Arts lose a star in Thiru
HE performing arts fraternity was saddened this week by the passing away of talented Bharatanatyam dancer and teacher, singer and Tamil scholar Thirupurasundarie Govender, who lost her long battle with cancer.
Social media was flooded with messages of sympathy from singers, musicians and dancers from all over the country and abroad.
While she was still at school, Thirupurasundarie studied Bharatanatyam dancing under Manormani Govender in Durban.
After completing matriculation, Thirupurasundarie travelled to India, where she studied the Tamil language and carnatic music at the famous Annamalai University, and was the first South African to obtain an MA degree in carnatic music. She also took basic veenai lessons.
On her return from India, she taught Tamil at various schools in the greater Chatsworth area. She also gave private tuition in Hindustani and carnatic music and also taught at the consulate of India in Durban.
Durban attorney and arts lover Sugandhini Rajaruthnam said: “A special talented and amazing soul. We were privileged and blessed to have known you over the years. Thank you Thiru for your awesome contribution to our heritage and culture.”
Carnatic singer and teacher Karthiegasen Pillay said Thirupurasundarie would be best remembered for her humility. “She was ever willing to share her music and dance talents. Her command of the Tamil language was exceptional and she made a major contribution at the annual eisteddfod.”
Classical dancer Verushka Pather said: “Sadly Thiru faced all adversities: losing a parent, being a single parent, having your home violated, financial constraints, the worry of always being there to protect her children, and the worst of all, fighting for her life from a life-threatening disease.
“From these challenges one expects anger, hatred and resentment, but Thiru bore no ill feelings or grudges against anybody.
“We, the artists of South Africa, honour her for her commitment and sacrifices to serve us and share her great knowledge with all of us.”
Rajendran Govender, director of the KZN Department of Arts and Culture, said: “As a linguist, singer and dancer, Thirupurasundarie made a valuable contribution to the promotion of the Tamil language and culture.
“She was also an excellent speaker and conducted a number of traditional cultural programmes with a great deal of professionalism. She was meticulous and did not attempt any task without thorough planning and research.
“If Thiru was a programme director at an event, you could rest assured that you would be thoroughly entertained and educated at the same time.
“More recently she was a presenter on SA Tamil Radio, an online radio station.”
Although she bore the scars of a troubled marriage, which ended while her children were still young, she worked hard as a single parent to ensure that her children were given the best education and a stable and comfortable home.
Her funeral takes place today (Wednesday) at the SCDIFA Hall in Silverglen, Chatsworth, from 11am to 3pm.