A significant milestone for the trilingual heritage of Trinity College was marked on 5 June at the Muththamizh Vizha, where Master Dilrukshan Sureshkumar officially launched his debut Tamil poetry book, Mounam Pesiyadhe (‘Silence Spoke’).
Master Sureshkumar, a Grade 12 Biology student in the Advanced Level stream, is an active contributor to the College community. He was awarded the Best All-Rounded Student of the Middle School Award in 2023 and currently serves as the President of the TED-Ed Club and Vice President of the Carnatic Music Society. Alongside his academic commitments, Dilrukshan is also a member of the Trinity College Senior Karate Team. His broader interest in literature, public speaking, music, and medicine drives his commitment to leadership and lifelong learning.
His interest in creative writing developed through a close appreciation of Tamil literature and songs, noticing how language can carry profound emotional depth. While building his confidence in English, Dilrukshan believes that true expression remains rooted in one’s mother tongue, shaping his literary style around a balance between English proficiency and cultural identity.
The collection, Mounam Pesiyadhe, translates to ‘Silence Spoke’. Dilrukshan chose the title to reflect that silence carries a powerful voice capable of inner reflection, expression, and personal understanding. The book explores deep philosophical themes, including self-realisation, nature, and emotional growth, balancing personal experiences with broader observations of the world. A particularly meaningful piece in the collection is ‘Nandri’ (‘Thank You’), dedicated to his parents, teachers, and well-wishers who supported him through periods of uncertainty.
The writing process spanned approximately ten months, beginning during his G.C.E. Ordinary Level period. Dilrukshan notes that balancing academic pressure alongside creative writing was challenging, but the experience taught him the value of consistency, discipline, and trusting one’s inner voice.
The launch event at the Muththamizh Vizha was an encouraging occasion for the school community, marking one of the first Tamil student poetry publications from the College. The Chief Guest for the evening was Dr Perumal Saravanakumar. The event featured addresses by the Vice Principal and the Chief Guest, providing an opportunity for Dilrukshan to formally acknowledge his parents and his Tamil teachers, Mrs Caroline Gnanapragasam and Mrs Sharmiladevi Duraisingham, who provided vital guidance throughout his literary journey.
The positive response from the audience highlighted the importance of the younger generation actively contributing to Tamil literature and culture. Looking ahead, Dilrukshan plans to expand his creative horizon into essays, short stories, and drama, while continuing his deep exploration of both Tamil and English literature.
An excerpt from the book reads:
என்னை எழுதிய கவிதை எந்தன் தோழன் இயற்கை சுயநலத்தால் அழித்திடாதே எந்தன் தோழனை இயற்கை எனும் அமுதம் என்னை எழுதிய கவிதை – அன்று ! நான் எழுதிய கவிதை – இன்று !
English translation:
The poem that once wrote me was my companion: Nature. Do not destroy my companion through selfishness. Nature; the nectar of life. I was a poem written by nature, once; ‘Nature’ was the poem written by me, today.
For fellow young writers, Dilrukshan offers clear advice: “Do not begin writing with the expectation of immediate recognition or a perfect final outcome. Instead, make writing a habit built on passion, consistency, and discipline, regardless of the challenges you may face.”
