About
Carolina Tamil Kalaikkoodam
CTK
Academy
Welcome to Carolina Tamil Kalaikkoodam
Carolina Tamil Kalaikkoodam (CTK) is a nonprofit cultural organization proudly rooted in Cary, North Carolina.
We were founded with an ambition to preserve and celebrate the rich history of Tamil language, arts, and customs. We serve as a cultural home in the Carolinas and all over the world. Our objective is to build an energetic inclusive environment in which Tamil culture is not just remembered, but actively experienced and transferred down to future generations.
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Community Partner
Students
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Our Core Values
At CTK, we bring the Tamil culture, heritage,traditional and other arts to life through a variety of meaningful values
- Cultural Preservation
- Education
- Community Engagement
- Youth Empowerment
- Empowering Hertiage
Our Mission
Our main objective is to preserve, promote, and transmit cultural heritage and traditional arts through a diverse range of educational, artistic, and sports-based initiatives. We aspire to create a caring environment in which the Tamil heritage can be lived, transferred, and implemented down with pride and purpose.
Our Vision
We are on a vision to connect a global community where sports unite hearts across borders and arts empower the next generation. By blending cultural heritage with modern platforms, our vision is to inspire young minds to embrace their roots, celebrate their identity, and carry forward the legacy of Tamil traditional, martial and performing arts with pride and passion. we aim to build a bridge between tradition and tomorrow—across continents and generations.
Meet Our Assan
Bharath Ramamurthy
President, Co-Founder
Mr. Bharath Ramamurthy started his martial arts journey at the age of 15. He began learning Silambam, a traditional Tamil martial art performed with a staff called a Kambu, under the guidance of a master in Tamil Nadu, India. After moving to the United States, his dedication and passion for martial arts led him to begin practicing Goju-Ryu Karate in 2010. Today, Bharath holds a 5th-degree black belt in Goju-Ryu and was the National Silver and Bronze Medalist in Weapons and Sparring, respectively, at the 2015 AAU National Karate Championships.
Bharath’s enduring passion for Silambam inspired him to share the art with friends and family through performances at the annual North Carolina Pongal Festival. His engaging performances sparked curiosity and enthusiasm among attendees, helping him raise awareness of one of the world's oldest martial arts. This effort led to the co-founding of the non-profit organization Carolina Tamil Kalaikkoodam, dedicated to preserving and promoting Tamil cultural arts.
As the lead Silambam instructor at the organization, Bharath also brings experience in Parai and Thudumbu—traditional Tamil percussion instruments—and Oyilattam, a vibrant Tamil folk dance. Continuing his journey of traditional martial arts, Bharath later trained in Kalari (Kalari Adimurai), another ancient Indian martial art, under a grandmaster in Tamil Nadu.
Through his commitment to learning, teaching, and sharing Tamil martial and folk arts, Bharath Ramamurthy has become a cultural ambassador, devoted to preserving and promoting Tamil heritage across the globe.
Sonai Tharmar
Treasurer, Co-Founder
My name is Sonai Tharmar and I migrated to the USA from Tamil Nadu, India. During my school days, from the age of 13 to 16, I learned silambam from my father and uncle. Upon relocating to the USA, my passion for silambam led me to collaborate with Bharath Ramamurthy, enhancing my skills since 2018. Together with Bharath Ramamurthy and Ramesh Rathinakumar, I co-founded Carolina Tamil Kalaikkoodam, where we impart Silambam and Parai training to individuals of all ages. Collaborating closely with Bharath Ramamurthy, I contributed significantly to the development of the silambam curriculum and have been teaching it for the past five years. My enthusiasm for music drove me to pursue Parai training from masters in Tamil Nadu, India, starting in 2019. Working alongside Sudha Rajan, I played a key role in crafting the Parai syllabus and have been teaching it for three years. I have showcased my talents in both silambam and Parai on numerous local stages, including Tamil Sangam festivals and international school events. Additionally, I have directed and performed in stage productions focusing on Tamil culture and heritage.
