Raleigh, North Carolina: In a powerful demonstration of unity and cultural pride, the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA) hosted its 38th Annual Convention from July 3–5, 2025, at the Raleigh Convention Center. The event brought together more than 3,000 members of the Tamil diaspora from across the United States and around the world.

The convention opened on July 3 with a welcome address by FeTNA President Vijay Manivel, followed by a keynote speech from Datuk Seri Saravanan Murugan, Member of Parliament in Malaysia and Deputy President of the Malaysian Indian Congress. Nakkheeran Gopal, founder of the renowned Tamil investigative magazine Nakkheeran, delivered a powerful address titled “Journalism as Adventure: Truth-Seeking in a World of Noise.”

Over the three-day event, attendees engaged in a series of dynamic panel discussions on timely topics such as: “Intrapreneurs at Work: Cultivating a Startup Mindset in Big Business,” “AI & The Future of Work: What You Need to Know,” “Entrepreneurship Without Borders: Navigating the EB-5 Visa for Visionary Business Leaders,” “Leading Billions: The C-Suite Session,” “AI & Startups: Driving Disruption & Growth,” “The Rise of She-preneurs: Redefining Leadership and Innovation,” “The Changing Landscape of Entrepreneurship,” and “Academia-Government-Industry Nexus on the Education, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Continuum.”

President and CEO of Somerset Pharma, LLC, Dr. Veerapan Subramanian, delivered the closing keynote, while the plenary session titled “Grace in Success, Grit in Failure” was led by former Indian Union Minister Nepoleon Duraiswamy, Co-Chairman of Nobl Q.

Consul General Chris Hodges from the US Consulate General in Chennai, India addressed the audience virtually from Chennai, extending congratulations to FeTNA on its 38th convention. Governor of North Carolina, Josh Stein, also issued a special proclamation honoring the Tamil Diaspora and the work of FeTNA. 

In a special message, Indian Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra also commended the organization for its contributions to the community. 

“FeTNA’s efforts to preserve and promote Tamil language and culture across North America reflect the strength and pride of the Tamil diaspora,” added Ambassador Kwatra. “Further, the Tamil community continues to enrich the cultural fabric of the United States through education, dialogue, and civic engagement Tamil, one of the world’s oldest languages, is a cornerstone of India’s heritage.”

Ambassador Kwatra emphasized FeTNA’s role in fostering cultural exchange and intergenerational connections and extended his best wishes for the organization’s continued success.

Minister (Community Affairs) at the Embassy of India, Jag Mohan, also recognized the organization’s impact. Jag Mohan told South Asian Herald “Tamil has been one of the oldest languages, and FeTNA has been working systematically over the years for the promotion and preservation of Tamil language culture through various efforts. I wish them the very best for hosting this event. And thanks a lot for inviting us over here to be part of this event.”

Vellore Institute of Technology Founder and Chancellor G. Viswanathan, a longtime supporter of FeTNA, lauded its unifying mission:

Chancellor Viswanathan told South Asian Herald “What makes FeTNA special is its unique ability to bring together Tamil Sangams from across the United States and Canada under one umbrella. That level of unity is rare.”

He noted that FeTNA serves as a model for Tamil communities globally and emphasized his continued support for the organization.

Reflecting on the global reach of the event, Datuk Seri Saravanan Murugan, told South Asian Herald “I’m deeply impressed by how this three-day convention unites people from all walks of life, not just from the U.S. and Canada, but also from India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and other countries. It’s a powerful example of global Indian unity.”

Renowned Tamil music director D. Imman closed the convention with a high-energy concert on July 5. Imman told South Asian Herald, “FeTNA is one of the oldest and most respected Tamil cultural organizations in North America,” adding “Collaborating with them and putting together a concert like this feels like a dream come true.”

Imman was joined by singers Vandana Srinivasan, Jithin Raj, Santosh Hariharan, Srinidhi Sriprakash, Soundarya Nandakumar, and Mukesh Mohamed. The team performed a repertoire of his hit songs, including:

The team performed Imman’s hit songs such as Jingunamani Jingunamani Sirichuputta Nenjula Aani; Koodamela Koodavechi Kudalooru Poravale; Ayayayoo Aananthamey; Yeppa Maama Treatu; Soppanasundari Naan Dhaanae; Azhagiya Asura Athumeera Aasai Illaya; 

Vaaney Vaaney; Neethane Ponjath; Kannammaa kannammaa Azhagu Poonjsilai; Kurumba En Uyire; Kanna Kaattu Podhum; Paakadha Paakadha Aiyaiyo Paakadha; Sollitaley Ava Kaadhala; and Gaandakannazhagi.

The concert also featured a flashback medley, a whistling segment by Ashwini, an unplugged piano session by Imman, and romantic ballads including Thoovaanam Thoova Thoova, Enn Ala Paka Poren, Yembuttu Irukkuthu Aasai, Myna Myna Nenjukulle, and Kandangi Kandangi Vandha Ponnu, Onna Vitta Yaarum Enakilla Paaru Paaru; and Karuvakkattu Karuvaya. 

In addition to its focus on innovation and leadership, the convention celebrated Tamil heritage through traditional folk arts. Vice President of the Dallas Tamil Sangam, Praveena Varadharajan, highlighted the showcase of ancient Tamil art forms.

“This remarkable performance marked a historic first for the FeTNA platform, featuring the debut presentation of Kummi, Perunchalangai, Kattaikal Aattam and Kamabathu Aattam – traditional art forms that embody the vibrant cultural legacy of Tamil Nadu. These forms reflected the spirit, strength, and identity of Tamil heritage, offering global audiences a rare opportunity to witness the richness of folk traditions in their original form,” Varadharajan told South Asian Herald.  

A total of 104 artists performed time-honored traditions such as Kummi, Perunchalangai, Kattaikal Aattam, Silambam, Kavadi, Kambatthattam, Poikkal Kuthirai, Puli Aattam, and Parai – some of which date back over 2,000 years.

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