NATIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION IN TAMIL

As part of the Tamil Language Festival coordinated by Tamil Language Council, a National Public Speaking Competition was held for both the Primary and Secondary students taking Tamil. This was a joint project by Bishan Community Club’s Indian Activities Executive Committee (IAEC) and Tamils Representative Council (TRC). It has to be noted that the Youth Wings of both organizations were very much involved in planning and executing the event.

The objective of the Inter-School Tamil Public Speaking Competition was to enable participants to find creative ways to view the given themes and topics, allowing them to deliver their opinions in a clear and concise manner. In addition, speaking Tamil in public would contribute in building their confidence and inculcate the importance of speaking the language.

Preparations started in January and more than 90 students had registered well before the closing date. The qualifying rounds were held on 24 February 2007 which stretched throughout the whole day. From this 5 finalists in each category were selected for the Finals.

The Grand Finals was held on 8 April 2007 at the Bishan Community Club. The Guest of Honour, Mr Zainddin Nordin, Mayor for Central Singapore CDC and MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC was on hand to present the prizes. In his speech he welcomed such joint events by the Community Centre based IAECs and Indian Organisations like TRC. This will assist in sharing of resources and also benefit a larger mass of participants. He also noted that such competitions will ensure the continued usage of Tamil and enhance the ability of students in using Spoken Tamil.

More than 400 Students, Parents and Community Leaders were also present to witness the event. Two SYF winners in the 2007 National Dance Competition, Beatty Sec School and CHIJ St Josephs Convent presented their award winning dances and entertained the crowd.

Dr Theyvendran, President of TRC congratulated the Youth members of both organizations for their commitment and success. He also echoed the words of Mr Zainuddin in agreeing that TRC was ever willing to explore more such joint programmes in promoting the development of Spoken Tamil in Singapore.

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