CM Stalin Inspires Tamil Diaspora in London, Calls for Unity, Cultural Pride, and Investment in Tamil Nadu

London, Sept 2025 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday addressed a large gathering of overseas Tamils at the “Great Tamil Dream Gathering of Tamils in UK” in London, where he urged the diaspora to stay deeply connected with their cultural roots while also contributing to the state’s growth. The event was attended by Tamil communities from across the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe.

Stalin was accompanied by Industries Minister T.R.B. Raja, Overseas Tamil Welfare Board Chairman Karthigeya Sivasanapathi, members of the Board, officials from the Overseas Tamil Association of India, senior Tamil Nadu government representatives, and his wife Durga Stalin.

A Celebration of Tamil Identity Abroad

Opening his address with a heartfelt note, Stalin said, “When I see you living on foreign soil as the epitome of Tamil, I wonder if I should speak at all, or simply keep looking at your faces silently. It gives me immense joy to see so many of you from the UK and other European countries gathered here.”

He recounted his recent visit to Oxford University, where he unveiled a portrait of Thanthai Periyar, the social reformer and architect of the Dravidian movement. During this European trip, he said, countless Tamils introduced themselves proudly by naming both their hometowns in Tamil Nadu and their achievements abroad.

Tamils Abroad as Ambassadors

Stalin lauded the diaspora for excelling in education, business, and public service, while remaining rooted in self-respect and cultural pride.

“Wherever Tamil people go, they will never give up their language, culture, ideals of equality, and social justice,” he said. “Just by being yourselves, people around you form a positive view of Tamil Nadu. In this way, you act as unofficial ambassadors of our state. Even if you are not physically in Tamil Nadu, the state lives within you.”

He expressed pride in the community for naming their children in Tamil, teaching them cultural values, and ensuring that the Dravidian ideals continue to thrive across generations. “Seeing this,” he added, “my belief is strengthened that no harm against Tamils can ever succeed.”

Call for Annual Engagement with Tamil Nadu

The Chief Minister appealed to the diaspora to make Tamil Nadu part of their lives beyond memories. “Apart from your busy life, come to Tamil Nadu at least once a year. Invest as much as you can in our state. Share information about opportunities abroad with Tamil Nadu’s youth. Open the doors of the world for them too.”

He highlighted ongoing cultural initiatives such as the Porunai Museum and Gangaikonda Cholapuram Museum, being developed after the success of the Keezhadi excavations. Stalin encouraged diaspora families to visit these sites with their children, ensuring that younger generations understand Tamil Nadu’s glorious history and the struggles that shaped its progress.

The Dravidian Model and Overseas Tamil Welfare

Stalin emphasized that the Dravidian model of governance prioritizes not just the welfare of citizens within Tamil Nadu but also the well-being of Tamils abroad.

The Department of Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils, he said, has been implementing programs such as:

• Overseas Tamil Day (celebrated every January 12), which last year saw participation from Tamils in 62 countries.
• A dedicated Overseas Tamil Welfare Board.
• A toll-free helpline for diaspora assistance.
• A revolving fund to support overseas Tamil organizations.
• Insurance schemes for Tamils living abroad.

“Whenever a problem arises for Tamils overseas, we are committed to providing immediate support,” he assured.

He also highlighted the “Search for Roots” initiative, which reconnects second- and third-generation overseas Tamils with their ancestral villages in Tamil Nadu. Many participants, he noted, were moved to tears after rediscovering their families and heritage.

Unity as the Cornerstone of Progress

Quoting his late father and party leader Kalaignar Karunanidhi, Stalin said, “If the day comes when Tamils come together as Tamils and disperse as Tamils, that will be the ideal victory I dream of.”

He reminded the audience that Tamil society, once divided by caste and religion, now stands more united than ever before. “Tamils belong to the world. They said, ‘Every place is ours, every human being is our own.’ They believed that all beings are born equal. That pride and identity must be carried forward through our actions,” he urged.

Stalin called on Tamils everywhere to rise above divisions of caste, religion, poverty, and wealth. “We must forget what divides us and remember what unites us. As Tamils of Tamil origin, we must never forget our identity.”

Investment and Development in Tamil Nadu

Turning to Tamil Nadu’s economic progress, Stalin underlined that the state is attracting record levels of investment due to its robust infrastructure, talented youth, and peaceful environment.

He encouraged diaspora entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities across industries and assured them of the state government’s support. “Your contributions can create jobs, foster innovation, and strengthen Tamil Nadu’s role as a hub of growth,” he said.

Closing With a Vision of Pride

Stalin concluded his address by reiterating his government’s vision:

“For us, life and development must always be with Tamil and the Tamil people. We are building a Tamil Nadu where progress, equality, and cultural pride go hand in hand. With your support, this dream will not just belong to Tamil Nadu, but to Tamils across the globe.”

The gathering ended with applause, symbolizing a reaffirmation of the strong emotional and cultural bonds between Tamil Nadu and its global diaspora.