SAMUEL3/4 Appreciating what we have
Channel: 50FACES
Date: 29/12/2014

Mr Samuel’s deep knowledge of Singapore history and good grasp of the Tamil Language was duly recognised when he was invited to contribute small byte-size history segments on the Tamil radio station OLI96.8 called SINGAPORE NINAIVUGAL (Memories of Singapore). This program was highly popular and many looked forward to his segments, which gave a fresh insight into the Indian Communities’ contribution to Singapore’s history. Even now, his booming voice, synonymous with the program is recognised and his contribution is appreciated by people who still remember this program.

Stressing that while we are lucky in Singapore to have our culture supported by the government through schools, media and cultural institutes, contribution by citizens is equally as vital, which is why Mr Samuel feels that if his work helps people to remember and get involved, he is content.

Mr Samuel’s passion for the Tamil language can be seen eminently in his younger days when he joined the Teachers training college in 1961. There, he was incredulous to find that despite Tamil being one of our official languages, there was as yet no division set up in the 11 years the college had been running. Mr Samuel felt this was an untenable situation, which needed immediate action.