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…
(use sarcastic/dramatic tone)

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 family, our tradition,
OUR ORIGINS. But is this right? Definitely not! 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 today, 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, our language gives us a sense of identity which is simliar to how our names identify us.
Our mother-toungue solidifies our social position. In my case, Tamil identifies me as a Tamizahan.
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 embraced Tamil. Therfore,
If such a prominent figure like him celebrated his roots so boldly, why can’t I speak proudly in my mother-
toungue too?

Moreover, knowledge is the key to success. Saying that, my roots, my mother-tongue is filled with
knowledge. One of the most well-known works of 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 proves that Tamil is a language rich with wisdom. My language, my roots are glorious
indeed.

What is live without fun? Besides extending one’s knowledge and solidifying one’s social position one’s
language let’s you have fun. And for me music is fun. Normally teen of this era enjoy K-pop or J-pop, but
for me nothing beats the calming sensation I get when I sing or listen to Sangeetham as in Tamil classical
songs. For me, when I dive into the wonderful songs of Sangeetham I can’t help but smile as it washes
away all my worries and leaves me all relaxed. This is because Tamil classical songs emphasises many
important values needed for us to be kind and sensible human being. My roots are special indeed.

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.