1 year ago
Tharman Highlights Tamil Contributions, Launches Singapore Tamil Encyclopedia
President Tharman honored the Tamil community in Singapore, recognizing their many contributions to the country.
He spoke at an event for a new online encyclopedia about the Tamil people in Singapore, which will help people learn about their history.
He noted that while progress has been made, there is still work to do to eliminate discrimination and make sure everyone feels included.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam paid tribute to the Tamil community's contributions to Singapore.
He spoke at the launch of the Encyclopaedia of Singapore Tamils (EST) on Saturday.
EST documents the history and contributions of the Tamil community over the past 200 years.
The encyclopaedia highlights the community's influence in areas like education, politics, and culture.
Tharman emphasized the need to combat discrimination and promote inclusivity.
- Who
- President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and the Tamil community.
- What
- President Tharman paid tribute to the Tamil community and launched the Encyclopaedia of Singapore Tamils.
- Where
- Singapore
- When
- Saturday, at the launch of the Encyclopaedia of Singapore Tamils.
- Why
- To recognize the community's contributions and promote inclusivity.
Historical Segregation
Modern Inclusivity
Caste Practices
Historical Segregation
Historical Indian enclaves had caste-based segregation.
Modern Inclusivity
Post-independence, meritocracy and public housing reduced caste distinctions.
Shifting Caste Dynamics
Historical Segregation
Older generations may still hold onto caste traditions.
Modern Inclusivity
More recent immigrants may bring in those caste practices again.
Key facts
- Event
- Launch of the Encyclopaedia of Singapore Tamils (EST)
- President
- Tharman Shanmugaratnam
- EST Content
- History of Tamil community in Singapore over 200 years
- Collaboration
- Centre for Singapore Tamil Culture (CSTC) and the National Library Board (NLB)
- Key Themes
- Resilience, multicultural integration, social transformation
Quotes
Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Singapore's President
“As we celebrate SG60 (60 years of Independent Singapore), may this be a reminder of each of our communities’ contributions, from the labourers who led the most difficult of lives to the civil servants, educationists, professionals and entrepreneurs, each contributing to making this nation that we treasure.”
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“As much as we have done away with the most regressive social practices, we have to keep working at this…. Even as we conserve the core of our cultures, Singapore must remain a socially progressive place, where discrimination of all forms is not tolerated, and inclusivity becomes part of all our lives.”
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Arun Mahizhnan
CSTC chief executive and the EST’s chief editor
“Besides preserving our history, it can also inspire younger generations to appreciate and connect with their heritage.”
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