BeLiFS Becoming Literate in Faith Settings Centre for Language, Culture and Learning Educational Studies Department Goldsmiths University of London Arani Ilankuberan and Vally Lytra 19/01/2010

Introduction கடல் கடந்தான் எங்கள் தமிழன் – அங்கும் கற்பூர தீபம் கண்டான் இறைவன் உடலுக்குப் பொருள் தேடி உள்ளத்தில் இறை நாடி தமிழுக்கும் பணி செய்து தன்மானத்துடன் வாழ (By Kannadasan in Seshadri, V. 2008) He crossed the sea, our Tamil man - There also In Holy Light, he saw God. For his body, he looked for wealth In his soul, he searched for God. To Tamil, also he did service So that with self pride he may live.

History of local area – East Ham Spatial transformations of East Ham: From scattered hamlets (around 11 th to town (arrival of train station) (mid 19 th c) Industrial revolution (docks and gas works) (later 19 th c) Arrival of new immigrant communities (1950s) Present-day  2001 census 42% of Asian origin.

Map 1050

East Ham train station 1900

East Ham High Street 1965

East Ham High Street today

Discourses about East Ham  Borough’s celebratory discourse about East Ham as a linguistically and culturally rich area “youthful vigour and creativity [that] has fused with the traditional East End values of warmth, friendliness, community spirit and good humour to make Newham a welcoming place with a unique character”. (‘Discover Newham’, Newham London)  Mixing local indigenous culture (English) with new (immigrant) cultures and traditions and flagging up of international character of the area which perhaps marginalises local indigenous culture.  More pragmatic picture of community relations based on everyday interactions between members of different linguistic, cultural and religious groups.

History of migration of Sri Lankan Tamils Driving forces of Tamil migration worldwide and in the UK:  education  civil war in Sri Lanka

Movements across time and space Four main migration waves to the UK: s s s s (secondary migration from Europe)  Now settled communities that have made a home in the UK.  Overall, shared experiences of migration and war which urge parents to maintain and pass on Tamil identity as being part of a persecuted race in Sri Lanka to next generation.

History of London Sri Murugan Temple Movement across various locations in London as Tamil population increases and realisation that London will be their permanent home.  Private homes (till late 70s)  Hired halls  Present location (mid 80s- use of existing building and new purpose built temple consecrated in 2005)

Some concluding thoughts… Overarching themes:  Transformation and adaptation across time and space  Ways that wider socio-economic, political and historical contexts (e.g. war, migration, seeking educational and work opportunities outside the country of origin) influence and shape local realities

Thank you!