Bring next-gen Tamils living abroad to Tamil Nadu for cultural connect: Udhayanidhi Stalin
Tamil Nadu: Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday urged Tamils living abroad to bring their next generation, their children, to Tamil Nadu to introduce them to cultural symbols and identity. He said, “When they see cultural monuments and historically significant places on our land, they will develop an understanding and a bond. The belief that Tamil Nadu is our place in this world will definitely develop in your children, the next generation.”
The Deputy CM was speaking at the NRI Day 2026 celebrations held at the Nandanam Convention Center here.
Udhayanidhi honored 15 winners in categories such as essay writing, elocution, short film-making, and quiz competitions, organized virtually by the Department of Non-Resident Tamils Welfare and the Tamil Virtual Academy for students, youth, and professionals from Sri Lanka and other countries.
Speaking at the event, he said that despite physical distances, the Tamil language, culture, and emotional connection to Tamil Nadu remain strong, and praised the participants who joined the event virtually from around the world.
Udhayanidhi also noted that NRIs celebrate many festivals abroad, but none quite showcases Tamil culture and family ties like Pongal.
He also praised the NRI Welfare Department for organizing the event for the past five years.
Noting that this year’s theme is “Let’s unite through Tamil, let’s advance the earth,” the Deputy CM appealed to Tamils worldwide to unite for progress and well-being, and credited the Dravidian model for helping Tamils—now including professionals like engineers and doctors—advance their families abroad.
He said that the NRI Welfare Society, started by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin with about 32,000 members, implements initiatives like the NRI ID card as a “motherland identity.” On the occasion, the Deputy CM released NRI Day mementos.
He also handed over a veena worth Rs. 1 lakh donated by businessman Royappan to Manilal Appan, Honorary Consul of Mauritius in Chennai, for the Mauritius Tamil Sangam.
Earlier, the Deputy CM inaugurated an exhibition showcasing the events of NRI Day-2026 in the presence of Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan.
