Annamalai, head of the ‘We The Leaders’ organisation, addressed the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA) Tamil festival held in New Jersey, calling for a more expansive understanding of Tamil identity.
He said Tamils should not be confined to a narrow circle defined by religion, such as Hindu, Muslim or Christian, and argued that the “Tamil” circle must be larger and inclusive of everyone.
Referring to reactions to his participation, he noted that some had questioned whether he was changing his stance on Hindutva, and that even within FeTNA there were queries about whether he should attend.
Drawing from Kambar’s Kamba Ramayanam and the ancient Tamil text Purananuru, he spoke about the tradition of accommodating diverse beliefs and values. He urged parents to have children read Purananuru’s 182nd poem, “Undalamma Ivvulagam,” highlighting ideals of sharing and the importance given to education.
Annamalai also said FeTNA should, in the coming years, serve as a bridge that unites people and becomes a platform that speaks for Tamils across the world.
