IPOH: Eight-year-old J. Shamani, the only girl and probably the youngest ever in the event, was the centre of attraction, as she did not miss a beat and kept in sync with her fellow performers during a record-breaking feat for the most participants playing Indian drums non-stop for 30 minutes.Shamani, from Hutan Melintang in Bagan Datuk, vigorously hit on the Parai Tappu Melam (drum instrument) under the scorching sun.
She was part of the 380 participants from several states in the country who came together to perform in the event in conjunction with National Day and to attempt to make their way into the Malaysia Books of Records (MBR).
The event organised by Sebastiar Arts Academy was held at the Indian Recreational Club field in Buntong yesterday.
Shamani, a pupil of SJK(T) Kuala Bernam, said she started playing the instrument at the age of four.
Record-breaking feat: Shamani (top) and the 380 others (left) playing the drums during the event. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star“I learnt the art from my uncle, who is also the Sri Irusama Tappu Melam organisation team leader.
“I practise three times a week and have performed in Hindu temples and other Indian cultural events.
“But this is the first performance at a large-scale event. I did not sleep the whole night as I was too excited,” she said after the performance.
The academy’s director Iruthiyam Sebastiar said the endorsement of the event for the most participants playing the drums would be sent to MBR.
The drummers played three different traditional drums which included the Tamil Athi, Parai Tappu Melam and Chatti instruments.
He said since it was costly to get the MBR officers to attend the event, they would be sending the endorsement to them and hopefully get the certificate in a month’s time.
“This is the first time such an event is being held on a large scale in Malaysia, with so many participants at once,” he said.
The event was opened by Perak Culture and Arts Department director Abd Rashid Abdullah, who also read the endorsement form, along with several other VIPs present.
In his speech, Abd Rashid said arts and cultural events were a way to forge unity and learn about other cultures.
“When we understand the different cultures, there will be less mocking and better strength in unity,” he added.
Abd Rashid said the Lion Dance was once confined only to the Chinese community, but now Malays and Indians have also started to participate.
“So I hope the Indian traditional drums can be introduced to Malay and Chinese schools here as well, to create interest,” he added.
