Huh…(sigh) Traditions, cultures, superstitions…? I’m sorry, but I think you’re in the wrong century.

These believes don’t even benefit us, plus they’re uncomfortable to execute…
No matter what excuse I tell I can’t avoid it cause it’s apparently a part of me…
Is this my fate?

Guys, do you realise that this is the reality that many around the globe are facing.? We, the next
generation, the future of this community, have the exact same attitude toward our parents, our family,
our tradition, our past, our history, OUR ORIGINS. Well today, let’s celebrate our roots.

Firstly, are roots important? Yes, they matter a lot. Dr. Michelle Bengtson says ‘ROOTS ARE OUR
FOUNDATION.’ Consider a tree: the roots are the foundation and are what keeps it anchored in times of
difficulty. A tree’s branches go in all different directions, but undisturbed, roots grow deep into the earth
and multiply extensively, seeking the soil and nutrients needed to grow and remain strong. We tend to be
the same way in our lives—trying out new places and new things to see what fits. We need to get back to
what makes us strong…our roots. So let’s find out the glories of Tamil, which are my roots.

Did you guys know language is another interesting buddy that stays with us forever just like our
names….? Well, just like our names our language gives us a sense of identity. For starters my mother-
tounge Tamil, gives me an identity as a human being by solidifying my social position. My language Tamil,
is also something that gives me confidence. No matter where we are or whom is watching us talk never
be afraid to speak in Tamil. Did u know The famous scientist and the 11th president of India Abdul Kalam
once quoted a famous saying in the European Union ‘Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir’. It means “I am a
citizen of the world, and everyone in the world is my kin.” He proudly quoted that ‘Purananooru’ and
never cared that he was speaking in Tamil infront of so many people. Instead of being embarassed, A.P.J
Abdul Kalam was proud to speak in Tamil in such an imporatant large scale meeting. Therefore, If he
could speak so boldly, why can’t I speak proudly in my mother-toungue too?

Furthermore, knowledge is the key to success. Saying that, my roots, my mother-tongue is filled with
knowledge. One of the most well-known literatures in Tamil is Thirukkural. Thirukkural is a timeless
prophecy that was written by Thiruvaluvar and has been translated in 80 different languages. Thirukkural
is divided into 3 parts as in ‘Aram, Porul, Inbam” or can also be identified as ‘virtue, wealth and love”. This
is one of the many pieces of evidence that proves that Tamil is a language rich with wisdom. My
language, my roots are glorious indeed.

Besides extending one’s knowledge and solidifying one’s social position, when you think about a
language, what comes up in your mind? I believe many are thinking the same thing, an exam subject.
Well for me as a teen I think that the word language can be connected most easily with the term fun. For
teens entertainment is a must, but what language do we use it in. If it’s story books many read English
ones like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. On the other hand, if it’s songs, it must be K-Pop ones from
groups like BTS and Dream Catcher. However, when it comes to cartoons many teens tend to prefer
animes as in Japanese cartoons like Haikyuu or Kuroko no Basketubaru. This is something not only
happening in my circle of friends but many places around the globe too. We teens love entertainment yet
rarely engage in it using our own language. So, a message, not only to Indian teens like myself but every
one of you, let’s take the first step today in appreciating everything that is available in our own language.

To conclude, ones’ language not only gives you a sense of identity but also broadens your area of wisdom
and lets you have fun. Therefore, I would like to ask all of you to start using your mother-tongue more in
your daily lives. The saying ‘old is gold’ represents all languages. But what is the use of that gold if we
don’t utilize it to the fullest. So let us all go back and celebrate our roots. Thank you.