While geographical boundaries and oceans may separate the global Tamil community, language, and race continue to bind them as one, said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K.Stalin at the fifth World Tamil Diaspora Day, held at Chennai Trade Centre on Jan 11 and 12.
He expressed delight at the growth that Tamils worldwide have achieved, while reminding them of the importance of cultural roots, encouraging them to frequently visit Tamil Nadu and share its glories back at home.
He also reiterated Tamil Nadu’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of Tamils living abroad, citing examples such as setting up of camps for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, the repatriation of Tamils in war-torn countries, and the giving of various awards to recognise Tamils worldwide.
One such award given out this year was the Kaniyan Poongundranar award – given to eight outstanding Tamils worldwide. A Singaporean, Mr Padmanathan Saravanan, director at local accounting firm Seyon Pro, was one of the recipients.
The 56-year-old has been a volunteer with the West Coast Indian Activity Executive Committee for the past 25 years, and is currently its treasurer. He is also in his second term as president of the Rotary Club Novena, which he joined in 2022.
Through the Rotary Club, he has headed initiatives such as the distribution of books and stationery items to orphaned children in Indonesia, laptops to blind children and single mothers in Tamil Nadu, and distribution of medical equipment to hospitals in India.
In Singapore, he has also organised the distribution of sewing machines to single mothers and diapers to the elderly, and on Feb 7 will be organising a blood donation at Kolam Ayer CC.
Mr Saravanan said: “It is always fulfilling to listen to the needs of people and fulfill them through our community clubs.”
In his personal capacity, Mr Saravanan has also been dedicated to inter-religious harmony. He has been a longtime voluntary accountant for a religious institution outside his own religion.
Another highlight of the World Tamil Diaspora Day was a segment where the Tamil diaspora shared their dreams for Tamil Nadu and the diaspora under the “Unga Kanava Sollunga” (Share Your Dreams) scheme launched in Tamil Nadu on Jan 9.
Mr Irai Mathialagan, president of The Rise Singapore, shared his requests: “Tamil Nadu’s four airports should have helpdesks to raise awareness on the Non-Resident Tamils’ (NRT) Welfare Board. Tamil Nadu should also establish colleges and degrees to teach innovation and entrepreneurship.”
To these, Mr Stalin replied: “By establishing the NRT Welfare Board as a first step, we have started doing many things. We will definitely do what you suggest. To your second suggestion, we will make that happen through my dream scheme ‘Naan Mudhalvan’.” Naan Mudhalvan is a scheme that aims to empower students with industry-aligned skills and dynamic learning opportunities across Tamil Nadu.
Mr Mathialagan told tabla! that the diaspora face challenges at times in collecting rent from tenants in Tamil Nadu, and at times, it leads to even losing their property. He also hopes for a new division to be formed by the Tamil Nadu government to give priority to diaspora trade investors in the state.
Many Singaporeans were heartened by the request put forth by Mr Kannan from Armenia that “Tamil Nadu should strive to be the next Singapore”. He said: “Singapore’s cleanliness, beauty, rule of law make it an attractive tourist destination.”
At the event, Mr Stalin also launched an electric double-decker bus, donated by the Tamil diaspora in the United States and Ashok Leyland, to boost eco-friendly heritage tourism. It will give tourists a view of major heritage sites in Chennai.
The first day of the event was graced by Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who called for unity among Tamils worldwide, warning that “no race with disharmony has shown progress in history”.
rsingaram@sph.com.sg
