Madam Santhi Sellappan has been bestowed with the esteemed A.N. Maiden Award in recognition of her remarkable contributions to the education, development, and enrichment of the Tamil language, as well as her dedicated efforts in fostering societal progress in Singapore. This award ceremony held at the “Umar Pulavar Ninaivu Arangam” programme which was a part of the Tamil Language Festival 2024.
Serving as the Centre Director of Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre, Santhi Sellappan has exhibited exemplary dedication and passion in advancing Tamil language education and promoting cultural enrichment within the community. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing linguistic proficiency and fostering social development underscores her invaluable role in promoting Tamil language and culture.
The Kadayanallur Muslim League of Singapore honours individuals who have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to upholding Tamil traditions and have made significant contributions to the sustainable development of Tamil culture. This year, Santhi has been selected as the worthy recipient of this esteemed award. Through her dedicated efforts and unwavering dedication, Santhi has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Tamil traditions, language, and culture within the community. Her contributions have not only enriched the Tamil heritage but have also fostered greater appreciation and understanding of Tamil identity.
Upon receiving the award, Madam Santhi expressed her thoughts on the evolving landscape shaped by technological advancements, emphasizing its impact on the environment, family dynamics, and the education system. She stressed the importance of contemplating how to effectively transmit the Tamil language to students amidst these changes. According to her, the responsibility of nurturing language proficiency among students should not solely rest on schools and Tamil teachers. Instead, she advocated for community involvement to bring about meaningful change. Santhi underscored the necessity for concerted efforts to preserve the Tamil language, asserting that collective action will pave the way for a brighter future for the entire community.
Madam Santhi Sellappan’s recognition with the esteemed A.N. Maiden Award signifies her outstanding contributions to Tamil language education and cultural enrichment within the Singaporean community. Santhi’s call for community involvement underscores the collective responsibility in nurturing language and cultural identity, paving the way for a brighter future for Tamil language and culture in Singapore. This year’s “Umar Pulavar Ninaivu Arangam” program centered around poetry. The event featured poetry writing workshops and poetry recitation performances during the sessions.
Source: Mediacorp Seithi
