Governor R N Ravi on Monday said Tamil is finding “new voices and hearts” across the country, with more schools and universities outside the state beginning to teach the language.In his Republic Day address, he said the fourth edition of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam became a major platform for taking Tamil language and culture beyond the state. “More than 300 students from Uttar Pradesh came to Tamil Nadu to study our literature, heritage, traditions and cuisine, while more than 50 teachers from Tamil Nadu travelled to Uttar Pradesh and introduced Tamil to more than 1,500 students,” Ravi said. Inspired by this, the Uttar Pradesh govt decided to introduce Tamil as a third language. Guwahati University also began offering certificate and diploma courses in Tamil, he said.The governor said he was deeply moved when students from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh spoke to him in fluent Tamil. Such exchanges reflected the true spirit of Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat (One India, Best India), he said. Recalling the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Ravi said the song held a special place in Tamil Nadu. “Subramania Bharati and V O Chidambaram Pillai took its message to the people. Schools and colleges across the state are marking the anniversary,” he said.He added that India has made major strides in space, defence and renewable energy, and that Tamil Nadu benefited from major infrastructure investments. “The railway budget allocation for the state is ₹6,626 crore, and more than 80 stations are being modernised. The new Tuticorin airport terminal improved connectivity, while the North Cargo Berth III at V O Chidambaranar Port strengthened logistics,” he said.
