Thamil Isai Kalaamanram

Thamil Isai Kalaamanram (Tamil: தமிழ் இசை கலாமன்றம்) (TIKM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting carnatic music and bharathanatyam dance in Ontario, Canada, headquartered in Toronto. Founded in 1992, this Toronto-based organization has grown to become the widely accepted conservatory of South Indian music and dance, servicing over 160 classical music teachers in Canada.

The 3 main goals of TIKM are: (1) to provide opportunities for young singers, musicians, and dancers to stage their performances; (2) to provide opportunities for Canadians to listen to professional artists from India and Tamil Eelam; and (3) to conduct standardized carnatic music and bharatanatyam dance examinations for students from grades one to seven.

Since its conception, TIKM is a volunteer-run organization. Its current administrative organization consists of four levels: members, assistant directors, executive directors, and advisory directors. Membership is open to all, and official members can present new motions and make suggestions at the Annual General Meeting held in January. At this meeting, the organization elects members to positions in either the Executive Committee (executive director) or in the Subcommittee (assistant director). Within the Executive Committee, several management positions are also chosen, including the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Vice-Secretary, and Treasurer. As of 2004, these annual elections are held once every three years to facilitate completion of larger projects.

Besides organizing all events and exams, the Executive Committee is responsible for any fundamental changes to the constitution. If necessary, Subcommittee members aid in event organization and execution. In 2005, the Executive Committee passed a motion that created an Advisory Committee of five internally chosen Carnatic professionals. This committee helps with changes to the music syllabus and other issues. The Executive Committee must approve Advisory Committee changes before they are introduced to the organization.