PM Lee Hsien Loong at the Official Launch of the Commemorative Book for the 35th Anniversary of the Indian Activity Executive Committees

Mr Hri Kumar, Adviser, Narpani Pearavai
Mr Thirunal Karasu BBM, Chairman, Narpani Pearavai
Narpani Pearavai Patrons and Council Members
Grassroots leaders
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

Happy to join you this afternoon to launch the commemorative book for the 35th Anniversary of the Indian Activity Executive Committees (IAEC)

IAECs will turn 35 years old in 2012. They played major roles building the Indian community and connecting with other communities, and strongly supported PA in our nation-building efforts. I thank IAECs and the IAEC Council (Narpani Pearavai) for their contributions.

IAECs have grown and strengthened over the years. They started as a single Indian Cultural Group in 1977. Now there are 94 IAECs all over the island — promoting cultural programmes; organising social, educational, recreational and sports activities; partnering other grassroots and community organisations; encouraging all races to participate in its events; thus fostering inter-ethnic understanding and harmony.

I encourage the IAECs to do more — evolve to meet changing needs and tackle new priorities: integrating new citizens and engaging youth.

On integrating new citizens – our society is now more diverse and complex. Indian new citizens come from many regions of the sub-continent; some are non-Tamil speaking. IAECs can play a major role to promote intra-ethnic understanding. To highlight some creative efforts: IAECs at Sengkang and Woodlands CCs use cricket to attract new citizens and PRs from India. Others hold festive celebrations to bring different groups together, e.g. “Holi Hunguma” organised by IAECs of Marine Parade GRC and “Rhythms in Unity” in celebration of Indian New Year organised by IAECs of Ang Mo Kio GRC. Keep up the good work!

On engaging youth — young people have many varied interests and lead active lives. But it is absolutely critical for IAECs to attract young members. There is no magic formula – it could be music and dance, sports or online activities that attract youth. IAECs need to try different approaches, and scale up what works. Good that Narpani Pearavai has formed a Youth Sub-Committee to work at this.

These priorities and programmes are vividly presented in the commemorative book titled “Our Journey – Building and Bridging Communities”. It chronicles the development and achievements of the IAECs. It is a fitting tribute to IAEC volunteers for their efforts all these years. I hope book will inspire more Singaporeans, especially our youth, to serve the community.

I congratulate IAECs on their 35th birthday and wish them success in bridging and bonding communities in the years ahead!