The Tamil Language and Cultural Society, known as TLCS, Singapore, recently celebrated the legendary work of the great poet Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathiyar in the Tamil Language. The event, Bharathiyar Vizha 2023, was held on the 14th of October at the Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre, honoring the legacy and excellence of this modern Tamil poet.”
As part of these celebrations, TLCS organized Literary Competitions in early October for over 350 children from Nursery to Secondary schools in Singapore. The aim was to promote and emphasize the works of Mahakavi. The winners of these competitions were recognized with trophies and certificates on the event day.
The highlight of the event was the prestigious “Bharathiyar Virudhu” award, presented annually to a notable Singaporean scholar who contributes selflessly to the Singapore Tamil community and language. This year, the Bharathiyaar Award was bestowed upon Dr. Rethina Venkatesan, a Tamil poet and writer, in recognition of his dedication and contribution to the Tamil community and language. Guest of Honour Ravindran Ramasamy, Lawyer, and former Member of Parliament, shawled the awardee, while Porchezhiyan garlanded him. TLCS President Harikrishnan Muthusami presented the prestigious award trophy, followed by a set of books containing volumes of Tamil encyclopedia presented by Dr. Seethalakshmi.
During his acceptance speech, Dr. Rethina Venkatesan urged the audience and parents to name their children in the Tamil language, a practice followed by our ancestors for ages.
During the keynote address S. Paandi Durai, a prolific, popular, and renowned Malaysian Radio and TV Celebrity, delivered a special speech on the theme of ‘freedom.’ He quoted many evocative thoughts and core values of Bharathiyaar, reflecting on the legendary poet’s writings such as ‘endru thaniyum indha sudhanthira thaagam – endru madiyum engal adimaiyin mogam,’ emphasizing Bharathiyaar’s thoughts on when we can achieve our thirst for freedom and quench our passion for being a slave. Paandi Durai emphasized that it is essential for every Tamil individual not only to read and celebrate Bharathiyaar but also to follow the path he outlined. He also stressed that this is the responsibility of every Tamil individual born in this world and the proper way to honor and perpetually remember our great poet
The event also featured an interactive Kahoot quiz challenging students’ understanding of the great poet. Students actively participated and won attractive vouchers. The auditorium was filled with parents, children, Tamil lovers, and this public event was enthusiastically received by all attendees
