Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2016 Manifesto NUSTLS Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2016 Manif | Page 29

Issue 4: Role of Student Tamil Societies
Recommendation 2: More recognition for Tamil Society Leadership
• One of the biggest reasons people are not joining the Indian cultural societies is the lack
of recognition. In Junior Colleges, Tamil Drama usually comes under Singapore Youth
Festival (SYF). This attracts a lot of people as SYF Gold stands out. During University
interviews, the same recognition is not given as a mainstream leadership appointment.
E.g. TLS President vs. Student Council member.
• We have to change the society's perception about Tamil student societies. There can be
an award presentation by a credible organisation like SINDA (Singapore Excellence
Awards) or Tamil Representative Council which would serve as a form of recognition for
the effort put in by the students.
Recommendation 3: Using technology for collaboration between Tamil Student Societies
• During the annual Tamil Internet conferences, participating schools could display what
they do during their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sessions. The tech-
savvy youths can display their learning during these sessions. This adds value to their
portfolio as well and will aid them in their interviews. This could be another way to bring
some academic rigour to the societies instead of the usual dance and drama.
• Schools could collaborate to upload materials online that will serve as a Tamil resource
material.
• Social Media could be used to raise awareness as well. 'Tamils of Singapore', similar to
‘Humans of New York’, can be started to spread awareness and appreciation of the Tamil
identity and issues faced by the Tamil community in Singapore.
• Tamil song writing competition or maybe Tamil rap competitions can be done using
technology which would make the whole idea of Tamil language more ‘cool’.
Issue 4: Role of Student Tamil Societies
PAGE 29