THE Indian Association of Penang (Penang IA) recently celebrated a historic milestone with the 25th edition of its Trilingual Literary Competition, marking its Silver Jubilee.
The prestigious annual event brought together 400 participants, including students, parents, teachers, and Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) members from 28 Tamil primary schools (SJKTs) across the state.
After a series of intense competitions, SJKT Permatang Tinggi emerged as the overall champion, followed by SJKT Valdor in second place and SJKT Bukit Mertajam in third.
Designed to enhance the literary, writing, and oratory skills of Tamil school students, the competition challenged young talents across five core categories: Bahasa Melayu Speech, Tamil Speech, Bahasa Melayu Essay Writing, Tamil Essay Writing, and English Storytelling.
State executive councillor for Housing and Environment, Datuk Seri Sundarjoo Somu, who also chairs the Special Committee for Penang Tamil Schools, officiated at the prize-giving ceremony at Ramakrishna Ashram Hall on Oct 24.
In his address, Sundarajoo emphasised that proficiency in Malay, English, and Tamil gives students an academic advantage and opens up broader career opportunities globally. He also commended the organising committee, headmasters, and parents for their support, and presented a financial contribution of RM5,000 to the association.
Also present was Penang Hindu Endowments Board deputy chairman Senator Dr R.A. Lingeshwaran, who represented Deputy Minister for Women, Family and Community Development, and Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying.
Delivering Lim’s address, Dr Lingeshwaran noted that the competition has played an important role in nurturing Tamil students’ talents by providing a platform for them to develop their proficiency in Bahasa Melayu, Tamil, and English, while showcasing their abilities.
He later presented a mock cheque for RM10,000 on Lim’s behalf to support the competition.
This marked the third consecutive year that Lim had contributed funds to support Penang IA’s educational development programmes.
The mock cheques were received by Penang IA president Datuk Dr Kalaikumar Nachi, vice-presidents Datin G. Puvaneswary and S. Somasandharam, and organising chairman C. Nadarajan.
Nadarajan expressed the association’s deepest gratitude to all state leaders, educators, and sponsors for their unwavering commitment to nurturing a confident, knowledgeable, and multilingual generation capable of competing at the highest levels.
Other dignitaries and community leaders present included Penang MIC chairman Datuk J. Dhinagaran and Chief Minister’s Monitoring Officer Amutha Krishnan, who showed their support for the educational advancement of the students.
RESULTS:
English Storytelling Competition (Standard 1, 2, 3): 1. Mevishka Isha Puvaneswaran (SJKT Permatang Tinggi), 2. Lakshmmi Shrriema Shasikumar (SJKT Mak Mandin), 3. Aishwarya Vinod Kumar (SJKT Ramakrishna).
Bahasa Melayu Essay Writing (Karangan BM): 1. Vimalrau a/l Vijayakumaran (SJKT Valdor), 2. Nor Meha Rehanisha Nur Muhammad Akif (SJKT Batu Kawan), 3. Darwin Devedaran (SJKT Mak Mandin).
Bahasa Melayu Speech (Syarahan BM): 1. Deleena Krishna Priyaa Segar (SJKT Bukit Mertajam), 2. Ovies Sasti Suresh (SJKT Permatang Tinggi), 3. Bavisshya Naatchiyar Ragavan (SJKT Sungai Ara).
Tamil Speech (Syarahan Bahasa Tamil): 1. Sheevani Shree a/p Gopal (SJKT Ramathasar), 2. Yesharee Kokulateeben (SJKT Permatang Tinggi), 3. Suchita Ilamaran (SJKT Sungai Bakap).
Tamil Essay Writing (Karangan Bahasa Tamil): 1. Nimalan a/l Shanmugan (SJKT Permatang Tinggi), 2. Koovarthini Karthik (SJKT Valdor), 3. Yhashri (SJKT Nibong Tebal).
Pix courtesy of Penang Indian Association