Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam to celebrate centuries-old links between Gujarat and Tamil Nadu
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 rediscover, reaffirm and celebrate the over 1,000-year-old emigration and contribution of Saurashtrian Tamils. At the press conference organized in the city, the dignitaries launched an iconic logo, theme song, and a registration portal for participants.
Over 3,000 participants will be offered a once-in-a-life glimpse into the life of Saurashtrian Tamils, history, art, and the economic activities in and around Saurashtra. The Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam is a program that highlights 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. MansukhMandaviya, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals &Fertilisers “This is an excellent initiative by the Modi government that enables a once-in-a-life reunion. This program will offer students and academicians to learn the history of Saurashtrians.”
DrMandaviya 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 professionals from Saurashtra and Tamil Nadu. This is an opportunity to visit Saurashtra and feel the energetic atmosphere.”
KunvarjibhaiBavaliya, Minister of State for Water resources and Water supply, Government of Gujarat, said, “Thanks to the vision of PM Narendra Modi, Saurashtrians are as closer to their Janani – Gujarat as their mother Tamil 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 industries, Government of Gujarat, said, “Saurashtra community in Tamil Nadu has a rich history and culture unique to the region. There is a need to recognize and appreciate their contributions. This cultural program honours their contributions and preserves the rich heritage of Saurashtrians who share so much in common with both Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.”
In addition to the culture and education ministry, the program has received the support of the Indian railways, and universities in Thanjavur, Saurashtra, and Junagadh have also been roped in to curate a program for delegates. 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 Narendra Modi. Under his leadership, a delegation from Tamil Nadu visited Saurashtra University in 2006, when he was the state CM for Gujarat. There was also a joint program organised in Madurai by the Saurashtra University and the Saurashtra Chamber of Commerce. And there was the historic and monumental Saurashtra SamuhaSangamamorganised 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 VasudhaivaKutumbakkam 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 the 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 awareness about the Sangamam. The roadshow is expected to travel to Madurai, Dindigul, Paramakudi, Salem, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, and Trichy