Fri May 23 08:08:45 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it, tailored for an Indian audience:

**Summary:**

The provided text is a news article from *The Hindu* about a speech by Singaporean Law Minister K. Shanmugam at the 50th anniversary celebration of the National University of Singapore Tamil Language Society (NUS TLS). Shanmugam urged younger generations to champion the Tamil language to ensure its continued vibrancy and relevance in Singapore for the next 50 years. He expressed concern about the declining use of Tamil, even among government officials, and the increasing dominance of English. He emphasized the importance of making Tamil accessible and engaging for both speakers and non-speakers, ensuring its presence in informal settings. He also noted the broader trend of declining mother tongue usage, including Mandarin and Malay, alongside Tamil. The event was a celebration of the NUS TLS’s contribution to Tamil language and culture over the past five decades. The article closes by noting Singapore’s diverse population, including a significant Indian demographic.

**News Article:**

**Singapore Minister Urges Youth to Safeguard Tamil Language for Future Generations**

**Singapore, May 23, 2025:** Singaporean Law Minister K. Shanmugam has called upon the youth of the cosmopolitan city-state to actively promote and preserve the Tamil language, warning of a potential decline in its usage and influence. The Minister’s appeal came during the 50th-anniversary celebration of the National University of Singapore Tamil Language Society (NUS TLS) on May 17th.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Mr. Shanmugam, a fluent Tamil speaker and NUS TLS alumnus, lauded the society’s contributions over the past half-century. However, he also voiced concerns about the future of Tamil in Singaporean public life, including within Parliament itself.

“To keep Tamil vibrant for the next 50 years, we need young pioneers like you to lead the way,” Shanmugam stated, emphasizing the need for the younger generation to take charge.

He highlighted a growing trend of English language dominance among young Singaporeans, affecting not only Tamil but also other official languages such as Mandarin and Malay. He noted that while Tamil is one of Singapore’s four official languages and was once commonly used in parliamentary debates, its prevalence is diminishing.

The Minister stressed the importance of ensuring Tamil remains relevant and accessible, even to non-speakers. He encouraged efforts to promote the language in informal settings, moving beyond classrooms and community centres. Shanmugam argued that the community must ensure that Tamil continues to be regarded as a respected language, even by those who do not speak it. Currently, Tamil Murasu, a Tamil language newspaper, has been in circulation since it was launched in May 1936.

The anniversary celebration, held at the Serangoon Gardens Country Club, brought together current and former members of the NUS TLS, celebrating its history of promoting Tamil language and culture through student-led initiatives.

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