Muthamizh Padippagam, a renowned and oldest Tamil library, is located in Sentul. Established in 1958 by 19 Indian Railway workers, the founders include Mr. Manogaran, Mr. Gurusamy, Mr. Ilakkumanan, Mr. Saamy, Mr. Kodivel, Mr. Sokkalingam, Mr. Subramaniam, Mr. Suppiah, Mr. Thiagaraja, Mr. Mullaichelvan, Mr. Asirvatham, Mr. Maniam, Miss Santhimathevi, Mr. Kannappan, Mr. Velayutham, Mr. Sithambaram, Dr. T.V. Ragavan Pillai, Mr. Veerasingam, and Mr. Mahathevan. On 14th April 1958, coinciding with the Chithirai New Year, they set up a study corner in a hut and named it “Muthamizh Padippagam,” a name suggested by the respected M. Sokkalingam.
In 1959, the library was officially registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS), and they moved to the first floor at 371, Jalan Ipoh, paying a monthly rental. To build a dedicated building for the library, they initiated a fund collection drive on Deepavali in 1960, successfully raising RM 1563.11. The following year, during the Thaipusam festival, they collected an additional RM 1193.85. They also organized a charity concert, which raised RM 400. Part of these funds was allocated to the library’s building fund. Notably, the Sentul railway workers contributed by donating two days’ worth of their salaries to support the establishment of the library.
After significant efforts and struggles, the library was relocated in 1971 to its current address at 65A, Jalan Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. The organizing committee managed to purchase the building from its owner. Initially, the Chinese owner agreed to sell the building for RM48,250.00 but later reconsidered, leading to some confusion. Eventually, on 20th August 1971, the library’s trustee, Dato P.T. Arasu, along with two other trustees, paid a RM15,000 deposit, finalizing the purchase under the condition that the remaining RM33,250 be paid by 20th November 1971.
Despite these challenges, the committee successfully raised and paid the balance amount, allowing the library to officially operate in its own building. This achievement marked a significant milestone for “Muthamizh Padippagam,” ensuring its sustainability and development into a permanent institution. Through perseverance and community support, the library overcame numerous obstacles to secure a dedicated space for Tamil literature and cultural enrichment.
Since then, the committee members of “Muthamizh Padippagam” have worked collaboratively in each session to uplift the library. “Muthamizh Padippagam” has grown beyond just being a repository of books and a reading space; it has become a vibrant community hub. The library hosts a variety of activities and events designed to strengthen the bonds within the community.
Celebrations for festivals such as Pongal and Deepavali, as well as national holidays like Independence Day, are held regularly. Additionally, the library organizes debates, special tuition classes, literature weeks, prayer sessions, educational trips, and many other events. During literature week, speakers and researchers from overseas are invited to present and give talks, enriching the community’s literary and cultural knowledge.
“Muthamizh Padippagam” serves as a gathering place, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness among community members. The library continues to uphold this legacy to this day, offering Tamil language classes for both children and senior citizens. Through these diverse activities, “Muthamizh Padippagam” remains a cornerstone of cultural and educational development in the community.
Today, the library is managed by an organizing committee headed by Mr. Raman. It is worth noting that the committee members voluntarily undertake these responsibilities without any compensation. When asked what motivates him and his team to take on the responsibility and work towards the development of “Muthamizh Padippagam,” Mr. Raman shared his thoughts:
“During those early days, the Indian railway workers had a long-term vision about the importance of knowledge and the preservation of our language and its literature. They wanted future generations to have the opportunity to explore and benefit from these books. Seeing their initiative and the struggles they endured to establish Muthamizh Padippagam, we did not want to let their efforts go in vain. We aim to extend their legacy to the wider community. Their spirit is what continues to drive us.”
This demonstrates the organizing committee’s commitment to the Tamil language and the Indian community. Only one librarian is employed and paid; the rest of the committee serves voluntarily. The opening hours of “Muthamizh Padippagam” are from 3pm to 8.30pm on weekdays. The library is closed on Saturdays but open on Sundays from 11am to 1 PM and again from 3pm to 8pm.
The library offers two types of memberships: “Ordinary Member” and “Lifetime Member.” The “Ordinary Member” membership requires an annual fee of RM20 and an entrance fee of RM10. The “Lifetime Member” option requires a one-time payment of RM200 for lifetime access, along with the RM10 entrance fee. To borrow books, members must pay a refundable deposit of RM50 to prevent books from being lost or damaged. A member can borrow up to 15 books at a time, with a borrowing period of 2 weeks. If additional time is needed, members can either visit the library or call to request an extension of another 2 weeks.
The library houses 28,212 Tamil books, along with a few Malay and English reference books. The collection includes a wide range of genres such as motivational books, business, autobiographies, history, science, world history, world religions, leaders’ biographies, storybooks, novels, dramas, poetry, essays, and works by Malaysian Tamil writers. This extensive and diverse collection offers a rich reading experience, making the library a haven for Tamil literature enthusiasts.
Mr. Raman, the President of “Muthamizh Padippagam”, stated that many university students frequent the library. They utilize the vast collection of books at “Muthamizh Padippagam” as references for their assignments and projects. Often, they come in groups and spend hours poring over the books and working on their academic tasks. In addition to the literary resources, the YTL company has generously contributed 15 laptops to the library. With this new equipment, the management is preparing to offer computer classes in the near future. This initiative aims to provide students and community members with valuable digital skills, further enhancing the library’s role as a comprehensive educational hub.
The remarkable achievements and active organization of the library caught the attention of the former High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, His Excellency T.S. Tirumurti, who paid a visit to “Muthamizh Padippagam.” He was mesmerized by the extensive collection of books and the meticulous organization maintained by the library. Impressed by the preservation efforts and the systematic management, he praised the team for their dedication and encouraged them to continue their commendable work. This visit by such a distinguished figure was truly an honorable moment for “Muthamizh Padippagam,” highlighting its significance and impact within the community.
Mr. Raman revealed ongoing efforts to digitize “Muthamizh Padippagam.” The plan entails creating an application or website for the library, where digital versions of the books will be uploaded, allowing readers to access them anytime, anywhere. This initiative aims to extend the reach of “Muthamizh Padippagam” beyond its physical location, offering opportunities for people from different states and even different countries to benefit from its resources.
By embracing digital technology, “Muthamizh Padippagam” aims to elevate its services to another level, aligning with the advancements of today’s era. The endeavor reflects the library’s commitment to adapting to modern times while preserving its rich literary heritage. Efforts are currently underway to realize this initiative, with hopes that it will soon come to fruition, opening up new avenues for knowledge dissemination and community engagement. The organizing committee of “Muthamizh Padippagam” is dedicated to nurturing an appreciation for the Tamil language among today’s generation. Their aspiration is to inspire more individuals to visit and delve into the richness of Tamil literature at this paradise of Tamil books.
“Muthamizh Padippagam” stands as a beacon of cultural preservation and educational enlightenment, offering a diverse array of Tamil books that cater to varied interests and preferences. Through its extensive collection and vibrant community activities, the library serves as a platform for fostering linguistic pride and fostering a deeper connection to Tamil heritage.
As the library continues to evolve and adapt to modern times, the committee’s vision remains steadfast: to ignite a passion for Tamil language and literature, ensuring that this invaluable cultural legacy thrives for generations to come. With its ongoing efforts to embrace digital technology and expand its reach, “Muthamizh Padippagam” is poised to remain a cornerstone of Tamil literary excellence and community enrichment well into the future.
All the information and images provided by Mr Raman, President of Muthamizh Padippagam.
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