Kids’ contest on Tamil culture: Winners to represent India in Turkey, Greece events

Though Deepa enrolled her daughter in the initiative independently, she began thinking that it would be a great opportunity to represent Tamil culture on the global stage and that’s how Little Miss and Mr Thamizh was conceptualised. 

Winners of the event in the state will get to represent India at the Little Mr/Miss Universe pageants in Turkey as well as Greece later this year. 

“What interested me most is that kids are not judged at these international events on the basis of beauty or looks – in fact, there is a strict no make-up policy. It has everything to do with the communication skills and confidence a child possesses. “I wanted to replicate the same in Chennai, and focus on improving the 

need to inculcate Tamil culture here. 

So many kids in private schools today don’t even speak the language, which is a shame. I see this as a chance for parents to help their kids get in touch with their roots better too,” said Deepa, who runs School of Success in Chennai. There  are different age groups ranging from three years old to 17, and the contest begins with an audition after which it progresses to the semi final and final rounds. 

“Kids will have to depict famous Tamil characters from literature and mythology, as well as exhibit talents on stage. There will also be a workshop before the grand final. Everything is themed around keeping it traditional,” Deepa added. 

The organisers are also asking kids from government schools and orphanages to participate, Deepa explained, “If any of them wins, we’d be happy to fnd sponsors to fund his or her trip to Turkey or Greece. 

Apart from the Mr and Miss Thamizh titles (10 in total for the different age groups), there are a host of other titles and prizes to be won as well, to keep all the children happy,” Deepa added.