President Tharman Lauds Tamil Contributions at SG60 Encyclopaedia Launch

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam paid a heartfelt tribute to the Tamil community’s enduring contributions to Singapore’s society during the launch of the Encyclopaedia of Singapore Tamils (EST) on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Speaking to nearly 600 guests at the event, held in conjunction with SG60 celebrations marking 60 years of Singapore’s independence, Tharman highlighted the Tamil community’s impact across education, women’s rights, politics, medicine, law, sports, arts, and the culinary landscape, notably the popularization of mee goreng by the Muslim Chulias of Madras. “The story of the Tamil community is, in many ways, that of Singapore itself—one of resilience, multicultural integration, and deep social transformation,” he said, as reported by The Straits Times.

The EST, a collaborative effort between the Centre for Singapore Tamil Culture (CSTC) and the National Library Board (NLB), is an online resource documenting over 200 years of Tamil history in Singapore. With more than 350 entries covering historical events, arts, community organizations, journalism, education, politics, and notable personalities, the encyclopaedia addresses a long-standing gap in comprehensive records of the Tamil community’s contributions. CSTC chief executive and EST chief editor Arun Mahizhnan emphasized its role in preserving history and inspiring younger generations to connect with their heritage. “Being online ensures global accessibility,” he noted, while deputy editor Sivanantham Neelakandan described it as a “living document” that will continue to grow, serving as a lasting testament for future generations. The encyclopaedia, available in Tamil and English, was launched to coincide with SG60 and the NLB’s 30th anniversary.

Tharman, Singapore’s ninth president and the first of Sri Lankan Tamil descent elected in a contested vote, reflected on the Tamil community’s journey from early segregation to modern inclusivity. He noted that early Tamil migrants from southern India brought caste traditions, leading to designated Adi-Dravida zones for lower-caste individuals, such as areas between Jalan Besar and Rochor Canal in Little India. Reformist movements like the Tamil Reform Association in the 1930s and 1940s, alongside the Japanese Occupation, began eroding these practices, but significant change came post-independence in 1965. “A national education system promoted meritocracy, public housing united communities, and a growing economy provided opportunities for all,” Tharman said, crediting these for diluting caste traditions and fostering inclusivity.

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However, he cautioned that remnants of caste practices persist among some higher-caste groups and new immigrants, urging continued efforts to support those facing generational disadvantages from their forefathers’ time as coolies and indentured laborers. “Singapore must remain socially progressive, where discrimination of all forms is not tolerated,” he stressed, emphasizing that inclusivity distinguishes Tamil and Indian Singaporeans globally. This aligns with Tharman’s long-standing advocacy for social mobility and multiculturalism, seen in his roles as Deputy Prime Minister (2011–2019), Finance Minister (2007–2015), and Education Minister (2003–2008), where he introduced reforms for a broader meritocracy system.

The event, attended by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo and Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Dinesh Vasu Dash, underscored the Tamil community’s integral role in Singapore’s multicultural fabric. Tharman, a fourth-generation Singaporean of Sri Lankan Tamil ancestry, has previously championed cross-cultural unity, encouraging Singaporeans to attend each other’s cultural performances to deepen mutual appreciation. His 2023 presidential campaign, where he secured 70.4% of votes, emphasized fostering a unified national identity amid Singapore’s diversity. Social media reactions on X praised the EST launch, with users sharing posts about Tamil contributions under hashtags like #SG60 and #TamilHeritage, though some expressed concerns about addressing ongoing caste issues among new immigrants.

As Singapore celebrates SG60, the EST stands as a testament to the Tamil community’s resilience and contributions, from laborers to professionals, in shaping a nation that balances cultural preservation with social progress. Tharman’s call for inclusivity resonates as a blueprint for Singapore’s future, ensuring all communities thrive in a discrimination-free society.

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