Tamil Nadu's Minister for Tamil Development, Information and Publicity, M P Saminathan, launched a sharp critique against the Central Government on Monday, pointing to a significant disparity in funding for language promotion. He revealed that while the Centre has allocated more than ₹2,000 crore for the promotion of Sanskrit, the allocation for the promotion of Tamil is less than ₹200 crore.
A Celebration of Tamil Unity and Heritage
The minister made these remarks while inaugurating the two-day cultural festival, 'Saandror Peruvizha', at the World Tamil Sangam in Madurai. He emphasised that Tamil culture and influence extend far beyond the borders of Tamil Nadu and India, with active Tamil organisations flourishing in regions like Sri Lanka, Kolkata, and even South Korea. "Tamil has always stood out for its uniqueness, beauty and depth. People must celebrate the language with pride," Saminathan asserted.
The event served as a powerful visual symbol of this global unity, with 550 flags representing various Tamil associations fluttering together. The minister stated that this gathering was designed to honour Tamil scholars, strengthen bonds among Tamils worldwide, and reaffirm faith in Tamil as a guiding language for future generations.
Sustained Efforts to Protect Tamil Legacy
Echoing the sentiment of cultural preservation, Commercial Taxes and Registration Minister P Moorthy, who also spoke at the event, stressed that protecting the Tamil language requires continuous and dedicated effort. He affirmed the state government's unwavering commitment to safeguarding Tamil heritage in all its forms.
This commitment, he noted, encompasses a broad spectrum—from supporting traditional practices like jallikattu to preserving archaeological treasures such as the findings at Keezhadi. Moorthy added that the Tamil Nadu government would continue to back scholars and organisations working towards the growth and global recognition of the Tamil language.
Honouring Scholars and Showcasing Culture
The festival was a vibrant showcase of Tamil heritage, featuring a variety of cultural performances by several artists that highlighted the richness of the language and its associated traditions. In a significant moment during the proceedings, a certificate was presented to the Fourth Tamil Sangam, which is currently celebrating its 125th anniversary, marking a milestone in the organised promotion of Tamil studies and culture.
