Thamizhavel G Sarangapani.

“எங்கள் வாழ்வும் எங்கள் வளமும்

மங்காத தமிழ் என்று சங்கே முழங்கு”

Thamizhavel G Sarangapani.

It gives me great pride to share my views about Thamizhavel G Sarangapani with all of you. Below are some points to help you all understand as to why he has left such an effect to the “Tamil Pesum Nal Ulagam” and the tamils.

தமிழவேள் கோ. சாரங்கபாணி

1. He was born in Thiruvaarur. He was also known, as a Tamil writer and publisher.

2. He came over to Singapore to work, but his heart remained set on Tamil and Tamil people who have become ignorant of their language.

3. He founded the Manavar Mani Mandram which later on developed to be now known as Tamil Mani Mandram. In the beginning, he encouraged the students to write essays, poems and stories to be published in his magazines. His magazines then brought about many writers, poets and speakers to the world.

4. He went on a field trip from one estate to another starting from Penang right down to Singapore at the time that Singapore was still apart of Malaysia.

5. He introduced membercards to members of Manimandram. Great speakers like Na.Parthasarathy, Kannathada, Ma. Po. Sivanyanam and Ki.A. Pe Visvanathan took part in activities carried out by Manimandram.

6. He had several other magazines, among others were the “Daily Reform”

7. He fought for Tamil to remain as the second/third language when the University of Malaya made the decision to bring in the Hindi language into the Indian Section. He liaised with the relevant authorities and fought for Tamil to remain and do without the Hindi language because there were a substantial number of people speaking Tamil back then. Even then, the University authorities were unable to accommodate to the bargains due to deficit of funds; he collected donations from people of Malaysia and Singapore amounting to more than RM100,000 and donated for the library books and the student’s scholarships.

8. He initiated the Tamizhar Thirunaal which can be celebrated throughout the year. Every religion has a celebration but it very rare that you find a language being celebrated. Tamizhar Thirunaal unites all the Tamil speaking people.

9. The Tamil Mani Mandram later developed to become a Federation.