Indian community’s contributions show Republic’s diversity is source of strength, unity: PM Wong

We are Singaporeans first, he says at 10th anniversary of the Indian Heritage Centre

- Chin Soo Fang Senior Correspondent

Since the earliest days of modern Singapore, people from the Indian subcontinent have come to the island, bringing with them their skills, beliefs and hopes for a better life.

These early Indian immigrants came from different regions, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Bengal, Punjab, Gujarat and Maharashtra. They spoke different languages, practised different faiths and carried with them the rich diversity of Indian civilisation.

“They enriched our society with a vibrant array of customs, cuisines, arts and festivals... from Deepavali and Pongal to Thaipusam,” said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at a dinner on Nov14 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC), which is located in Little India.

As a result, Indian influences are deeply woven into the Republic, from the flavours that Singaporeans enjoy to the words spoken here, he added.

Like the Indian community, the city-state is a tapestry woven from many threads — multiracial, multi-religious and multicultural, he said.

“Our diversity need not and must not divide us. Instead, when we respect one another, when we celebrate one another’s culture, our diversity becomes a tremendous source of strength and unity,’ he said.

PM Wong noted that the efforts of successive generations of immigrants from India have helped the Singapore Indian community to flourish, keeping alive its rich heritage while embracing a shared and distinctive sense of national identity.

“So you are not just Indians in Singapore; you are Singaporean Indians,” he said.

“We are Singaporeans first. We are rooted in our respective cultures, respective roots, yet deeply woven into the fabric of our nation. And you, all of you, our Indian community, are a proud and vital part of our Singapore story.”