Our world is progressing at a rate we can’t define. A new find comes with every day that passes by. It’s hard to keep up with everything, but not so much for the younger generation.

The current generation has been blessed with the opportunity to watch technology grow immensely through our time. As a member of this group, I too have noticed a desire to know more about science and technology. Many of us have entered a field of education that sets us on course to stay up to date with our evolving technological world. Yet most people don’t understand the cost of a fast-paced world, and nor did I.

I love being a member of the Tamil community. One of the main reasons is because of our rich history. Entrenched deep in the roots of Tamil culture is a history of arts and literature that dates thousands of years. Unfortunately, it seems that the younger generation is abandoning the arts almost completely. Instead, we have either been pushed towards or wishfully went on to purse scientific fields.

Two years ago, I wrote a few blog posts attempting to show people a blooming love for literature. Although it worked to a small extent, it still wasn’t getting out there. Then came an opportunity to write for Tamil Culture which was my big break. I realized that there were people out there who have an interest in reading. While this served as an encouragement to continue, I strived for more. I realized that maybe I should take my talent to a new level. This is when I started writing a novel, and today I am a published author.

But guess what’s so shocking? People don’t really read fiction novels anymore. Or maybe there are readers out there, but I’m just not getting the support I need to get to the next step. Which raises the question – maybe there are others like me? Maybe there are other Tamil youth who are trying to save the arts in our culture, but are just not getting the supporting hand they need?

What most people don’t understand is how quickly you can get discouraged in a rapidly growing technological world. Have you had a look at your Facebook newsfeed in recent days? There is something new almost every few minutes. As a self-published author, I have to use social media to my fullest extent to promote my novel. I would share purchase links, and in a matter of minutes that post would be thrown to the bottom of my news feed if I don’t get any Likes or Shares. This can be pretty discouraging.

You may be wondering how writing a novel may be considered generating a new quality of art and literature. Well if you haven’t read my novel, the story gives you a feel of watching Kollywood film. OK, but what’s so great about that? Well, of the Hollywood movies you’ve watched, how many of them have been adapted from fictional novels?

Now compare that to the number of Kollywood films you’ve watched that were adapted from novels. There are probably not much, but that’s what I did. I wrote a novel with the feel of a Kollywood film. I wanted to give readers the opportunity to picture a story, with connections to Tamil culture and Tamil characters. More importantly, I wrote a novel with the feel of a Kollywood film because I hoped that with enough support I could have got the story to bigger stages.

Of course everyone wants to be at bigger stages. But the main reason I want to get to that stage is for my parents. Yeah I wrote a novel, and they’re proud, but I’m the one that sees them every day and the helpless feeling they have from being unable to read my novel written in English. Which is why I dream to make my novel into a film. Which brings another argument to the table. I alone am probably not the only one with such desires.

I guess there is nothing wrong with members of the younger generation following their hearts and making their life choices. But there is no harm in supporting those who are trying to do something out of the norm. It may not be your thing, but it could be a stepping-stone towards another person’s dream.

As unfortunate as it is, art and literature has become rather out of custom. We as the younger generation have a responsibility to uphold our roots, and if we continue on one path we won’t be able to show how versatile we can be. Tamil people of the past have done all that they could. Let’s take it to a new level so those after us know to take it to a level beyond that.

Lastly, kudos to all youth – not just Tamil – who are trying to their best in the field of arts and literature. I wrote this article from the perspective of a Tamil youth because it is for a Tamil publication. However, all of our youth’s talents deserve to be supported because these people are brave. Art and literature is like stripping yourself naked for the world to see, and it takes a special amount of capacity to be able to do that.

You can view Janaath’s social media pages @ Facebook and @ Twitter.