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Tamil Language Bridges India-Malaysia Ties, Says PM Modi in Kuala Lumpur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Malaysia, emphasized that the shared love for the Tamil language is a powerful connector between India and Malaysia. He announced a new Audio Visual Agreement aimed at bringing the people of both nations closer through film and music, particularly Tamil cinema. Modi highlighted the significant and vibrant Indian-origin community in Malaysia, which has preserved traditions for centuries and contributes across various fields. The visit also included plans to strengthen shared heritage by establishing a Thiruvalluvar Centre at the University of Malaya.

Key Points: Modi: Shared Tamil Language Connects India and Malaysia

  • Tamil language as a cultural connector
  • New Audio Visual Agreement signed
  • Indian diaspora's strong presence in Malaysia
  • Thiruvalluvar Centre to be established
  • Popularity of Indian films and music
3 min read

Shared love for Tamil language connects India and Malaysia: PM Modi

PM Modi highlights Tamil as a cultural bridge with Malaysia, announces Audio Visual Agreement to bring hearts closer through film and music.

Shared love for Tamil language connects India and Malaysia: PM Modi
"Shared love for the Tamil language also connects India and Malaysia. - Narendra Modi"

Kuala Lumpur, Feb 8

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Tamil language connects India and Malaysia and expressed hope that the Audio Visual Agreement between the two nations will "bring our hearts closer".

Addressing a joint press meet with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, in Kuala Lumpur, PM Modi highlighted the interest of the Malaysians in the Tamil language and said, "Shared love for the Tamil language also connects India and Malaysia."

"In Malaysia, the strong and living presence of Tamil can be seen in education, media and cultural life. I am confident that with today's Audio Visual Agreement, film and music, especially Tamil films, will bring our hearts closer," he added.

Earlier on Saturday, the Prime Minister hailed the "grand celebration of Indian culture" in Malaysia, especially the record-breaking dance performance during the 'Selamat Datang Modiji' event, which was attended by over 12,000 members of the Indian diaspora, friends of India from across the country and also Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim.

In his address at the event, PM Modi highlighted that Malaysia has the second-largest Indian-origin community in the world and noted that there is much that connects Indian and Malaysian hearts.

He also highlighted that the people of the two countries understand each other well, possibly due to the large number of common words between their languages and Malay, and have heard that Indian movies and music are popular in Malaysia. PM Modi noted that Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sings very well, and also loves Tamil songs of the legendary MGR.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated that the Indian-origin community in Malaysia had preserved its traditions over centuries. He recalled mentioning the community in his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, where he shared that over 500 schools in Malaysia teach children in Indian languages.

"The influence of saints such as Thiruvalluvar and Swami Vivekananda is visible in Malaysia, and the recent Thaipusam celebrations at Batu Caves are divine and comparable to those at Palani," he noted. Prime Minister Modi also said that Garba is popular in Malaysia and added that India deeply cherishes its cultural ties with the Sikh community, which continues to promote the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Stating that Tamil is India's gift to the world, PM Modi noted that Tamil literature is eternal, Tamil culture is global, and Tamil people have served humanity through their talents.

"India's Vice President Thiru C P Radhakrishnan, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr Murugan are all from Tamil Nadu," he told the large gathering.

Prime Minister Modi further said that members of the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia are serving society in various fields and noted that the Tamil diaspora has been present in Malaysia for many centuries.

He said that, inspired by this history, India had established the Thiruvalluvar Chair at the University of Malaya and would now set up a Thiruvalluvar centre to further strengthen shared heritage.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
It's good to see our PM highlighting soft power and cultural ties. The Tamil diaspora's contribution in Malaysia is remarkable. However, I hope such agreements translate into tangible benefits for artists and filmmakers back home, not just symbolic gestures. More support for regional cinema is needed.
A
Ananya R
The mention of over 500 schools teaching Indian languages in Malaysia brought a smile to my face. Our community there has preserved our traditions so beautifully. Jai Tamil! The new Thiruvalluvar centre is a wonderful idea to strengthen this shared heritage.
M
Michael C
Interesting read. As someone who has visited Malaysia, the cultural footprint of the Indian community is indeed significant, especially in places like Penang and KL. It's smart diplomacy to build on these people-to-people connections. Shared pop culture (films, music) is a powerful bridge.
K
Karthik V
Semmozhiyaana Tamizh Mozhiye! (Our glorious Tamil language!) Thrilled to see this. From Thiruvalluvar to MGR, the connections are deep. Hope this leads to more student exchanges and collaborative research in Tamil studies between our universities.
S
Sarah B
The cultural diplomacy here is impressive. Highlighting common words in languages, popular music, and even the Malaysian PM's love for Tamil songs – it's a very human way to build international relations. Goes beyond just trade and politics.

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