I am honoured to have been selected as one of 38 Tamil youth for the Tamil Nadu Government’s NRT Reaching Your Roots (RYR) 2024 cultural tour, which took place from December 28, 2024, to January 12, 2025. This program aims to provide Tamil youth living abroad with an opportunity to reconnect with their heritage and deepen their bond with Tamil Nadu.
The experience was truly transformative, and I am incredibly grateful to have been part of this journey to celebrate and promote the richness of Tamil culture, language, and history among youth worldwide. Over the course of two weeks, I road tripped around Tamil Nadu alongside other young Tamils from diverse backgrounds, representing countries such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Myanmar, Uganda, Canada, the United States, Mauritius, and Australia.
One of the most profound moments of the trip was our visit to Ettayapuram, the birthplace of Bharathiyar. The museum was awe-inspiring, offering a glimpse into his life through a detailed family tree and original handwritten letters. A particularly special highlight was receiving a hard-copy of Bharathiyar’s "Uruthimozhi" (Oath)—a powerful testament to confidence, self-respect, and unwavering commitment.
A key message that resonated deeply with me was the importance of preserving and nurturing the Tamil language. One quote that left a lasting impression on me was:
"எப்போதும் மலர்ந்த முகம், இனிய சொல், தெளிந்த சிந்தனை இவற்றோடு இருப்பேன்"
("I will always have a pleasant face, speak kind words, and maintain clear thoughts.")
This philosophy has profoundly influenced me, and I strive to embody it in my daily life.
Another quote which piqued my interest was:
"எப்போதும் மலர்ந்த முகம், இனிய சொல், தெளிந்த சிந்தனை இவற்றோடு இருப்பேன்"
("I will always maintain a pleasant face, use sweet words and have clear thoughts.")
This is something which profoundly impacted me and will strive to live by.
This journey has truly shaped me, strengthening my connection to Tamil culture and heritage. It reinforced the significance of staying connected to my roots and embracing my identity as a Tamizhan (தமிழன்) with immense pride. I am excited to share the knowledge and experiences gained from this trip with future generations and hope to inspire others to embark on this journey to rediscovering our roots.
To learn more about this incredible program, visit: https://nrtamils.tn.gov.in/pages/view/Reaching-Your-Roots.
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