Tamil Murasu – An event that celebrated the youthfulness of the Tamil language
As part of the Tamil Language Festival 2025 celebrations, the Singapore Chapter of the Jamal Mohamed College Alumni Association organised a literary lecture titled “Tamil is the Milk of Our Youth!”
The event took place on Sunday, 20 April at 6.00pm at the Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre, with the support of the Valar Tamil Movement.
Approximately 300 people—including community leaders, Tamil activists, parents, students, and members of the association—participated in the event.
This year’s programme was specially curated to spark interest in the Tamil language among youth, with a focus on the festival’s central theme of “Youth.”
“Youth is a season that can be described as happiness, future, spring, and excitement. We planned this event to show that our mother tongue, Tamil, also embodies the essence of youth,” said Dr M. A. Kader, President of the association.
He added, “We wanted to attract the youth of this country, instil pride in the Tamil language, and encourage their participation in such cultural celebrations.”
During the event, the association announced that it would celebrate its 15th anniversary later this year.
Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, former Nominated Member of Parliament, attended as the special guest. Emphasising the importance of preserving the mother tongue, he praised the educational and social welfare initiatives of the Jamal Mohamed College Alumni Association (Singapore Chapter), which has organised 144 programmes over the past 15 years.
The event featured a student segment titled “Tamil and Youth”, with participants Ishaq Ibrahim, Amina Junaira, and Srinidhi Rengaprasad. Parents such as Mr G. Rengaprasad and Mrs Saradhamani also contributed to the discussion, highlighting the family’s role in sustaining the language.
A highlight of the programme was the musical performance of “Amude Tamile!” by renowned musician and singer Parasu Kalyan, accompanied by his students—Shruti Karthik, Sai Katyayani, Parasuraman Shai Siddhanth, Parasuraman Shai Vedhanth, Vyasan Venkatesh, Ishaan Karthik, and Akkshara Karthik.
Senior journalist Muhammad Ali delivered a short talk titled “Tamil is Not a Subject”, in which he emphasised that Tamil is not merely an academic subject, but a way of life and a core aspect of identity.
Mr S. Devendran, Chief Executive Officer of Sree Narayana Mission (Singapore), was honoured with the Jamalian Award for his four decades of community service across various organisations, including the Singapore Armed Forces.
In addition, a certificate of appreciation was presented to Abdul Rahman, a student of Yishun Town Secondary School, in recognition of his excellent performance in the GCE ‘O’ Level examinations.
The event concluded with a special address by veteran Tamil teacher and poet Joe Arul Prakash, known for his appearances on Vijay TV.
“The desire to develop the Tamil language does not need to be sought externally—it lies within us,” he said.
“Just as a brass vessel gleams when polished with tamarind, we must uncover and express the pride and love for Tamil that resides within our hearts.”
He concluded by affirming that Tamil, a language that guides human life, comforts the weary, inspires households, and conveys values suited for all ages, will continue to thrive for generations to come.
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