Issue 4: Role of Student Tamil Societies
Issue 4: Role of Student Tamil Societies
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Pre-Panel Discussion
1. How can the Tamil student societies perform better?
• Despite current outreach efforts, many Tamil students are not aware of the activities carried out or do not participate in the activities organised. Hence, publicity methods could be improved to better reach out to students. The coverage should be wide and also attractive.
• Some tertiary institutions do not have enough Tamil students or the necessary resources, hence it might be a good idea for the societies from the various institutions to collaborate on larger projects.
• At university, the youths do not have much of a chance to keep in touch with Tamil language. Tamil events keep them rooted to their language and culture. University has more manpower, resources and avenues to reach out to youths so we could focus more on cultural activities.
2. Why Tamils do not go for events organised by Student Tamil Societies?
• It is time consuming.
• The is a pre-existing notion among parents that mingling around with Tamil students is detrimental to their children’ s reputation and future. This mentality is passed down to youths.
• Indian societies are seen as organisers or participants of cultural events. It is often classified under ' Cultural clubs ' as well. So there is this perception that " Once I got there, I ' m either going to dance, sing or take part in drama."
• There is no recognition for taking part in cultural societies. Joining sports, school uniform groups, or student councils will get you some form of recognition.
• NUS TLS or NTU TLS do like shows, theatre shows, tuition programmes, sports, games. The sole purpose is to bring Indians together. And Tamil speaking individuals together. And what is its outreach? When these things get publicised, people talk about it. So it ' s an avenue for Indians or Tamils to come together to talk about a particular topic or for a particular time. Because other than that, at the governmental level of organisations, we don ' t get this kind of stuff. What we get are more policy-oriented, which we common men won ' t be able to feel, naturally. So I believe that ' s the whole purpose of having tertiary-level student-based organisations, especially with regards to our language.