PM Modi Extols Tamil Heritage at Malaysian Community Event, Unveils Key Bilateral Initiatives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful address at an Indian community gathering in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, placing a significant spotlight on the profound and enduring legacy of Tamil culture. His remarks, delivered to an audience where Tamilians constitute the vast majority of people of Indian origin in Malaysia, carried both cultural and strategic weight.
Celebrating Tamil Culture and Its Global Diaspora
Modi emphatically declared Tamil literature to be eternal and its culture truly global, a statement that resonated deeply given Malaysia hosts the world's second-largest population of Indian origin. He underscored the integral role of Tamilian leadership within India's own governance structure, noting that Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are all Tamilians, with Union Minister of State L. Murugan also hailing from Tamil Nadu.
While the Prime Minister has frequently expressed admiration for the Tamil language and traditions, this particular event's timing is notable as Tamil Nadu approaches state assembly elections, adding a layer of domestic political context to his international outreach.
Announcing Major Economic and Diplomatic Steps
At the 'Selamat Datang Modi Ji' welcome event, the Prime Minister contrasted India's economic trajectory, highlighting that from the 11th position a decade ago during his 2015 visit, India now stands among the global top three economies. He attributed this growth to the world's largest digital public infrastructure, which has fostered the creation of the planet's third-largest startup ecosystem and is driving clean, green development.
In a landmark announcement, Modi revealed that India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will be available in Malaysia very soon, a move set to revolutionize cross-border digital transactions. Further strengthening bilateral ties, he declared India's decision to establish its first consulate in Malaysia, aimed at enhancing ongoing cooperation and expanding outreach to the substantial Indian community there.
Strengthening Cultural and Academic Bonds
Labeling the Tamil language as India's gift to the world, Modi acknowledged the centuries-old presence of the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia. Inspired by this shared history, he announced plans to establish a Thiruvalluvar Centre, building upon the existing Thiruvalluvar Chair at the University of Malaya, to further cement the cultural and intellectual heritage connecting the two nations.
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was present and referred to Modi as "a great friend." Modi stated that this hospitality underscored Anwar Ibrahim's deep respect and affection for India and its people, highlighting the strong personal rapport between the two leaders.
