Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded the “shared history of Saurashtra and Tamil Nadu” and said such centuries-old cultural links provide assurance that the country has the intrinsic power to innovate even in the most difficult circumstances.
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PM Modi in his speech during the conclusion of the ‘Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam’ described the festival as the “confluence of nationalist fervour of Sardar Patel and [famed Tamil poet] Subramania Bharati”.
The Gujarat government organised the ‘Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam’ during which thousands of people in the southern State, with roots in Saurashtra, visited the places of their ancestors in special trains organised by the Government of India.
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Centuries ago, many people had migrated to Tamil Nadu from the Saurashtra region. “The ‘Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam’ allowed Saurashtrian Tamils to reconnect with their roots,” the PM said.
“At this time when the unity of our country is taking shape through great festivals like ‘Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam’, Sardar Sahab must have been sending blessings to us all. This celebration of the country’s unity is also fulfilling the dreams of lakhs of freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to see Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat [One India, Best India],” Mr. Modi said.
“We have been nurturing the tradition of the ‘Sangam’ for centuries. Just like the convergence of streams gives rise to the creation of a Sangam, our Kumbhs have been the Sangams for ideas and cultures of our diversities. Every such thing has played an immensely significant role in shaping us, our country. Such is the power of the Sangam!” he said in his speech through video conferencing.
During the closing ceremony, the Prime Minister also launched the book ‘Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamprashastih’ by Shree Somnath Sanskrit University.