Ramesh Rathinakumar
Secretary, Co-Founder
Dr. Ramesh Rathinakumar, originally from Rajapalayam, India, has established a remarkable career in both academia and industry, and has a deep commitment to preserving traditional Indian martial arts. After completing his undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering, he pursued a postgraduate research career at IIT Mumbai. He later earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Tulane University, and later his research fellowship at Florida State University, where his research set the foundation for his distinguished career.
Alongside his scientific pursuits, Dr. Rathinakumar has nurtured a lifelong passion for Kalari, a traditional Indian martial art. He began learning Kalari from his grandfather at a young age and continued his practice throughout his college years. Recognizing the immense health benefits and cultural significance of Kalari, he began teaching a small group in the USA five years ago.
Dr. Ramesh Rathinakumar's journey is a testament to the fusion of scientific excellence and cultural preservation, as he continues to make significant contributions in both fields
Sudha Rajan
Director of Cultural Arts
Sudha Rajan is someone who finds joy and inspiration in music from a young age. She has learned proper Carnatic music. But due to her studies and family commitments, she was not able to continue her classes, but the quest of music has been in her Nerves.
Whether it's discovering new sounds or getting lost in her favorite tunes, music is her go-to source of comfort, energy, and creativity. It’s more than a hobby. She has done several stage performances in her school/college days.
One performance that she watched in 2018 brought her quest back live. That was the performance of Bharath Aasan’s Silambam/stick (called Kambu, which is a Tamil martial arts). Bharath Aasan graciously agreed to teach silambam to her. She joined with Carolina Tamil Kalaikkoodam and once again her journey of arts started after several years.
As the old says, arts/music has no age limit. She also started learning parai (mother of all percussion instruments) and later Thudumbu(a kongu style powerful and loud drum).
She also likes to teach young kids. She believes that it is our responsibility to transfer the knowledge of arts to the next generation, so that they remain eternal.
Together with some more friends, she is studying Tamil Folk Arts degree from Tanjavur University.
Even though life is busy, she always finds time for music.
‘Don’t stop learning!’
Saran Saravanan
Silambam Aasan
Saran Saravanan began his journey in Silambam martial arts when Carolina Tamil Kalaikkoodam (CTK) opened its doors to introduce this ancient form of Tamil martial arts to the local community. Under the guidance of his esteemed guru, Bharath Aasan, Saran mastered the formal techniques of Silambam as part of the inaugural student cohort at CTK.
After three years of dedicated training, Saran transitioned from a student to instructor, assisting Bharath Aasan in various classes. His passion for Silambam and commitment to sharing its rich heritage led him to take on the role of an Aasan himself at CTK, where he has been inspiring students for the past four years.
With a focus on discipline, respect, and cultural appreciation, Saran is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment that empowers students to develop their skills and confidence in Silambam. His journey reflects not only his personal growth but also his commitment to preserving and promoting this traditional Tamil martial art.
Misha Bharath
Youth Silambam Aasan
Misha began her martial arts journey at the age of five with Goju-Ryu Karate. Over the past ten years, she has trained diligently, earning her first-degree black belt, and competing — and winning — in several national and state level competitions.
At age nine, Misha and her friends and family performed Silambam, a traditional Tamil martial art, on stage. The performance sparked interest within the community and led to the formation of the Carolina Tamil Kalaikkoodam, where many students enrolled to learn this ancient art. Three years later, Misha began volunteering as an assistant instructor and now teaches her own Silambam classes.
At 12, she expanded her training by starting Adimurai, another Tamil martial art, and she currently assists in teaching it as well. At 14, she began learning Parai, an ancient Tamil percussion instrument traditionally played during ceremonies and celebrations.
Misha regularly performs Silambam, Adimurai, and Parai at cultural events such as Cary Diwali, Asia Fest, and others. In addition to performing, she also choreographs Silambam and Kalari (another Indian martial art) routines, sharing her creativity and leadership through her performances.
As a first-generation American, Misha’s passion for martial arts and preserving her Tamil heritage has driven her to teach and stay deeply connected to her roots, inspiring others in her community to do the same.
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