TN Guv clarifies on ‘Tamizhagam, remark, seeks to put an end to controversy

Chennai: Days after his ‘Tamizhagam’ remark triggered a controversy triggering objections by the ruling DMK and protests inside and outside the State Assembly by the alliance parties of DMK, Governor R.N.Ravi on Wednesday sought to put an end to it saying an interpretation or inference that it was a suggestion to change the name of the Tamil Nadu
was erroneous and far-fetched.

He said he referred the word ‘Tamizhagam’ in the context of historical cultural connect between Kashi and Tamil people as in those days there was no ‘Tamil Nadu’.

A clarification issued by the Governor said ‘in an event at Raj Bhavan on January 4 to felicitate the volunteers of Kashi Tamil Sangamam, a recently concluded month long festival celebrating the age old cultural connect of Tamil people with Kashi, while dwelling upon the historical cultural connect between the two, I referred to the word ‘Tamizhagam’.”

“In those days, there was no ‘Tamil Nadu’. Hence in historical cultural context, I referred to the word ‘Tamizhagam’ as a “more appropriate expression”, he said.

An interpretation or inference that it was a suggestion to change the name of the Tamil Nadu is erroneous and far-fetched, the Governor added.

“Without understanding the basis of my speech, arguments that the Governor is against the world ‘Tamil Nadu’ have bcome a topic of discussion”, he said.

“Hence, I am giving this clarification to put an end to it”, he said.