Kalaabam is a weekly programme which empowers the Tamil-speaking community by:

Broadcasting vital local news and public service information in Tamil.
Helping newly arrived migrants and international students connect with cultural groups and essential services.
Promoting mental well-being, women’s empowerment, and multicultural engagement through relevant and relatable content.
Offering guidance on adapting to local weather conditions, housing, and lifestyle in Christchurch.

The Kalaabam team also provides a critical platform for preserving Tamil language and culture, celebrating festivals, music, and traditional practices. In doing so, we help cultivate a stronger sense of belonging and cross-cultural understanding.

We’ve received excellent feedback from our community, who consistently highlight how the show provides a sense of connection, identity, and practical support. Its clear that Plains Media is helping us reach and engage a wide audience.

Kalaabam Airs Every Friday night at 7pm with community bulletins, music, literature and entertainment for adults as well as children.

Like the show in Facebook to stay up to date: facebook.com/kalaabam

Biography :

Karnan Shanmugasundaram – Founder
Originally from Sri Lanka, Karnan is the visionary founder of Kalaabam, driven by a deep love for the Tamil language and community. In 2018, he started Kalaabam completely on his own, spending his personal savings to ensure Tamil people in New Zealand could hear their language and feel a true sense of belonging. What began as a one-man effort has grown into a meaningful platform for culture, connection, and identity. His dedication continues to be the backbone of Kalaabam’s journey.

Vijaya Sree – Broadcaster
Vijaya Sree, from Singapore, is a talented and passionate broadcaster who joined Kalaabam in September 2018. A trained teacher by profession, she has always carried a deep love for the Tamil language and its rich heritage. Broadcasting allows her to express that passion beyond her professional career, connecting with listeners through meaningful conversations and engaging programmes. Her warm presence and commitment to Tamil culture make her an integral part of the Kalaabam family.

Lavanya Yogi – Broadcaster
Originally from India, Lavanya Yogi is a dedicated broadcaster and one of the long-standing hosts of Kalaabam. A doctor by profession, she pursued her medical studies in Romania but never let go of her dream of being on radio. Now based in Christchurch, she beautifully balances her career as a doctor, her passion for broadcasting, and her role as a mother. Her journey reflects determination, balance, and a lifelong love for the art of radio.

Hireshniapriya Suresh – Broadcaster
Hireshniapriya Suresh, from Malaysia, is a multi-talented actor, performer, and broadcaster. She has acted in short films and television dramas with Mediacorp Singapore and was selected as a radio jockey for the Online Music Galatta Radio Channel founded by Yugendran Vasudevan. In Christchurch, she actively volunteers as an event host and programme presenter, has done playback singing for Malaysian films, and was a semi-finalist in the 2019 International Cinema Modelling Competition. Her passion for radio continues to thrive, with her voice reaching listeners across Canterbury.