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Of a rich cultural legacy and a people deeply tied to their roots: In conversation with Nirmala Lakshman, author of The Tamils — A Portrait of a Community

Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson of The Hindu Group, elaborates on the rich history, cultural legacy, and values of the Tamil community in a session on her latest book The Tamils - A Portrait of a Community at the MBIFL in Thiruvananthapuram

Updated - February 07, 2025 08:47 am IST - THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Nirmala Lakshman, chairperson of The Hindu Group and author of The Tamils - A Portrait of a Community, signing her book at the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL) 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday.

Nirmala Lakshman, chairperson of The Hindu Group and author of The Tamils - A Portrait of a Community, signing her book at the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL) 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. | Photo Credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN

Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson of The Hindu Group, captured the essence of Tamil culture in an engaging conversation about her latest book The Tamils - A Portrait of a Communityat the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday.

The session delved into the rich history, cultural legacy, and enduring values of the Tamil community, while taking the audience on a deep dive into how the Tamils have both shaped and been shaped by centuries of history, poetry, and social movements.

The core contribution

In conversation with journalist Nirmala Govindarajan, Ms. Lakshman expressed her deep admiration for the Tamil Sangam period and its core contribution to Tamil culture — its literature.

Elaborating on the Sangam age, she explained that it was a time when the Tamil society was deeply connected to its land. Professions and lifestyles reflected the five distinct thinais (or landscapes) of Tamil Nadu, viz., kurinji (mountains), mullai (forests), marutam (pastoral fields), palai (parched, dry lands), and neythal (coastal region).

Poetry leaves a mark

The poetry of this era has left an indelible mark on Tamil culture. “The fragrant jasmine, the central symbol of the Sangam period, has been reflected almost as an emblem of Tamil Nadu. The whole landscape flowed into the blood of the Tamils and has persisted in their poetry, culture, writing and literature, right up to the present day. Even politicians and other people use Sangam poetry in their speeches,” Ms. Lakshman observed.

She highlighted the enduring connection Tamils share with their roots, even as they adapt to new environments. “Tamils everywhere remain connected to their roots,” she said, citing examples of Tamil poets and achievers in various fields who uphold the community’s values globally.

Diaspora’s resilience

She also touched upon the remarkable resilience of the Tamil diaspora, which has spread across the globe — from Sri Lanka and Singapore to Malaysia and Canada. While Tamils have adapted to their new surroundings, they continue to carry forward their cultural and social values. “Tamils take their cultural legacy with them wherever they go,” she reiterated, citing examples of Tamil poets and achievers in various fields who uphold the community’s values globally.

The darker side

Yet, as Ms. Lakshman poignantly pointed out, the Tamil society is not without its struggles. Despite the progress made by social reformers like Periyar and the Dravidian movement, caste division remains entrenched, particularly in rural areas. “Dalits still face violence and discrimination in many parts of Tamil Nadu,” she said. “This is a shameful part of our society that we still need to confront.”

Responding to a question about Tamil Muslims, the author elaborated on how the community, though distinct in their faith, shares a deep connection with the Tamil culture. She pointed out that Tamil architecture, especially the early mosques, followed Dravidian idioms, reflecting the seamless integration of different communities within the Tamil cultural landscape.

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