The Singapore Tamil Language and Cultural Society was established on August 2, 1980, with the primary goal of promoting the Tamil language, incorporating it into daily life, and preserving Indian cultural elements. This initiative was championed by the late Mr. CV Devan Nair, who articulated the association’s policy and vision.
Prior to the association’s founding, Mr. Devan Nair addressed a seminar on Tamil Language and Culture at the National University of Singapore on April 9, 1977. He emphasized the need for a robust movement to support Tamil-speaking Indian culture. Mr. Nair proposed that an organization formed by Tamil-speaking parents and educators would be immensely beneficial. He envisioned a broad-minded approach, suggesting that Indian cultural heritage should collaborate with the best elements of Chinese and Malay traditions to help build Singapore’s future.
This seminar laid the groundwork for the association’s foundation. Following this, a leading committee, headed by Mr. CV Devan Nair, was established to draft the Bills and officially register the organization on September 11, 1979.
The association was officially inaugurated on August 2, 1980, at a ceremony presided over by then Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Koh Keng Swee. Mr. Devan Nair became the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Other trustees included Mr. S. Thanabalan, Mr. NK Vannia Singham, Mr. M. Ponnudurai, Mr. PA Kesavan, Archbishop Mr. D. R. Duraisamy, Mr. T. K. A. Aminullah, and Mr. Sur Singh, a High Court Judge. The inclusion of Mr. R. Singh highlighted the association’s aim to make Tamil a common language for all Indians and to foster the development of Indian culture.
