The World Tamil Diaspora Day 2025, held on January 11 and 12 at the Chennai Trade Centre in Nandambakkam, was a remarkable event that underscored the global Tamil community’s cultural and economic contributions. With the theme “Tamil in Every Direction,” the event attracted over 2,500 participants from more than 70 countries, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration among Tamils worldwide.
A significant highlight of the event was the signing of 43 business deals, collectively valued at $8.4 million (approximately ₹70 crore). These agreements were the result of a reverse buyer-seller meet, emphasizing the economic potential and entrepreneurial spirit of the Tamil diaspora.
In his address, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a financial grant of ₹10 crore (around $1.2 million) dedicated to Tamil language and arts education. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Tamil heritage globally.
The event was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who highlighted the historical migration of Tamils for education, trade, and other pursuits. He praised their successful integration into diverse societies and their adaptability in the global community. The government’s focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine was also emphasized as a means to reinforce Tamil identity worldwide.
The two-day celebration featured over 200 stalls showcasing Tamil achievements in technology, agriculture, and culture. Discussions spanned topics such as Tamil education, economic growth, fintech, electric vehicle technology, and government welfare initiatives. Cultural performances, including music, dance, and theatre, enriched the festivities, providing attendees with a vibrant experience of Tamil heritage.
An important development during the event was the decision to establish ‘Tamil Nadu desks’ in ten countries: Germany, France, the United States, Canada, South Africa, South Korea, Indonesia, Mauritius, the UAE, and Australia. These desks aim to promote trade, investment, culture, language, education, skill development, research, healthcare, tourism, and innovation, thereby strengthening the global Tamil network.
Additionally, the Tamil Nadu Centre for Smart and Advanced Manufacturing (TANSAM) signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with international entities, focusing on training Tamil youth through the ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ scheme, which envisages creating 5,000 job opportunities. A multi-partite MoU was also signed to facilitate global job opportunities for Tamils, reflecting a concerted effort to enhance employment prospects for the community.
The World Tamil Diaspora Day 2025 not only celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Tamil community but also showcased its economic prowess and global integration. The event’s success in bringing together a diverse group of individuals and facilitating significant business deals underscores the dynamic role of the Tamil diaspora in today’s interconnected world.