The Tamil Language Society of University Malaya (PBTUM) was officially established in 1959 , once University Malaya (UM) was shifted to Kuala Lumpur . Throughout these years , PBTUM has encountered many trials and tribulations in meeting its objectives . It is interesting to note that PBTUM has served as a pioneer to resolving issues related to the Indian community .

According to Professor Dr.S.Singgaravelu , in 1959 , he arrived in UM , Kuala Lumpur upon obtaining his degree in UM , Singapore . He then reunited with his fellow university mates ( Mr.Sivalingam , Dato’ K.Pathmanaban, Pn.Devi dan En.K.Rajamanikam ) together with about 60 first year undergraduates in UM Kuala Lumpur forming a coalition . The coalition was intended to address issues regarding the Indian community in the campus .

In the same year , the undergraduates initiated the Protem Committee for which Profesor Dr.S.Singgaravelu become the chairman while En.Sivalingam, Dato’ K.Pathmanaban and the rest were committee members .

After obtaining permission from the university administration , Protem Committee came up with the PBTUM Constitution and later named the committee as Persatuan Bahasa Tamil Universiti Malaya (PBTUM)

PBTUM used the address of the Indian Studies Department of University Malaya for official purposes. The Head of Department then was Professor Dr.Muthurassakannu . The main idea is that PBTUM was established on the initiative of the Indian graduates . Unfortunately , due to the lack of systematic approach in PBTUM documentation , many documents have gone missing . This has become a major hindrance in tracing back PBTUM’s history from 1959 to 1969 . In 1971 , the name Persatuan Bahasa Tamil Universiti Malaya was officially chosen in keeping with the provision of Universiti dan Kolej 1971 Act , Seksyen 48/49. On the 11th of June 1975, PBTUM was inaugurated once again .

PBTUM has now reached 55 years old . The dignity and honour of this society is a legacy continued till today .