Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam to celebrate centuries-old links between Gujarat and Tamil Nadu
Chennai, Sunday, 19th March 2023 : The central government has announced “Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam” on the lines of the Kashi Sangamam to be held in Saurashtra from 17th April 2023 onwards. The program will rediscove r, reaffirm and celebrate the over 1,000-year-old emigration and contribution of Saurashtrian Tamils. At the pres s conference organized in the city, the dignitaries launched an iconic logo, theme song, and a registration portal f or participants.
Over 3,000 participants will be offered a once-in-a-life glimpse into the life of Saurashtrian Tamils, history, art, a nd the economic activities in and around Saurashtra. The Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam is a program that highli g hts the oneness of India’s culture by narrating untold histories of how a community emigrated to Tamil Nadu and their contributions to the country. Addressing the press conference, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minis ter of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers “This is an excellent initiative by the Modi governm ent that enables a once-in-a-life reunion. This program will offer students and academicians to learn the history of Sauras htrians.”
Dr Mandaviya further added, “The program imparts crucial lessons on oneness in our culture. In the words of PM Narendra Modi, this is Ek Bharat, Shreshta Bharat. The Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam will showcase illustrious pr ofessionals from Saurashtra and Tamil Nadu. This is an opportunity to visit Saurashtra and feel the energetic at mosphere.”
Kunvarjibhai Bavaliya, Minister of State for Water resources and Water supply, Government of Gujarat, said, “T hanks to the vision of PM Narendra Modi, Saurashtrians are as closer to their Janani – Gujarat as their mother Ta mil Nadu. I wish all my Saurashtrian brothers and sisters a great experience when they arrive in Saurashtra.”
At the press conference, Jagdish Vishwakarma, Minister of state for cooperation and micro and medium indust r ies, Government of Gujarat, said, “Saurashtra community in Tamil Nadu has a rich history and culture unique to t he region. There is a need to recognize and appreciate their contributions. This cultural program honours their c ontributions and preserves the rich heritage of Saurashtrians who share so much in common with both Tamil Na du and Gujarat.”
In addition to the culture and education ministry, the program has received the support of the Indian railways, a nd universities in Thanjavur, Saurashtra, and Junagadh have also been roped in to curate a program for delegat es. The program will blend the myriad linkages between Tamil Nadu and Saurashtra in various fields, including art, sculpture, cuisine, heritage,
commerce, culture, and education. Exhibitions to showcase textiles and handlooms, artisans’ meetings, business events, debates, and sporting events are also being planned.
The foundation for the idea of a Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam was laid down over a decade ago by PM Shri Naren dra Modi. Under his leadership, a delegation from Tamil Nadu visited Saurashtra University in 2006, when he wa s the state CM for Gujarat. There was also a joint program organised in Madurai by the Saurashtra University an d the Saurashtra Chamber of Commerce. And there was the historic and monumental Saurashtra Samuha Sang amam organised in Madurai in the presence of Shri Narendra Modi – an event that had witnessed nearly 50,000 Saurashtrians come together.
Hon PM Shri Narendra Modiji has identified oneness as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakkam which means one family, one earth and one future. To instill the feeling of oneness across the world, India as a member of G20 is promoting th e goals of international economic cooperation and decision-making. Attendees at Sunday’s roadshow included Dr. L. Murugan, Union MoS for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Information & Broadcasting and Shri K. Annamalai, State President, Tamil Nadu BJP. After Chennai, a series of roadshows are expected to drive awar eness about the Sangamam. The roadshow is expected to travel to Madurai, Dindigul, Paramakudi, Salem, Kumb akonam, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, and Trichy.
To visit the official website of the Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam, click here
