Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2016 Manifesto NUSTLS Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2016 Manif | Page 64

Issue 10: Tamil Media
• Oli 96.8 FM: The songs played here are mainly from India; rarely local music. Thus, there is
reduced exposure to the local Tamil culture in the form of music.
• Radio presents better Tamil with clearer pronunciation than television.
• Tamil Murasu Newspaper: Elements such as Tamil tests, short stories and poems, and
‘Maanavar Murasu’ is educational and aids to propagate the Tamil language.
• However, there is an imbalance in the amount of Singapore Indian news and India-based
news. This is attributed to the fact that the main target audience of the newspaper is
foreign workers. Thus, marketing of the Tamil paper needs to be enhanced in Singapore.
Post-Panel Discussion
How can the Tamil Media in Singapore propagate the Tamil culture more extensively and
effectively?
Recommendation 1: Improving Type of Shows on Television (Vasantham)
• Epics – Vasantham can show the 5 great epics of Tamil literature. E.g. Mahabharatam on
Vijay TV became a hit among the Tamil youths in Singapore. The use of sophisticated Tamil
language in this drama also helped to improve the youth’s vocabulary and knowledge of
the language.
• Singapore Tamil History – Conduct shows such as ‘Oor Kuruvi’ to showcase the history and
evolution of the Tamil language and the Tamil community in Singapore.
• Science and Culture – Educate the audience about the scientific facts and benefits from
the practices in the Tamil culture. This will make the practices more logical and there is a
greater likelihood that youths will uphold these practices.
• Gameshows with Traditional Games – Conduct amazing races or family days with
traditional games such as Kabaddi, Pallanguzhi to incorporate the Tamil culture.
• Traditional Instruments – Most of the music shows on Vasantham use modern
instruments, so traditional instruments such as the Veena, flute can be used to create
fusion music.
Recommendation 2: Bridge the Gap between Traditional Media and Social Media
• Since many youths are actively using social media platforms, bringing Tamil Culture onto
these platforms is important for its sustenance.
• Competitions about the Indian/Tamil culture, practices and trends can be conducted
monthly.
• Fashion tips (traditional, casual, formal) and traditional Indian food recipes can be
uploaded on these platforms (e.g. 10-minute meals) to engage the youth.
• Celebrities, with a great following, mainly promote their appearances or shows on their
social media accounts. Instead, each celebrity can take a month-long campaign to upload
posts/captions related to the Tamil language and culture.
Issue 10: Tamil Media
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