Unsung Heroes in Tamil School Education

Unsung Heroes in Tamil School Education represents the “blood and sweat” of the many educators in Tamil schools who spent tireless hours, energy and dedication into educating the young in mind, heart and body. The aim of this book is to share with readers the creativity, talent, vision, steadfastness, passion and other values and virtues that several educators shared to be learnt and reflected by all. These chosen educators are mostly in their golden era, one had passed on and several are still active in their own ways, developing and shaping the young ones. Originally the book was biographic in nature but as how coal forms into the crystal and later into diamond, the data collected just transformed into writing that pours knowledge and wisdom as in the current state. The data was gathered through in-depth interviews at different levels.

Education is a lifelong process. Educators who make a difference and touch the lives of students during their educative years naturally become their heroes. However, many of these heroes live a very moderate life, giving their best and hoping the best for their students. In this book, several past educators are acknowledged for their unique contribution to the field of education. They are educators who are passionate about their vocation, educating the young in mind, heart and body. They sacrificed their time and other material aspects for the goodness and the development of their students. They prepared students for real life and taught them lifelong lessons. They were great role models and sources of inspiration for their students. They used all kinds of methods to inspire and excite their students. All their experiences are shared in this book which is linked with current-day education philosophies, teaching methods and educational psychology. This book is written to appreciate educators of the golden era and inspire educators of the current era.

The educators highlighted in this book are just a spark among hundreds of others who have played vital roles in the development of Tamil school students throughout Malaysia. Not only have they themselves flourished in their own career and personal development but they also brought about great transformations in the hearts and the minds of students. They enlightened the learning environment in schools with great teaching pedagogies, were creative and innovative in their day to day duties and most of all left their legacies in different aspects of the teaching profession. They were hardly recognised by many but nevertheless, their legacies are still talked about and remembered by their students and colleagues.

These individuals were deeply researched and analysed by current Tamil educators who some are mentees of these legends. Each educator highlighted in this book has his or her own speciality and that particular speciality would be highlighted in the chapters accordingly. The purpose of this is to share with scholars, laypeople and anyone interested in education about the impact of educators and how educators can actually transform the world in their own special ways. There is no need to wait for policy changes or promotions but with some effort and sincerity, educators can make a difference in the students’ lives if they are passionate about what they believe in.