Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam Begins with Great Zeal at Gujarat’s Somnath

Somnath: The Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam began today with great zeal and enthusiasm at Somnath in Gujarat. The ten-day-long cultural extravaganza was inaugurated by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of Telangana Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan and Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Rajnath Singh said cultural security is paramount for every country to maintain its national pride and is equally important as border security. Mr Singh said the country is witnessing a cultural renaissance today under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi.

The minister added that during the several conquests, invaders destroyed temples, homes and several places, but one thing which could not be broken was India and the spirit of being Indian. He said the feeling of India can only be felt and can’t be taken away. It is this spirit of India that kept the Saurashtrian Tamils peaceful and prosperous after thousand years of migration.

Mr Singh also added that it is the land of India which has provided protection to refugees from across the world. He also appreciated the valuable contribution of Saurastrian Tamils in the trade and economic prosperity of Tamilnadu. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel called the initiative a base for national integration.

The programme is being organised under Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat to foster the age-old cultural bond between Gujarat and Tamilnadu.

As part of the sangamam, delegates will visit various heritage and tourist places such as Somnath, Dwarka and the Statue of Unity and participate in the cultural programmes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed his best wishes to the participants of Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam. Sharing a tweet by Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam today, the Prime Minister said, the bond between the Saurashtra region in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu is a very old and strong one. He said this Sangamam may boost cultural linkages and the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.