Tamizh Vazhga

Tamil is a classical language, no doubt, as its history can be traced back to 300 BC. Now, in a recent news report I read that the AIADMK has appealed to Indian President Pratibha Patil to use the language as an official language in Madras High Court.

Now, in my visit to Singapore, I found that announcements are made in Tamil (in addition to English, Chinese and Malay), so why is it so difficult to give the go-green for the same here. As long as there is an understanding that in a country like India, a state does not consist of only regional language speaking population, and also that Tamil cannot be forced upon non-Tamils like me.

So, a non-Tamil who feels at home in Tamil Nadu, my only request is that in all official exchanges, forms, there should be a translator and also the documents should also contain English translations.

In a way, we should all be thankful that the local transportation in Tamil Nadu does not contain Tamil numerals (yes, did you know that Tamil has its own numerals that you can never decode unless you are one, or are an expert on the subject?). But what I found funny today was – I had called the Aircel customer care, and after a long long process of punching 1 and 3 and what not, and requesting for English, the customer care executive spoke to me in Tamil, and fast. Unable to comprehend what she was saying, I asked to my surprise “Neenge English le pesaringala?” translated “Can you please speak in English?” in Tamil!!!

Tamizh Vazhga! (Long live Tamil)

And oh! Not to be missed -At 27, Sandhosh Kumar became the first Tamil to conquer Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak on May 22nd (I think). At the summit, he unfurled a banner that apparently read Thamizh Vazhgha. Now, that is heights!!!