Bethesda, Maryland: Maryland Secretary of Higher Education, Sanjay Rai, Ph.D., commended the legacy and contributions of the Tamil diaspora, describing their global role as a “celebration of that spirit” during the 12th World Tamils Economic Conference, held from October 3–5, 2025, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel.

Speaking on the final day of the conference, Secretary Rai welcomed delegates from around the world to Maryland, noting, “We gather not only as professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders — but as members of a global Tamil community bound by our shared heritage, values, and a commitment to progress.”

He highlighted that Tamil people have long held a “legacy of commerce, innovation, and intellectual pursuit,” tracing their influence from ancient trade routes that once connected the Tamil region to Rome and Southeast Asia, to today’s Tamil entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping industries across continents. “We have always embraced enterprise with integrity and vision,” Rai said.

“This conference is a celebration of that spirit,” he added, emphasizing that the gathering served as a platform to explore how Tamil talent, creativity, and collaboration can fuel economic growth — in Maryland, across the United States, and globally.

Calling Maryland “a fitting place for this gathering,” Rai said the state’s strong foundation in innovation, education, and opportunity reflects the same values cherished by the Tamil community: hard work, learning, and service.

He noted that the event’s diverse panel discussions provided opportunities to deliberate on issues ranging from emerging technologies and entrepreneurship to investment and social impact. Encouraging delegates to “connect, share ideas, and explore new partnerships,” Rai said collaboration within the Tamil diaspora would strengthen both the community and the wider economy.

“Let us also take pride in our cultural roots — the Tamil language, one of the world’s oldest living languages, and Tamil values of respect, resilience, and generosity that continue to guide us wherever we go,” he remarked, extending gratitude to the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers whose efforts made the event possible. “Your efforts remind us that when we come together, we can create not just opportunities, but lasting legacies… May today be filled with inspiration, collaboration, and new beginnings.”

Global Leaders Highlight Economic and Cultural Ties

The three-day conference brought together leaders from multiple continents, underscoring the Tamil diaspora’s global influence and commitment to fostering economic partnerships.

Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade of Mauritius, Rajen Narsinghen, spoke about Mauritius’s transformation into a modern economic hub. He highlighted the country’s favorable business environment, including a 15 percent corporate tax rate and an eight-year tax relief for innovative companies.

Narsinghen said Mauritius is evolving from its traditional sugar and textile sectors toward sustainable tourism and eco-tourism, with an emphasis on attracting investors from India and Africa. Positioned as a strategic platform for manufacturing and services, the island nation leverages its multilingual workforce and strong international financial sector. He cited the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as a major opportunity for businesses seeking access to African markets.

In a symbolic gesture of continuity, Narsinghen announced that Mauritius would host the 13th World Tamils Economic Conference, highlighting the country’s commitment to the Tamil global network.

Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, invited members of the Tamil diaspora to invest in Sri Lanka, pointing to new government policies, tax incentives, and growing infrastructure needs in the northern and eastern provinces. He emphasized that Tamil business leaders could play a vital role in driving inclusive economic development across the island.

Similarly, Logie Naidoo, Mayor of the City of Durban, South Africa, reflected on his participation in past Tamil conferences held in Chennai, Pondicherry, Durban, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur. Commending the efforts of the event’s organizers, he expressed gratitude to the World Tamils Economic Foundation for advancing the Tamil community’s legacy across the world.

Dr. Monica Devendran, the first woman of Tamil origin and the first woman of color elected as Mayor of Amesbury in the United Kingdom, spoke about her work in mental health, youth empowerment, and community development. As CEO of Graviton International, she has connected leaders from more than 40 nations and led several landmark agreements to strengthen education, cultural exchange, and business ties.

The conference also honored individuals and organizations with the Crown Jewels of World Tamils awards for their outstanding contributions to advancing the Tamil diaspora. Honorees included Rajen Narsinghen, Dr. Monica Devendran, Selva Jayaraman and Prathibha Jayaraman, Priya Kumari Hassan, Elan Thangamani, and Kameshwari Chandrasekar.

President of the US-India SME Council, Elisha Pulivarti, was recognized as a “Friend of Tamils” for his efforts to strengthen business ties between the United States and India. The National Land Finance Cooperative Society of Malaysia also received recognition for its contributions to the economic empowerment of the Tamil community.

Among U.S. officials, Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales emphasized the strength of economic cooperation between Indiana and India. “Economic opportunities are stronger when we work together,” he said, recalling his travels to India and expressing admiration for the country’s culture and hospitality. Morales fondly recounted visiting the Taj Mahal and Hyderabad, as well as enjoying India’s “spicy food.”

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney acknowledged the growing impact of the Tamil and South Asian communities in Maryland and beyond, praising their contributions to innovation, education, and public service. She also commended the conference’s organizing committee, chaired by Dr. Rajan Natarajan, for fostering dialogue that bridges business and culture.

Panel Discussions and Thought Leadership

The event featured a series of dynamic panels and keynote addresses on pressing global topics. Sidd Ahmed, Founder and CEO of VDart Group, delivered a keynote titled “The $100 Mn Playbook: Rethink, Rebuild, Rise,” urging entrepreneurs to harness the power of visualization in shaping their future success.

Other notable speakers included Amal Raj, Chairman of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry; and Dr. Kislaya Prasad, Director of the Center for Global Business at the University of Maryland.

Panels held on October 5 explored issues such as:

• Ethical Adoption of AI in the Public Sector
• Higher Education – India and the U.S.: A Comparative View
• Tamil GovTech Connect
• Challenges and Success of Startups
• The U.S.-India Healthcare Revolution
• U.S. and India: Global Leaders in Innovation and Technology
• U.S.-India Investment Opportunities and Wealth Management

Citations from Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen were presented during the closing ceremony, recognizing the event’s impact on global networking and community building.

Chairman of Nobl-Q, USA, Caldwell Velnambi, delivered a closing recap of the three-day summit, reflecting on the conference’s success in fostering unity, collaboration, and shared purpose among Tamil entrepreneurs and leaders worldwide.

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