Malaysia and India: A Strong Bond Over Tamil Culture
Kuala Lumpur: On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the enduring connection between India and Malaysia, especially through the Tamil language. He noted the significant influence of Tamil in education, media, and the cultural landscape of Malaysia.
With nearly three million people of Indian descent, mainly of Tamil origin, Malaysia has one of the largest Indian communities in the world. During a media briefing, Modi stated, “India and Malaysia share not just a history but also a passion for the Tamil language. Its vibrant presence can truly be seen in the country’s education and cultural activities.”
Modi expressed optimism that a new audio-visual agreement would enhance this bond through movies and music, particularly Tamil cinema. Earlier in the day, he shared that Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is a fan of the beloved Tamil actor M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), a sentiment echoed by many in India. A song from MGR’s movie “Naalai Namathe” was even performed during a lunch organized for Modi.
MGR, who was a renowned actor and the founder of the AIADMK party, served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu until his passing in 1987. “Naalai Namadhe,” released in 1975, is among his many celebrated films. Modi took to social media to share, “At the lunch hosted by my dear friend, PM Anwar Ibrahim, we enjoyed a song from MGR’s movie!”
During a community event on Saturday, Modi emphasized the important role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening ties between the two nations. He mentioned that India would further enhance this shared heritage by establishing the Thiruvalluvar Chair at the University of Malaya and creating a dedicated Thiruvalluvar center.
This initiative, he believes, reflects the rich historical connection between India and Malaysia, reinforcing their cultural bonds for future generations.
