Tamil Murasu's 90-Year Legacy: A Pillar of Singapore's Multiculturalism

SINGAPORE – The enduring presence of Tamil Murasu, a prominent Tamil-language newspaper, is attributed to strategic policy design, robust community backing, and ongoing innovation, according to Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information. Speaking at the gala dinner celebrating the Tamil daily's 90th anniversary on July 6, 2025, Teo emphasized the publication's significant role in Singapore's multicultural landscape.

The event, attended by approximately 1,000 guests including President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, highlighted Tamil Murasu’s status as one of the oldest Tamil newspapers globally, surviving in an era where many similar publications have ceased operations in countries with substantial Tamil populations, such as Canada and the UK. Teo noted, "This is not by chance; it is the result of careful policy design and strong community support."

Tamil Murasu has historically served as a vital communication platform for the Tamil community in Singapore, contributing to social cohesion and cultural identity. Teo pointed out that, despite the challenges posed by declining usage of mother tongue languages, the newspaper has taken significant strides to engage younger audiences. In 2023, it launched a mobile news app, allowing users to access content conveniently while also initiating dialogues with youth to better connect with the next generation.

The Minister highlighted the newspaper's adaptability, citing its new youth brand, Ilaya Thalaimurai, set to launch later in 2025. This initiative aims to present the Tamil language not merely as an academic subject but as a vibrant means of cultural expression. "It is connected to our identity, culture, and pride," stated Teo.

Furthermore, Tamil Murasu played a crucial role during the Covid-19 pandemic, providing timely health information in Tamil and shining a light on the efforts of community heroes, including medical professionals and volunteers. Teo reflected on the publication's influence during Singapore's transition from traditional kampung lifestyle to public housing, aiding the Indian community in viewing modernization positively.

T. Raja Segar, the editor of Tamil Murasu, recounted the newspaper's beginnings as a weekly newsletter in 1935, evolving to become a voice for the Tamil community and a bridge to their homeland. He described Tamil Murasu as more than just a publication; it has been a teacher, a source of companionship, and a platform for community storytelling. Looking ahead, Raja revealed plans to incorporate artificial intelligence tools to enhance the newspaper's offerings, ensuring it remains relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.

As Singapore continues to embrace its multicultural identity, Tamil Murasu stands as a testament to the importance of vernacular media in fostering community ties and cultural pride. Its ongoing evolution reflects not only the challenges faced by such publications but also the opportunities to innovate and engage with a new generation of readers, ensuring that the Tamil language and culture remain vibrant in Singapore's diverse society.