Global Tamils Unite: New Initiative to Preserve Heritage Announced

Honorable Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin’s Address
Overseas Tamil Conference – 2025
Nandambakkam, Chennai Trade Center | January 12, 2025

Greetings to everyone present at the Overseas Tamil Conference – 2025.

Respected Minister Thiru. Noor Mohammed,
Esteemed Ministers Thiru. Ponmudi, Thiru. Thangam Thennarasu, Thiru. K.N. Nehru, Thiru. S. Muthusamy,
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee leader and MLA, Honorable Thiru. Selvaperunthagai,
Honorable Minister from Sri Lanka, Thiru. K. Thamilmaran,
Governor of Papua New Guinea, Thiru. Clement Muthuvel,
Parliamentarian from Malaysia, Honorable Thiru. Dato’ Seri Anwar Manan,
Mayor of Réunion Island, Thiru. Raja Soubiraj,
Former Minister from Durban, Thiru. Ravi Pillay,
Distinguished former and current Members of Parliament from various countries,
Chief Secretary Thiru. V. Irai Anbu, IAS,
Overseas Tamil Welfare Board Chairperson Thiru. Karthikeyan Sivakumaran,
Other esteemed dignitaries, respected guests, and my beloved Tamil brothers and sisters living abroad,

I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you.

It fills me with immense joy to see representatives from over 50 countries and several Indian states gathered here today. This sight brings to mind a song by revolutionary poet Bharathidasan:

“Everywhere, humanity flourishes—
The glory of mankind unites us all.
We were born together with this earth—
Our people gaze across the seas in harmony.”

This feeling of unity and pride resonates deeply within me today.

Whether I travel to the United States, Singapore, Japan, Spain, or any corner of the globe, the Tamil diaspora evokes in me the same sense of belonging as my homeland. Your unwavering connection to Tamil Nadu, despite physical distances, is truly commendable.

During my visit to America, I was overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality extended to me. It was unforgettable, and even today, as I see Thiru. Ram Pichai, Thiru. Veera, Thiru. Selva, and Thiru. Bala here, I am reminded of their heartfelt gestures.

This year, we have chosen the theme “Tamils Forever United” for the Overseas Tamil Conference, reflecting the essence of our Tamil anthem. Though oceans and borders may separate us, our shared Tamil identity unites us as one. Tamil language and culture are the eternal threads that bind us together.

With this strong bond, I welcome all of you to Tamil Nadu, the land of your ancestors. Let us cherish and uphold this unity and pride.

As the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, I extend my heartfelt greetings on the occasion of Overseas Tamils Day to Tamils around the world! During this auspicious Pongal season, this gathering has been excellently organized, bringing together our Tamil kin under one roof. My sincere congratulations to the Honorable Minister Mr. Nazer, the Secretary for Welfare, Ms. Rita Harish Thakkar, IAS, Mr. Karthikeyan Sivapathy, the Commissioner for the Welfare of Overseas Tamils, and the members, officials, and staff of the department who have made this event possible.

I urge everyone present here to raise their hands in unity and express our gratitude and best wishes to them. Many of you here are descendants of individuals who left Tamil Nadu generations ago, seeking opportunities in faraway lands for various reasons. With relentless hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance, they toiled in these lands, transforming barren fields into thriving plantations and deserts into prosperous hubs. Their efforts not only built the economies of their adopted nations but also brought pride and recognition to the Tamil community.

I am deeply moved when I reflect on the hardships endured by these Tamil pioneers. Their sacrifices, tears, and unwavering determination have shaped the future for their descendants, enabling them to thrive in distant lands while remaining connected to their Tamil roots. Tamil Nadu stands by these sacrifices, acknowledging them with immense pride and gratitude.

Our government is committed to supporting the welfare and prosperity of overseas Tamils. The Dravidian model of governance has always celebrated Tamil identity and worked to strengthen the bond between Tamil Nadu and Tamils worldwide. Through various initiatives, we ensure that the Tamil language and culture thrive, even on foreign soil. Projects such as Tamil Cultural Academies, awards for contributions to Tamil literature and culture, and scholarships for Tamil children to study our language have been implemented with great success.

Additionally, we recognize the efforts of teachers imparting Tamil language education abroad by honoring them with awards and certificates from the Tamil Nadu government. We also provide awards for Tamil individuals contributing to social welfare and development in their countries, offer support during emergencies, and assist in facilitating the return of Tamils to Tamil Nadu for cultural and educational purposes.

We are committed to expanding these initiatives, ensuring that the Tamil spirit flourishes globally. Let us continue to work together, uphold our heritage, and strengthen the unity of Tamils worldwide.

