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 .