FOR Drushentha Govender, learning Tamil has not only brought her great achievement in her final year of school, but it has instilled in her strong morals and values.
The 17-year-old, who matriculated from Merebank Secondary School last year, achieved 100% in Tamil, a second additional language in the 2024 National Senior Certificate examination.
“While a lot of hard work and dedication went into achieving my mark, it was definitely my passion for the language and my culture that really pushed me to excel and achieve this 100%.
“Tamil is not just a word or language, it is my mother tongue that has instilled so much of morals and values within me, as well as taught me discipline and respect. It has also taught me how to go about life,” she said.
Drushentha, who lives in Montclair, said her journey into studying Tamil started in 2018.
“I attended the Merebank Tamil School Society at the age of 11. I started quite ‘late’, so I definitely had to put in a lot more work and effort to get up to standard and be on par with the other pupils.
“However, my parents, brother, Tamil school teacher and principal were my biggest supporters and inspiration. They always motivated me. My mom would always say, ‘No matter what, remember to always do your best Drushentha. I will always be proud of you’,” she said.
Drushentha said she was initially afraid of doing Tamil as a second additional language.
“At first it seemed daunting. I was afraid of the change and deep down, I was afraid that I was not going to cope and excel with an extra language and subject. I had set very high standards of achievement for myself, especially in my final year of school.
“However, little did I know how something as little as learning an additional and different language would inspire me and impact my life, both positively and significantly. My love and passion for the language grew when I saw myself achieving in the subject as I progressed to each grade. I am also grateful to my dad for sending me to Tamil school and making sure I was enriched with the knowledge of the Thamizh (Tamil) language.”
Drushentha said she was saddened to see that many youth did not take interest in their mother tongue, specifically Tamil.
“It is sad that they have no drive to enrich themselves with such a beautiful and sweet language, which has all the great benefits that comes with it. However, I believe the only way to start changing the mindset of the youth is through parents.
“It is also never too late to start learning. I am proof of that. I only started my Thamizh journey at age 11 and look at me today. I achieved 100% in matric. I believe that, ‘Even if it seems impossible, it will eventually happen’. Vazhga Thamizh Mozhi! Vazhga!.”
Drushentha, who achieved a bachelor pass and two distinctions, said she intended on pursuing a degree in BCom accounting.