithyan Thiagarajan
Production Team
Aathithyan Thiagarajan is a dedicated and compassionate professional committed to community service. With two years of experience as a Youth Ambassador and Peer Leader at SINDA, he has honed his leadership and communication skills while making a meaningful impact. Additionally, as a Youth Leader for ITE students, he actively works to improve the ITE community, fostering growth and unity. Aathithyan's contributions have been recognized through appearances on multiple media platforms such as Tamil Murasu and Vasantham. He holds a Higher Nitec in International Logistics, further enhancing his expertise in his field.
Anumitha Murugapandian
Social Media Team
Anumitha Murugapandian is an Electronics and Computer Engineering student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, combining her technical education with a keen interest in motorsports journalism. Demonstrating strong leadership skills, she has facilitated the Singapore Indian Development Association’s (SINDA) Youth Leaders Seminar (SYLS) and was on the organizing committee for the SINDA Youth Empowerment Camp (SYEC). Known for her bubbly and friendly personality, Anumitha excels in media coverage roles and possesses extensive volunteering experience, showcasing her effective communication and dedication to community service.
Nisha
Production Team
Nisha has been dedicated to volunteering since 2017, demonstrating a strong commitment to community service and leadership. She participated in an overseas volunteering event at an orphanage in Batam, Indonesia, enhancing the lives of children through care and education.
From 2019 to 2023, Nisha served as a Grassroots Leader for Yio Chu Kang, organizing community activities and fostering youth engagement. She has been an active volunteer with SINDA since 2022, mentoring, organizing events, and promoting community outreach. As a SINDA Youth Leader at ITE, she guided young individuals in educational and personal development initiatives.
Nisha also represents SINDA on media platforms like Vasantham Seithi and Tamil Murasu, advocating for the Indian community's needs. Her dedication to volunteering reflects her passion for helping others and making a positive impact in society.
