The Tamil Language Council (TLC) is pleased to present 'Ilamai' (Youthfulness), as its theme for the Tamil Language Festival (TLF) 2025. The theme resonates strongly with the SG60 narrative of growth and resilience. This year's edition of TLF is set to be a vibrant and inclusive celebration, where participants of all ages come together to embrace the energy
and creativity of the Tamil language.
TLF 2025 will take place from 5 April to 4 May, and will also pay tribute to how the Tamil language has been a key part of Singapore's multicultural identity. With Tamil thriving alongside Singapore's growth, TLF 2025 will underscore how the language, much like the nation, has continued to be adaptable and encompass changes.
“Out of the 46 programmes presented this year, 74% of them are targeted at youths, an increase from last year's 65%,” says Mr Naseer Ghani, Chairman of TLC. He adds, “While youthfulness is at the heart of TLF 2025, the theme transcends age and we invite everyone in the community to engage actively, to speak, celebrate and appreciate our Tamil language. I thank all partners for their continued support and innovative ideas to engage the youth and the community, strengthening our collective effort to keep Tamil alive, vibrant, and active.
Tamil Language Festival 2025 Programme Highlights
From competitions in app development and creative coding using Tamil script, to youth-led poetry slams, workshops on modern Tamil literature, digital content creation and developing translation skills, TLF 2025 will offer programmes with a modern take, providing young participants with opportunities to delve into traditional art forms while encouraging artistic
expressions, creative reinterpretations, and updated applications of Tamil.
This array of diverse programmes ensures something for everyone, to “Love Tamil, Speak Tamil” by exploring the wide calendar of activities presented.
Persisting in its efforts to seek fresh ideas and welcome collaborations with new partners, the TLC held an open call for programme proposal submissions for TLF 2025. As a result, four new partners will be presenting their programmes this year:
Agam Theatre Lab will be showcasing a vibrant theatrical production blending humour, music, and relatable school scenarios, to showcase the Tamil language's evolving role in modern education. A partner to the Tamil Youth Festival in 2024, this will be Agam Theatre Lab's first- ever programme presentation in conjunction with the TLF.
A performance for all ages, Purple Aura Productions will present a concert series by Sanjay Subrahmanyan at the Victoria Theatre, celebrating Tamil poetry and literaturethrough Carnatic music, and showcasing the language's timeless beauty and versatility.
Blending poetry and live music, Kavipperukku will be holding a Tamil spoken word poetry event, combining traditional Tamil expressions in a modern performance format to foster a deeper appreciation for the language.
Singai Namakkal Sangam will be organising an interactive talk for parents on encouraging the use of Tamil at home. An enrichment programme will take place concurrently for their children, to promote the learning of Tamil language through games and art.
For full details on all TLF 2025 programmes, visit the TLC's Facebook page at facebook.com/tamillanguagecouncilsinsingapore or follow the TLC's Instagram handle @TamilLangFestival or check out the website at www.tamil.org.sg.
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About the Tamil Language Council and the Tamil Language Festival
The Tamil Language Council (TLC) was formed in 2000 and comprises representatives from the education sector, major community organisations, arts groups and the media. All members are appointed by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
The TLC has organised the TLF since 2007 with partner organisations, marking it as a major annual event in the community's calendar. It enjoys working with a strong number of partners each year to present literary, oratorical and cultural events that encourages all Festival goers and the community to embrace the Tamil language.
While the TLF remains TLC's signature festival, it inaugurated the Tamil Youth Festival (TYF) in 2021, as a dedicated initiative to encourage the youths in the community to embrace their mother tongue.
Since 2017, the Tamil Language Council has also extended additional funding to support and cultivate capacity building initiatives for the youths and students within the community, inan effort to inspire them to use and develop the Tamil language.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Dashini Balachandran
Manager
Language Division
National Heritage Board
Mobile: 9648 4945
Email: Dashini_Balachandran@nhb.gov.sg-
Our Overseas Reporter V.Purushothaman