Coimbatore, November 25
Being simple and polite define Kovaites. Yesterday, November 24, calls for celebration as the city celebrated it's 213th birthday - the 'Coimbatore day'. This was with the launch of the 10th edition of 'Coimbatore Vizha', scheduled between January 5 and 12.
The simple yet nostalgic launch of the event at the front yard of the 125-year-old "Victoria Hall" in Townhall was most inspiring. Without the paraphernalia of the stereotyping of launching events in carpeted AC hall, shimmering with lights, the launch in no uncertain terms conveyed the message "Vaanga Kondadalam." ( come let us celebrate).
Heads of various industrial and trade bodies like Young Indians (Yi), CII, and CODISSIA were behind the show. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sujith Kumar and Corporation Commissioner Dr. K. Vijayakarthikeyan were the special guests for the day.
Appreciating the efforts of CII and Yi, Mr. V. Sundaram, President of CODISSIA shared some nostalgic memories of the old city and how it has expanded over the years. "The 2017 Coimbatore shopping festival is scheduled to take place from December 25 to January 2. Probably, going forward we would plan to integrate the shopping festival with the Coimbatore Vizha to add more festivity to it."
"How else to celebrate this enterprising city than hosting a Vizha like this, wondered Mr. Shankar Vanavarayar, past National Chairman of YI, whose brainchild is "Coimbatore Vizha".
"Just by recalling and relishing the history of the city doesn't promise an enterprising tomorrow. Nostalgia combined with futuristic thinking is very important. The industries and entrepreneurs, the multi-cultured people, the historic places of this city and the Western Ghats deserve to be celebrated every day. The glory of the city was envisioned and crafted by hard-working and passionate citizens out here. We have always stood abreast of any other city and Coimbatore is the only city which calls for such a celebration in the form of a vizha. People here set examples for others to follow; we are value creators. Hence, it becomes utmost important for the city to get together to celebrate ourselves and the heritage, inclusively. Right from kolam competitions to street plays and skits all events are planned to bring that inclusivity part in it. And, that's the reason none claims to be the organisers of this event; we all are organisers.," explained Mr.Vanavarayar.
Sharing his thoughts about the Vizha and the City, Mr. Sujith Kumar cited few examples as to how festivals unite people for good reasons. "Earlier I had worked at Salem and Madurai. There I happened to witness Kovil Vizhas (temple festivals) which are very close to the people. They rejoice and join as one during such festivities. And, a festival to celebrate the city is really attractive to hear and this beautiful city, Coimbatore deserves it."
"The spirit of Kovai shouldn't stop with celebrations alone, the spirit should be shown by being socially responsible. The pride of keeping our city clean should be there in every Coimbatorean", said Dr. K. Vijayakarthikeyan.
"People say, Sir, we have to aspire to be the next Singapore. But I don't agree with it. I believe in being the next Coimbatore," Dr. Karthikeyan hailed.
"Truly, the city's potential is underestimated. Compliance and compassion is something I admire about this city. Sometime back, the rescue team from Chennai had requested all districts in TN to arrange for some pump sets to manage a crisis situation. While, rest of the cities put together in Tamil Nadu provided 12 motors, we single-handedly sent 144 motors. This incident explains everything about the city," he said.
"Last years' Vizha reached around 1.5 million people. We hosted around 90 events last year and this year's event roster is even more comprehensive with 150 events. A day for movies, music food, art and more will defintely keep people involved and engaged. Around 470 organisations are backing this Vizha. Last year's Mascot 'the chippy' would continue to be the mascot for 2018 Vizha too. The itinerary of the Vizha - what, when and where are available in the app designed exclusively for Coimbatore Vizha", apprised S.Prasanna Krishna, Yi Chair.
Following the guest address, the Coimbatore Vizha Posters and Kovai Pattu (song) were officially launched.
Mr. S. Narayanan, Chairman- CII, Mr. C.R. Swaminathan, Past Chairman CII (SR), Mr. Rajesh Lund, President of CREDAI, Coimbatore, and Past Chairs of Yi and CII were present.