In recognition of excellence and leadership, special awards have been instituted here. These awards celebrate the significant contributions of Tamils in the fields of global development, social progress, education, science, technology, and economics. Honoring these achievements, an award named after the legendary Tamil poet Kaniyan Poongundranar, who proclaimed, “The world is one family,” has been established.

This year, six outstanding Tamils excelling in diverse fields have been presented with prestigious awards. As the crown jewel of these accolades, the “Tamizh Maamani” award, along with a certificate, has been conferred upon a distinguished Tamil personality renowned for their versatility and contributions to the Tamil diaspora. Additionally, to recognize individuals who strengthen cultural ties between overseas Tamils and Tamil Nadu, a new award titled “Best Cultural Ambassador” has been introduced this year. My heartfelt congratulations and best wishes go out to all the awardees!

These awards not only celebrate the cultural ambassadors of Tamil heritage but also aim to build bridges of connection and pride among Tamils worldwide. Beyond these initiatives, I am proud to unveil a significant project under my administration: “Roots of Heritage” (Yerkameth Yathadi). This initiative honors the sacrifices of Tamil pioneers who emigrated centuries ago and celebrates their enduring contributions while preserving their ancestral ties to Tamil Nadu.

The “Roots of Heritage” project facilitates journeys for overseas Tamils to reconnect with their roots in Tamil Nadu. As part of this initiative, we have successfully organized trips, enabling 157 individuals to rediscover their ancestral heritage. Of these, 38 participants are attending this event today, representing a tangible bond with their homeland. This initiative, a milestone in our administration, reinforces the Dravidian principles of inclusivity and cultural pride.

Moreover, I want to highlight some key measures undertaken by the Tamil Nadu government to ensure the welfare of overseas Tamils. The Department of Welfare for Overseas Tamils actively addresses issues such as wage disputes, emergencies, and access to healthcare. Whether it’s rescuing Tamils from crises in Ukraine, assisting during natural disasters like the Turkey-Syria earthquake, or providing relief during emergencies, the department has tirelessly safeguarded the well-being of overseas Tamils.

Under this welfare program, more than 26,700 individuals have registered to date. The benefits include insurance schemes, marriage assistance for families, education scholarships, and pension plans. Beyond supporting overseas Tamils, the government also provides immediate aid to Tamils in other Indian states, ensuring their welfare and safety.

Since May 7, 2021, the government has successfully facilitated the return of 2,414 stranded Tamils from abroad and other Indian states to Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the mortal remains of 864 Tamils who passed away overseas were brought back and handed over to their families with the assistance of government resources.

Through these initiatives, we continue to alleviate suffering, restore dignity, and bring solace to Tamils worldwide, reaffirming our commitment to the global Tamil community.

This is the philosophy envisioned by Perarignar Anna: “Let humanity see its reflection in the smile of the oppressed.” Even if you reside in foreign lands, you must be aware of the transformative initiatives of our Tamil Nadu government.

My style is simple: “Action, not words.” In the last three years, the Dravidian model of governance has accomplished unparalleled achievements. To ensure the prosperity and progress of Tamils across the globe, we extend our gratitude for your unwavering support and solidarity. I stand here as a bridge of trust and hope, representing the aspirations of each one of you.

On this special occasion, I am delighted to announce a new initiative aimed at promoting Tamil culture and heritage. Many Tamil communities in various countries continue to uphold our rural traditions, folk arts, and classical Tamil literature. To ensure that these are passed down to future generations, we plan to train and empower Tamil scholars and enthusiasts.

We will train 100 teachers and Tamil cultural experts who will be deployed to regions with large Tamil populations abroad. These trainers will collaborate with local Tamil communities and conduct two-year structured training programs to preserve and promote Tamil heritage, language, and culture. The Tamil Nadu government will bear the financial cost of this initiative, for which ₹10 crore has been allocated. It is with immense joy that I make this announcement today.

My appeal to you is simple: wherever you are on this planet, never abandon your roots! Remember your heritage, your culture, your land, and your people. Carry the spirit of Mother Tamil in your hearts and let the world know that you represent this glorious legacy.

Wherever you may be, trust that in Tamil Nadu, your connection to this soil will always remain strong under the leadership of this government led by Thiru Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin.

Conveying my heartfelt wishes for the upcoming Tamil festival of Pongal, I pray that we continue to flourish as Tamils and as ambassadors of Tamil identity.

Thank you! Vanakkam!

---

Release: Director, Department of News and Public Relations, Chennai-9