About Us

Pazhagalaam Vaango is a community organization dedicated to introducing and promoting Tamil social, cultural, and identity awareness among youth and children in the USA, while also reviving childhood memories for adults. Additionally, we are committed to rebuilding hope and humanity in Sri Lanka. By engaging Tamil kids and youth in the USA, we aim to connect them with their roots and involve them in meaningful development projects. These projects are funded through cultural performances and activities led by children. The group is made up of Tamil families from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. 

Pazhagalaam Vaango 1.0

Our inaugural event, Pazhagalaam Vaango 1.0, was held on Saturday, December 7, 2023, at the Murugan Temple of North America in Lanham, Maryland. It featured an array of music, dance, and drama performances by children and adults from the Tamil community in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The event successfully raised $5,000, which was donated to Manitha Neyam Trust to support three projects for underserved communities across northern Sri Lanka. Below, you’ll find some pictures and a video showcasing the impact of these projects.

Project #1

Iranai Iluppaikulam GTM School, located in a rural village in the Mannar district, faced a long-standing issue with an abandoned, irreparable well. For years, students and teachers had to carry drinking water from home to school. The school now benefits from a new well, ensuring access to clean water for everyone.

Project #2

We refurbished a building for an organization supporting individuals with disabilities in the village of Kompavil, Vanni, Sri Lanka. Additionally, we built a tube well to address the organization’s water requirements.

Project #3

Puththuvedduvan GTM School in Mullaitivu district, a small rural institution with limited resources, faced challenges with its unusable toilet and playground. Pazhagalaam Vaango collaborated with Manitha Neyam Trust to fund the renovation of these facilities. The renovation was completed successfully last month. On February 14, 2025, the school celebrated the ceremonial opening of the new play area and toilets. The improvements brought immense joy to the students, teachers, and parents. 

The video below showcases a testimonial from Theepachelvan Piratheepan, a renowned Tamil author and teacher at Puththuvedduvan GTM School, discussing the impact of Pazhagalaam Vaango's support on his school.

Paaduvor Paadalaam

Pazhagalaam Vaango hosted its Paaduvor Paadalaam event on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Murugan Temple of North America auditorium in Lanham, Maryland. The program showcased karaoke performances by children and adults of various ages from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region.

Vilaiyaadalaam Vaango

On Saturday, September 21, 2024, Pazhagalaam Vaango gathered Tamil families in the Washington, D.C. area for a picnic called "Vilaiyaadalaam Vaango". It was held at Damascus Recreational Park in Maryland, and it included a variety of fun, outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Aadalaam Vaango

To celebrate the holiday season, Pazhagalaam Vaango hosted a dinner dance called "Aadalaam Vaango" on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at the Clubhouse at Carderock in Bethesda, Maryland. The event included delicious dinner and short eats, dance performances by children, a visit by Santa, and of course a chance for attendees of all ages to show off their moves on the dance floor!