Madurai witnessed the grand commencement of a significant global gathering as the 16th edition of the Global Tamil Entrepreneurs and Professionals Conference, popularly known as Sangam 5, was inaugurated on Thursday. The event, orchestrated by the RISE organisation, promises to be a melting pot of ideas, culture, and commerce for the global Tamil community.
A Vision for the Tamil Legacy
Inaugurating the four-day summit, Nilgiris Member of Parliament A Raja delivered a compelling address. He emphasized the need to refine the 21st-century Tamil genetic legacy by drawing inspiration from the profound teachings of ancient scholars. Raja specifically urged the audience to follow the path illuminated by Thiruvalluvar and Vallalar, among other revered Tamil intellectuals.
The first day was marked by several key initiatives. A major highlight was the launch of 'Anaitthulaga Tamizhoor', an ambitious project dedicated to promoting Tamil culture, language, and traditions on a worldwide scale. The occasion also saw a portrait of King Thirumaran unveiled and a solemn tribute paid to Pandithurai Thevar.
A Global Gathering of Minds and Commerce
The conference has drawn an impressive international crowd, with approximately 2,000 participants from nearly 55 countries expected to engage in the proceedings. The agenda is packed with diverse activities designed to foster growth and collaboration.
Attendees can look forward to a vibrant trade exhibition and a dynamic Pitch Fest, where entrepreneurs will present their innovative ideas to secure global support and investment. The second day is scheduled to host the Global Tamil Media and Tamil Impact Awards ceremony.
Focus will then shift to the 'Medical Advancement 2026' conference on the third day. The summit will culminate in a special Pongal celebration, offering participants an immersive, first-hand experience of Tamil Nadu's rich cultural heritage. Organizers from RISE have stated a grand vision for the conference, claiming it will "guide the journey of Tamil for the next 70 years."
Prominent figures present on the inaugural day included M V Muthuramalingam, chairman of Velammal Group of Institutions, Pattimandram speaker S Raja, and Shahul Hameed, chairman of the RISE UAE supreme council.
Jallikattu Event Marks Cultural Festivities
In a parallel celebration of traditional Tamil culture, a jallikattu event was organized at the Kalaignar centenary jallikattu arena near Alanganallur. The event was a joint effort by the Jallikattu Association and the RISE Global Foundation.
The spectacle was flagged off by Commercial Taxes Minister P Moorthy. It featured intense competition, with 694 bulls and 400 bull tamers vying for prizes that included bicycles, dressing tables, and ironing beds. The traditional sport, however, was not without its risks, as 59 bull tamers sustained injuries during the event.
Dignitaries such as Jegath Gaspar Raj, founder of RISE Global Foundation, N Jegatheesan, president of the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and P R Rajasekaran, president of the Jallikattu Association, were among the spectators who witnessed the thrilling display of bravery and tradition.
