16/12/2024
# Save Authentic Athangudi tiles..
My Name is Vijaiasakkaravarthi and i hail from Karaikudi, the pride of Tamilnadu. I have grown up with a rich heritage and deep rooted culture of Chettinad, that has imbibed in my blood cells and neurons. Although i have completed my post graduation in Computer science and worked in IT industry for some years, i always wanted to go back to my native as i missed those culture and values in cities. When i went back , i wanted to show to the world about my regions speciality, that i started engaging myself in Athangudi tiles and other architectural elements.. The authentic process of manufacturing is the key to Athangudi tiles.The heritage and history goes beyond centuries that you can see the tiles in almost all the Karaikudi Chettinad houses. This unique technique is specific to tamil culture to be proud of..
I recently had the opportunity to see the much hyped reality show-Big boss-season -8 on Vijay Tv aired during weekends and hosted by actor, Mr. Vijay sethupathi.. It was Day 69 of the show.. I saw one of the participants Mr. Deepak talking about Athangudi tiles. I was shocked and taken aback when he started listing points of ill about Athangudi tiles and praised about KAG TILES.. the points that was claimed as negative was actually the USP of Athangudi tiles!!! People prefer to AT (athangudi tiles) over other tiles for it is hand made and lasts long..but in the show they claim that KAG Athangudi tiles will be made by machines!!.. The sheer purpose or USP is lost there itself..It is not fair to compare an original art piece of Ravi varma painting with a photograph of the painting which may be cheaper..
There are around 1000 families in athangudi who religiously follow their traditional values in making Athangudi tiles even now.. Vijay tv has completely hurt the feelings of those 1000 families by scripting an unwarranted claim about Athangudi tiles, which may affect their livelihood as they are dependent on this business..
It was further more painful when Mr. Vijay sethupathi has not raised any concern about this, when he claims himself to be a responsible tamilan..
I hereby stand on behalf of the Chettinad people and the artist and we require an unconditional statement of sorry in this regard from Vijai TV, KAG Tiles and Mr. Vijay Sethupathi for tarnishing the feeling of Chettinad people and defaming the cultural heritage, failing which, we will take it to further proceedings.
Ref : wikipedia chettinadu U may get what is special in athangudi tiles and why it is named so
Vijai - Karaikudi
| Sethupathi| TV Deepak | Athangudi Chettinadu Tiles
