Deputy CM stresses diaspora’s role in T.N.’s economic growth

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday emphasised the contribution of the Tamil diaspora to the economic development of Tamil Nadu.

Recalling Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s appeal to the Tamil diaspora to invest in the State, the Deputy Chief Minister said as a result of the appeal, Tamil Nadu stood first in the country in terms of economic development. “We have to take this development to the next phase. As we grow in [terms of] economy, we should not forget our language and culture.”

Tamil identity

Pointing to Verkalai Thedi programme launchedby the State government, he said it was important for the Tamil diaspora to teach their children about their identity as Tamils.

Addressing the World Tamil Diaspora Day 2026 celebrations themed Thamizhaal Inaivom, Tharaniyil Uyarvom at the Chennai Trade Centre in the city, the Deputy Chief Minister welcomed the visiting delegates to Tamil Nadu. The Tamil language did not discriminate against anyone, and no identity could compete with the Tamil identity, he said.

Welfare Board

Listing the efforts being taken by the Tamil Nadu government for the welfare of the Tamil diaspora, Mr. Udhayanidhi recalled the constitution of the Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Board. It has been issuing identity cards to registered members, he said.

The Board rescued strandedTamils from Iran, Israel, and Ukraine, who were hit by violence, he recalled, and emphasised the steps being taken to resolve the issues faced by the Tamil diaspora abroad.

The Verkalai Thedi programme aims at inculcating the pride of Tamillanguage and culture in the youngsters of the diaspora he said.

‘Major problem’

Meanwhile, Minister Duraimurugan said living in the United States had become a “major problem” since [the election of President Donald] Trump.

He said that the Tamils living abroad were facing various challenges. He shared the thoughts of late leader C.N. Annadurai over the hardships faced by the diaspora.

“The DMK, not just now, but has always been working for the welfare of the Tamil diaspora,” he said. During the erstwhile regimes of then Chief Ministers Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi, steps were taken for the welfare of the Tamil diaspora, he said, adding that the present government had been resolving issues to the extent possible.

The Deputy Chief Minister would stand by the Tamil diaspora, a thousand times more than Karunanidhi and Stalin, he said.