The Nilgiris is renowned all over the country and in many places abroad for its significant contribution to school education and promotion of English by private and residential institutions.
However, a fact which is yet to be acknowledged the way it ought to have been is that its schools in the government and aided sectors are also doing a splendid job in not only familiarising its students with the nuances of English but also keeping the flag of Tamil flying high.
Consequently, some of the students have excelled in different spheres of Tamil at various levels.
One such is 17-year-old Saddam Hussain.
Having been in the limelight off and on for his oratorical skills, he tried to be part of the forthcoming World Classical Tamil Meet with a presentation based on Tolkappiyam which deals with the grammar of the Tamil language.
However, due to delay caused by some communication problems his contribution could not figure in the meet. Though disappointed he is not disheartened.
Speaking to The Hindu , the son of a casual labourer Anwar of Thopan Lane near here who is no more, said that his desire was to be recognised as an achiever. “I have a special liking for Tamil”, he said.
In a bid to enter the Limca and Guinness book of records he proposes to speak in Tamil non-stop for 24 hours.
Considering his impressive track record, his well wishers say that it will be a piece of cake for him.
A topper in the Saint Theresa's School where he studied till Standard 10 at the Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School where he completed his school education last year, Saddam Hussain has bagged the first prize in a number of state and district level elocution competitions. The total number of prizes he has bagged at various levels is nearly 80.
