President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has honored the generations of Tamils who have made significant contributions to Singaporean society in various fields, including education, women’s rights, politics, medicine, law, sports, and the arts. He also highlighted the impact of the Tamil community on the culinary scene of the city-state. “As we commemorate SG60 (60 years of Independent Singapore), let this serve as a reminder of the contributions made by each of our communities, from the laborers who endured the harshest of conditions to the civil servants, educators, professionals, and entrepreneurs, all of whom have played a role in shaping this cherished nation,” The Straits Times reported on Monday, citing Tharman’s remarks. Speaking to approximately 600 guests at the launch of the Encyclopaedia of Singapore Tamils (EST) on Saturday, Tharman emphasized that the narrative of the Tamil community in the city-state is, in many respects, synonymous with that of Singapore itself—one characterized by resilience, multicultural integration, and profound social transformation throughout the country’s 60 years of independence.
The president remarked that during Singapore’s formative years, migrants from southern India naturally brought their caste traditions and practices with them. Consequently, the segregation in their social interactions, employment, and living conditions closely mirrored those of their countries of origin.During the event held on Saturday, Arun Mahizhnan, the chief executive of CSTC, stated that the encyclopaedia fills a significant gap in the historical documentation of Singapore’s Tamil community. It presently features over 350 entries that encompass various subjects, including historical events, the arts, community organizations, journalism, education, politics, and notable individuals.
