The Saiva Munnetta Sangam is a charitable organisation that prioritises the knowledge of Hindu and Tamil culture among Essex's youth. Their members are made up of volunteers. Predominantly based in East Ham, the Saiva Munnetta Sangam have a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

The members also run a school that teaches children (as young as five) how to read, write and speak Tamil. They also have the option to attend classes where they are taught different (Hindu) hymns and stories about their gods. The students of the 'Tamil school' are given many opportunities throughout the year to put their skills to the test. They are able to perform plays in Tamil and sing; they are also taught to express their own opinions about a certain topic in a speech. The students perform at the temple during Hindu festivals as well as annual shows. 

On Saturday 28th October, the Saiva Munnetta Sangam celebrated its 40th anniversary; many guests gave speeches  praising the charity. However, the true vision of the organisation was seen through the plethora of performances presented by the students. Children of all ages took part- many acted out the various characters they learnt of in Tamil school. In addition to these, dance and instrumental students were invited to perform. The audience were entertained by multiple Bharathanatyam performances- Bharathanatyam is a South-Indian classical dance. They were also treated to a performance of Carnatic instruments such as the Veena (string),Violin and the Midrugam (percussion). Positive feedback was given throughout the night. Mrs Sivanithi Suresh (a volunteer) said it was “honestly a great event. I thought the dance and music shows were the highlights of the night!” Nekha Ganesh (performer) was relieved that the show went successfully- “I was anxious because it was my first time performing an ensemble piece with another instrument- I play the Violin, and it makes a very different sound to the Veena so I’m just glad all those rehearsals paid off!”

It is safe to say the Saiva Munnetta Sangam has a clear vision that is being fulfilled. It has formed a community by bringing people with the same passion together- and in turn raising a generation that is culturally rooted/ diverse and understanding. They have proved that a little time and faith can bring its treasures, and even after forty years of dedication, they are still going strong.

 Mathushana Kathirgamasutharsan, Bancroft's School.