Chennai, Oct 20 (NationPress) In an effort to enhance the DMK’s connection with non-Tamil communities in Chennai, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister P.K. Sekarbabu took the initiative on Sunday to extend greetings to north Indian residents in Hindi while celebrating Deepavali with migrant families in his Harbour Assembly constituency.

The event, organized by the Chennai East DMK unit at Raja Annamalai Mandram in George Town, attracted hundreds of migrant families, with the minister distributing Deepavali gift hampers to over 800 beneficiaries. His enthusiastic greeting — “Namaskar, Aajaao Aajaao” — was met with applause and cheers from the audience.

This outreach is seen as part of the DMK’s broader strategy to strengthen its ties with Chennai’s diverse communities, particularly in light of the BJP’s claims that the ruling party has been insufficient in extending festival greetings to Hindus.

Sekarbabu’s use of Hindi was widely interpreted as a move to counter such narratives while emphasizing the inclusive principles of the Dravidian model.

“Even if our languages and cultures differ, we are all children of the same mother,” Sekarbabu stated, highlighting that Tamil Nadu’s governance model promotes unity in diversity.

He acknowledged the significant contributions of north Indian traders to the city’s economic landscape, remarking, “If Coimbatore is called the Manchester of South India, Sowcarpet is undoubtedly the Manchester of Tamil Nadu.”

This statement garnered enthusiastic applause from the audience, many of whom are part of Chennai’s trading and business community.

Pointing to a North Indian woman seated on the dais, Sekarbabu remarked, “In which other State would a north Indian woman be invited to sit on the stage during a party event? This is the true essence of the Dravidian model of governance.”

Emphasizing the DMK’s position on language, the minister clarified that the party is not opposed to learning Hindi but is against its imposition. “Tamil Nadu remains the safest and most welcoming State for migrant workers,” he asserted.

The event concluded with the distribution of sweets and greetings, symbolizing a moment of unity that resonated with the DMK’s message of inclusiveness and mutual respect among communities.

aal/rad