P. Chidambaram launches guide on Indian neighborhood in Singapore

Former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Saturday launched the guide Little India and the Singapore Indian Community: Through the ages. Authored by Soundara Nayaki Vairavan, it was first launched in Singapore on April 25.

At the launch held right here, the primary copy was acquired by Edgar Pang, Consul General of the Republic of Singapore in Chennai. 

Mr. Chidambaram highlighted the 200-year-old historical past of Tamils in Singapore. “For 200 years, folks of Indian origin have been dwelling there. There are lots of Tamils and there are individuals who converse different languages. Tamil is likely one of the official languages of Singapore. It makes me blissful that Tamils account for a big inhabitants amongst Indians in Singapore,” he mentioned, and added that he was glad to see non secular concord in Singapore.

Ms. Vairavan spoke concerning the centuries-old connection between Indian and Singapore. “Many immigrants from China, India, and different components of the world got here to Singapore seeking a livelihood. They established themselves as merchants, retailers, entrepreneurs, and ventured into many different fields. Hence, India’s contribution to the event of Singapore has at all times been important,” she mentioned.

“Now, why is the guide launched in India? With the world changing into extra digitised, it’s now widespread for folks emigrate to abroad nations. Given the torrent of data accessible on the web, there’s a normal curiosity to learn about numerous societies. Though predominantly about Singapore, folks in India can join with this guide because it portrays their contemporaries in an immigrant society,” she added. 

V. Chokalingam, Emeritus, Cardiology, Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, delivered the congratulatory message.