Will CM Stalin Unveil Periyar's Portrait at Oxford University Today?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CM M.K. Stalin unveils a portrait of E.V. Ramasamy ‘Periyar’ at Oxford University.
- The event commemorates the centenary of the Self-Respect Movement.
- Stalin will deliver a keynote address on Periyar’s legacy.
- Two important books will be launched during the event.
- The initiative aims to boost Tamil Nadu’s global investments.
Chennai, Sep 4 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, is set to unveil a portrait of the renowned social reformer E.V. Ramasamy ‘Periyar’ at St. Antony’s College, Oxford University in London on Thursday, commemorating the centenary of the Self-Respect Movement.
The unveiling will coincide with an international conference titled The Self-Respect Movement and its Legacies 2025, where Stalin has been invited as a distinguished guest.
During this event, the Chief Minister will deliver a keynote speech that emphasizes Periyar’s legacy and the lasting impact of Dravidian thought on social reforms and contemporary governance.
Additionally, Stalin will launch two significant publications, 'The Dravidian Pathway' and 'The Cambridge Companion to Periyar', showcasing Tamil Nadu’s pivotal role in advancing progressive ideologies.
This cultural event aligns with Stalin’s broader initiative to draw global investments to Tamil Nadu, as his administration aims to convert the state into a $1 trillion economy.
In recent years, the DMK government has actively pursued foreign investors through various international summits and engagements.
To date, CM Stalin has undertaken four overseas trips, securing investments amounting to Rs 18,500 crore.
Following his visit to Germany, where he engaged with industry leaders, Stalin has arrived in London to further discussions centered on investments.
On Wednesday, he was present for the signing of essential Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with business entities, encouraging them to establish operations in Tamil Nadu. He highlighted the state’s industrial advancement, skilled workforce, and investor-friendly atmosphere as attractive factors for investments in sectors like manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology.
The CM’s schedule also includes a visit to the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London on Friday, where he will engage with approximately 30 Tamil students and alumni. This session is designed to fortify connections with the Tamil diaspora and motivate their involvement in Tamil Nadu’s development narrative. Through this fusion of cultural emphasis and investment diplomacy, CM Stalin is positioning Tamil Nadu as a progressive state proud of its reformist legacy, while also emerging as a global economic hub.