THE Nillaikalakki Silambam Association, established on Feb 25, 1975, is considered one of the oldest of its nature in Malaysia.
Today, the association launched its new website to promote the Tamil martial art and its significance, while providing detailed facts and background about Nillaikalakki Silambam.
It is believed that this ancient Silambam discipline is the only one in the world that maintains its authenticity. It focuses on stick twirling methods, footwork, animated animal movements and various tricky attacking manoeuvres.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the association, which is still very relevant and active, is not only best known among its members but widely celebrated in Penang.
“The journey has not been easy and I am sure there must have been many ups and downs along the way. Nevertheless, this association has clearly shown us for the past 47 years that Nillaikalakki Silambam is one martial art that carries unique heritage values that must continue to be preserved.
“The association has actively been participating in programmes, such as the George Town Festival, organised by the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI).
“One important programme that it has taken part in was the ‘Community-Based Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventorying in George Town’, which was jointly organised by Unesco and GTWHI.
“I strongly believe with the launch of this new website today, the significance of this traditional martial art will further be made known among the people, especially in attracting more tourists to Penang,” Chow said in his speech during the announcement of the new website at Ascott Gurney Penang in George Town today.
The martial art and association have previously been highlighted on many international websites.
One of them was when CNN featured an article, titled ‘Nine reasons to visit Penang that have nothing to do with street food’ on Feb 14, 2017, in which Nillaikalakki Silambam was mentioned.
Among others present during the event were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture policy division (culture) undersecretary Dr Tan Awang Besar, state Culture and Arts department director Shapee Che Embi and GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad