Latest news with #இந்தியப்
NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Kamal Haasan Meets PM Modi, Seeks Recognition For Antiquity Of Archaeological Site Keeladi
Chennai: Actor-politician Kamal Haasan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today - a first since taking oath as a Rajya Sabha MP -- and made a strong pitch for the recognition of the Keeladi archaeological findings, which many in Tamil Nadu believe reaffirms the antiquity of Tamil civilisation. In a Facebook post following the meeting, the Makkal Needhi Maiam founder shared that he raised the issue "as a representative of the people of Tamil Nadu and as an artist". "Today, I had the honour of meeting the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji. As a representative of the people of Tamil Nadu and as an artist, I placed before him a few requests, foremost among them was the call to expedite the recognition of Keeladi's antiquity," Mr Haasan said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "I urged the Prime Minister to extend his support to the Tamil people in showcasing to the world the grandeur of Tamil civilisation and the timeless glory of the Tamil language," he added. மாண்புமிகு இந்தியப் பிரதமர் திரு. நரேந்திர மோடி அவர்களை மரியாதை நிமித்தமாக இன்று சந்தித்தேன். ஒரு கலைஞனாகவும் தமிழ்நாட்டின் பிரதிநிதியாகவும் அவரிடம் சில கோரிக்கைகளைத் தெரிவித்திருக்கிறேன். அவற்றுள் தலையாயது கீழடி. தமிழின் தொன்மையை, தமிழ் நாகரிகத்தின் பெருமையை உலகிற்கு உரக்கச்... — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) August 7, 2025 The Archaeological Survey of India has so far withheld formal recognition of the Keeladi excavations and their findings, citing the need for further scientific validation. The BJP has denied allegations of rejecting the report, arguing that it is only seeking stronger evidence to ensure the findings withstand global academic scrutiny. Critics, however, allege this amounts to stonewalling and cultural suppression. The Keeladi excavations near Sivaganga district in Tamil Nadu have unearthed compelling evidence of an advanced Tamil settlement dating back to 6th Century BCE, suggesting early urbanisation, literacy, and the use of iron tools. Recently Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin had launched a scathing attack on the Union government, calling the delay an "onslaught on Tamil culture". In a letter to party cadre, Stalin accused the Centre of suppressing the Keeladi findings, which he said prove the existence of an urban, literate, iron-using Tamil civilisation far earlier than previously believed. Recalling the cautionary words of the late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, Stalin said, "As our leader warned, the BJP government, which consistently views Tamils and the Tamil language with hostility, is trying to suppress and bury the findings from Keeladi." For many in Tamil Nadu, the site is not just an archaeological dig, but a matter of cultural pride and historical assertion. With Kamal Haasan now lending his voice in Parliament and reaching out to the Prime Minister directly, pressure is mounting on the Centre to move beyond bureaucratic delay and acknowledge what Tamil Nadu sees as a civilisational breakthrough.
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Kamal Haasan Meets PM Narendra Modi, Urges Swift Recognition Of Keeladi's Antiquity
Kamal Haasan met PM Narendra Modi to advocate for faster recognition of Keeladi's antiquity and promote Tamil civilization and language globally. Actor-politician Kamal Haasan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday and urged the Centre to expedite the official recognition of the Keeladi archaeological site's antiquity. Taking to social media platform X, Haasan shared details of the meeting and underscored the importance of preserving and promoting Tamil heritage and language on the global stage. 'Today, I had the honour of meeting the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji," wrote Haasan. 'As a representative of the people of Tamil Nadu and as an artist, I placed before him a few requests, foremost among them was the call to expedite the recognition of Keeladi's antiquity." மாண்புமிகு இந்தியப் பிரதமர் திரு. நரேந்திர மோடி அவர்களை மரியாதை நிமித்தமாக இன்று சந்தித்தேன். ஒரு கலைஞனாகவும் தமிழ்நாட்டின் பிரதிநிதியாகவும் அவரிடம் சில கோரிக்கைகளைத் தெரிவித்திருக்கிறேன். அவற்றுள் தலையாயது கீழடி.தமிழின் தொன்மையை, தமிழ் நாகரிகத்தின் பெருமையை உலகிற்கு உரக்கச்… — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) August 7, 2025 Haasan, founder of the political party Makkal Needhi Maiam, described the meeting as cordial and purposeful. He emphasized the cultural and historical significance of Keeladi, a Sangam-era excavation site near Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu, which has unearthed crucial evidence of an advanced urban civilization dating back over 2,600 years. In the post, Haasan added, 'I urged the Prime Minister to extend his support to the Tamil people in showcasing to the world the grandeur of Tamil civilisation and the timeless glory of the Tamil language." The post, written in both Tamil and English, was accompanied by images of Haasan presenting a Keezhadi-themed memento to Prime Minister Modi and engaging in a detailed conversation across the table. The hashtag #Keeladi quickly began trending, with supporters praising Haasan's efforts to bring Tamil cultural issues to the national spotlight. Keeladi has long been a subject of cultural and political discourse in Tamil Nadu, with many urging the central government to give it the same historical recognition as other major heritage sites in India. Haasan has consistently voiced support for heritage preservation and Tamil identity, both as a public figure and political leader. The meeting comes ahead of upcoming cultural and political developments in Tamil Nadu, further fueling speculation about Haasan's evolving role in national politics. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
