Renuga Inpakumar: Tamil identity & young activism

Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, also known as Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day, is observed on May 18 each year. While the day is not officially recognised in Sri Lanka, the Tamil diaspora commemorates it internationally. Renuga Inpakumar began advocating for Eelam Tamil refugees at the age of 10. Now 21, she continues to use her voice to raise awareness not only about the Tamil Eelam genocide but also to share the stories of Eelam Tamil refugees in Australia.

In 2009, the Sri Lankan civil war, which had lasted for 25 years, was officially declared over.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), commonly known as the Tamil Tigers, fought to establish an independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam in the north-east of the island, driven by discrimination and persecution against Sri Lankan Tamils.

During this period of civil unrest, the Eelam Tamil community confronted deaths, persecutions, abuse, and unsolved disappearances.

I've never been to Tamil Eelam my entire life, so I can only carry that word with me.

Renuga Inpakumar on the word 'Tamil Eelam'

Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, also known Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day, is held on May 18 each year. The day is not officially recognised in Sri Lanka, yet the Tamil diaspora takes this opportunity to mourn and reflect.

Our guest for this episode, Eelam Tamil activist Renuga Inpakumar, began her journey raising her voice in support of Eelam Tamil refugees at the age of 10.

Now 21, she continues to grip megaphones not to only spread awareness on the Tamil Eelam genocide but to share the stories of Eelam Tamil refugees, both in Australia and around the world.

Renuga, along with her family, and have long campaigned for the international recognition of Tamil Eelam genocide and creating space to continue conversations around the aftermath of the Sri Lankan civil war.

Now inching towards finishing her Bachelor of Law/Arts at Western Sydney University, Renuga has her sights set on independently creating ongoing change to support her community with her career.

Renuga sat down with SBS Spice's Suhayla Sharif to speak about Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day and share her insights as a young activist needing to balance the pressures and power of her platform.

Tap the audio player to listen to the full interview.

SBS Spice breaks new ground with English language content for young South Asians in Australia by exploring what is making us tick or ick. Find us in your podcast app such as the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or LiSTNR and follow us on Instagram @SBSSpice