Celebrating Singapore's 48th National Day With the Tamils Representative Council

Dr R Theyvendran, President, TRC

Community Leaders,

Distinguished guests, 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening

1. It is my pleasure to join you this evening in tonight's dinner and in celebrating Singapore's 48th National Day organised by Tamils Representative Council and its Affiliate Organisations.

2. National Day is not only a time for enjoyment but we must also not forget what our fore-fathers had gone through to achieve independence and the sacrifices they have made for us to enjoy our life in Singapore. We cannot take for granted that Singapore's economy will continue to grow as we face more competition externally from new emerging economies. At last week's National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lee assured that the government will continue to strengthen core public services: housing, healthcare and education. With these needs addressed, Singaporeans continue to have access to affordable home ownership, quality healthcare and an open education system where everyone can succeed.

3. The Tamils Representative Council (TRC) is a Corporate Member of Peoples' Association. It is also the umbrella body for 33 Tamil based organisations. Founded in 1952 by the late Mr G Sarangapany, it has been actively involved in uplifting the educational and social status of the Tamil speaking community. As part of its objective, TRC has also been promoting the Tamil Language and the Arts.

4. Under the sterling leadership of Dr R Theyvendran PBM, TRC has for the past 12 years been actively involved in Cultural, Educational and Social activities. TRC has also forged close ties with the various bodies like SINDA, Tamil Language Council, Singapore Tamil Teachers Union and PA Narpani Pearavai. TRC is also an active member of the Tamil Language Promotion Committee.

5. I understand that today's event is also an opportunity to recognise the efforts of our Tamil students. Every year TRC has been presenting Excellence Awards to Tamil Students who have obtained top distinction marks in the Tamil Language and have also excelled in the other subjects in the previous year's PSLE, GCE 'O' and 'A' level examinations. I congratulate this year's recipients for their dedication and hard work. I will also like to take this opportunity to convey my appreciation to their parents and teachers for their support and guidance. I am confident that these awards will also motivate them to achieve even greater success.

6. I also take this opportunity to congratulate Mr V P Jothi for his contributions to the Tamil Language Council, and to Mr V Pandiyan, the General Secretary of Tamils Representative Council for his service to the Community. They have both been awarded the Public Service Medal (PBM) as part of this year's National Day Honours.

7. TRC is already doing much for our community. It offers scholarships and bursaries to the deserving. It provides tuition classes, workshops and camps to the weaker students and it helps the poor and needy. The many voluntary services it provides have uplifted our community to acquire a better quality of life socially, culturally and economically. I hope more individuals and organisations will come forward and play a positive role in the progress and advancement of your community.

8. Today's event will also serve to raise funds for the 'Kandasamy Education Trust Fund' apart from showing the Community's unity and to honour students. The fund set up in the name of TRC's former President will, I am sure, be used to assist the needy and deserving students in ensuring that they are not deprived of the various educational opportunities. At the same time, these recipients should also not forget the assistance received and contribute back towards the community too. Their success stories will inspire others to do the same and to build a better Singapore together.

9. I thank all the donors and sponsors for having generously coming forward to contribute to the fund.

10. In the immortal words of Thiruvalluvar, the great poet:

    “There is no better gain or virtue to seek, now or in the life ahead, than service to society.”

11. Thank You.