Chennai, 21st April, 2023: The Saurashtra – Tamil Sangam, organised by Government of India and Government of Gujarat, kicked off from 17th April, 2023 highlighting the historical relationship between Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. It was inaugurated in the presence of Hon’ble Union Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries at Somnath. It aims to establish a synergy between the two states on the mantra of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, under ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.’
The Government of Gujarat, under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel has left no stone unturned in welcoming Saurashtrian Tamils and other guests for this confluence of art, literature and culture.
The guests from Tamil Nadu got a chance to perform the traditional aarti at Somnath Temple. They were provided with rudraksha beads, holy water, and other traditional items for performing the aarti. Smt. K.S. Nandini from Tamil Nadu was overwhelmed with the experience of this divine ritual.
There was a special event where senior ministers from Government of India and the Gujarat Government had direct interaction with Tamil guests in Gujarat. Hon’ble Union Minister of Petroleum Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, while welcoming the guests said, “This event is a testament to India’s Unity in Diversity.’ Events like Kashi-Tamil Sangam, and Saurashtra-Tamil Sangam, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will further strengthen the bond between various states and its culture.” Talking about diversity, he added, “I am a Sikh and my wife is a Maharashtrian. My daughter is married in a Tamil family.”
Hon’ble Finance Minister of Gujarat Shri Kanubhai Desai said, “This program is a confluence of two rich cultures. It will strengthen the bond between Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Such events, under the inspiring leadership of Hon’ble PM, become touchstones for unifying India and its cultural revival.”
Health Minister of Gujarat Shri Rushikesh Patel said, “India is a diverse land, with people from a diverse cultural background. But what makes it special is the fact that everyone has Indianness in their heart. This furthers the mission of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ of the Hon’ble PM.”
The guests also witnessed an enthralling performance by Tamil musicians and traditional dance forms, Bharatnatyam and Thapattam. They also caught a glimpse of traditional dance forms of Gujarat such as tippani. To add, Tamil artists performed Periya Melam on traditional music instruments such as Dhol, castanet etc. They also saw the Street Puppet Show.
Various events are being held across Dwarka, Kevadia, Rajkot and other important places of Saurashtra. At Dwarka, the land of Lord Krishna, M.L.A Pabubha Manek welcomed more than 300 tourists from Madurai, Tamil Nadu in a traditional manner with the chants of ‘Jai Dwarkadheesh’ and traditional Gujarati music. The group visited the Dwarka temple as well.
More than 300 guests from Tamil Nadu were welcomed at the Veraval Railway Station. Students from Somnath Sanskrit University welcomed them with Vedic chants and mantras. There was a team of medical professionals on the train to ensure that the guests are at ease during the journey.
The Shilp Mahotsav at Somnath, by Gujarat Lalitkala Academy, highlighted some fascinating figurines from sand art on the beach. More than 34 sand artists took part in the event and made sculptures of Lord Ganesh, Lord Natraj, G-20 etc.
Abhijeet Magdum, a Maharashtrian who is deputed at the Jamnagar defence station, said, “I visited the Somnath temple to worship Lord Shiva. I am fascinated to see the sand art and the overall arrangements at Somnath under Saurashtra Tamil Sangam.
A language exchange program was also organized at the Somnath Auditorium, between the students of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. During the event, Sairam Dave, a famous Gujarati artist, stressed on the importance of traditional medicines, lifestyle, food habits, etc for a healthy and long life. Shri Prem Kumar presented research on the Saurashtrian dialect which is still being spoken in the Saurashtrian Tamil families, even today.
