Before the internet era, come Margazhi and one could find umpteen Kolam books on every corner of the street. Households got ready to depict their themes through ‘pulli’ kolams, ‘sikku’ kolams, traditional kolams or just free hand.

In an era when those books have vanished and kolam has gained the status of street art, Besant Nagar resident Dr.V.Krishnamoorthy and his sister Leela Venkatraman have created an app (by Learnfun Systems) that anyone can install and generate a variety of customised kolams. “Kolam can be simple as well as very complex. Through the app, we want to reach out not only to the beginners but amateurs alike,” explains Krishnamoorthy.

Combining tradition with cutting-edge technology, this ambitious project brings the beauty and mathematical intricacies of Kolam to a global audience through educational tools, digital platforms, and interactive experiences. “Kolam isn’t just art; it’s a combination of symmetry, mathematical precision, and cultural heritage. Our project presents Kolam as an innovative tool for scientific thinking among the youth,” says Dr. Krishnamoorthy.

The app, available in both Windows and Apple is divided into 10 parts, each focusing on a unique aspect of the art:

• Books and E-books: Detailed books exploring Kolam’s history, themes, and applications, including ‘Kolam: A Comprehensive Guide.’
• Interactive Software: Programs for creating complex Kolams in various designs and dimensions, including features like 3D effects, rotational symmetry, and integration with other media for printing on fabric and paper. Kolams of straight dots, cross dots and circular dots can be created. Kolam size can be up to 50 x 50 dots with 3 kinds of ‘suzhi’s’
• Children’s Coloring Books: Engaging resources for young learners, promoting creativity through Kolam patterns.
• Games and Puzzles: Interactive educational games designed to stimulate critical thinking and coordination skills, with challenges like ‘Odd Man Out’ and ‘Make Me Symmetric’.
• Daily Kolam Software: A curated tool showcasing unique Kolam patterns daily.

One of the project’s highlights is its advanced Kolam-generating software, which allows users to design patterns that would be impossible to create manually. From printing Kolams on saris and T-shirts to integrating complex 3D effects, the software unleashes endless possibilities for art and design enthusiasts.

All software and e-books are available for free download in Tamil and English, making the project accessible to students and enthusiasts worldwide. Updates are released every three months to ensure users enjoy new features regularly.

Leela Venkatraman, with her 75 years of Kolam expertise has designed iconic Kolams in temples across Tamil Nadu, including the famous lakh-dot Kolam at Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman Temple. Dr.Krishnamoorthy is a former professor from IIT Madras with over 38 years of experience in computer science and a passion for promoting Tamil culture through technology.

To download the App and for more details, visit www.learnfunsystems.com or contact Dr. Krishnamoorthy at prof.vkrish@gmail.com.

Computer Kolam Competition 2024

Learnfun Systems has announced the Computer Kolam Competition 2024 to coincide with the Tamil month of Margazhi. The contest stands apart from traditional Kolam drawing as participants are required to design their Kolams using the free software package provided by Learnfun Systems. The software unlocks innovative ways to create intricate patterns, challenging participants’ imagination and creativity.

The competition is open to all, with no entry fee. First Prize: Rs.5,000 and many other prizes to be won. Interested participants can download the software and explore its features. Detailed instructions and submission guidelines are available at learnfunsystems.com.

Amitrajit Ghosh from the DCPCA Executive Committee emphasized that Durga Puja embodies a powerful message of respect and dignity for women, a theme reflected in all performances at the Puja Pandal. The association warmly invites everyone in Chennai to join in the celebrations.

For more information, visit DCPCA Events.

Mr. Amitrajit Ghosh, the secretary of the society, remarked, “Greenwood is like little India. Here we celebrate all festivals together, as this helps promote unity and togetherness among all.” This sentiment was palpable as neighbors came together to share in the festivities, demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity.

A unique aspect of the celebration was the daily offering of prasadam, prepared by different residents, which was enjoyed by everyone. The initiative taken by the women of Greenwood stood out, as they played a crucial role in organizing the events and ensuring that the spirit of the festival was felt by all.

This significant and integral ritual marks the beginning of 2024 Durga Puja preparations, where the primary bamboo structure (Kathamo) is laid as the foundation for the idols of the deities. This centuries-old tradition symbolises the worship of the permanent wooden base (bel tree) as part of Maa Durga herself.

DCPCA Executive Committee and members invite all to pay homage to Maa Durga and be a part of this auspicious occasion, on July 14 at 8 am. For more details visit Dakshin Chennai Prabasi Cultural Association (DCPCA) website https://www.dcpca.in/   or https://www.dcpca.in/contact-us

On the late evening of Dec.30, a group of friends, members of the civic body Spark and residents got together at the Karl Schmidt Memorial, at Elliots Beach to pay tributes to the person who died saving a lady from drowning. 

The landmark monument has stood the test of time for 93 years, and residents hope that it holds for 7 more years, post which, it might be taken over by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) for its better upkeep. 

As the group stood inside the memorial to pay respects, scores waited outside to absorb a piece of it to make it a part of their memory. “It is ironic that people have zero interest in preserving this monument, which is a symbol of Elliot’s beach. Photography enthusiasts take pictures of it in the mornings, and the public takes selfies in the evenings. Alas, the only benefit the monument derives from the fame is: defacing and looting,” sighs Kamakshi Subramaniyan, Co-founder of Spark.

As Dr.T.D.Babu, Co-founder of Spark gives a tour of the memorial to the group, with pain he points out the broken EB panel, stolen water pump, light timer and focus lights, vanished security booth, illegible plaques and unkempt garden. Defacings and cracks on the wall add to his disappointment. 

The group lays a wreath and holds electric lamps in respect. A small discussion ensues on what the public can do to save it, but outside the memorial, groups stand wondering if they will be allowed to take selfies.

“Despite its restoration in 2018, with subsequent neglect and vandalism, how can we expect a memorial to stand unhinged?” wondered Dr Babu. With hopes that the memorial doesn’t become a memory in itself, the group disbursed, pledging to do all they can to ensure its restoration.

A brief history of the memorial as recollected by Dr.Babu:

“Natural Dyes extracted from Plant and Mineral sources are gentle to sensitive skin and shades are very unique, which synthetic dyes cannot replicate. Passionate artists work on centuries old techniques to produce treasures with various styles of dyeing  from various states of India. While this Exhibition offers a wide variety of natural Dyes, the fabric is also either organic cotton or hands-on or handwoven too. This makes this event give a very transforming experience which has been the main motive of India Handmade Collective. Our collections range from fabrics, sarees, womenswear, menswear and kidswear, home furnishings and accessories and handmade artisanal products,” states their press release.

The event promises to be a memorable one for the participants with its movie screenings, Natural Dye Painting and few more workshops.  Handspinning Workshop and Natural Dye Painting throughout the day on July 7 and 8. Coconut Shell Craft Workshop will be held from 3.30 pm to 5 pm on all 3 days. Movie ‘Slowing Down Fast Fashion’ will be screened on July 8 between 5 pm to 6 pm, followed by Q and A.

Prior registration is required for Workshops. Ph : 9629784800. For other details contact 7305127412. Visit their social media handles – Instagram : indiahandmadecollective and www.indiahandmadecollective.com