At a time when in Assam Assamese–Marwari issue, Miya –Khilonjia issue are doing the rounds for political scores, the Tamils are preserving their culture and identity, helping people from across the globe, providing jobs and education while healthcare facilities are only developing further
GUWAHATI: Thousands of people from Assam visit Tamil Nadu for various reasons, especially for medical tourism, jobs in the unskilled sector and higher studies. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently said that Assam is one of the top five growing states in India with 13.9 per cent gross state domestic product (GSDP) and 12.84 per cent growth in terms of per capita income in 2023-24.
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Tamil Nadu has the second largest economy in India. The state also hosts the highest number of factories in the country. Tamil Nadu is the second wealthiest state going by GDP and is the most industrialised state in India. Over 60% of the state is urbanised, accounting for 10.6% of the urban population in the country, while only comprising 6% of India’s total population. It has been ranked as the most economically free state in India by the Economic Freedom Rankings for the states of India.
Any traveller from the North going to Tamil Nadu carries the impression of the state being Hindi-hater. But that is far from true. An Assamese living in Chennai for the past 20 years talking to GPlus said, “There is no hate for the Hindi language among Tamilians. It is just that they are very culture-oriented and thus prefer to speak in Tamil more than Hindi. That's the reason there is less influence of Hindi in the southern part of the country.”
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) recently organised a media tour to Tamil Nadu for journalists based in Assam and it was observed that people there are genuine, open and simple. People in Tamil Nadu either speak in Tamil or in English, but if anyone visiting Tamil Nadu does not know either of the languages he or she is not looked down upon. Instead, the locals make all efforts to communicate with them, through gestures or even dabbling in Hindi, if required. Moreover the people there try to teach Tamil language to those visiting the state.
“There are fewer thugs in Tamil Nadu,” said a journalist, who was part of the PIB tour. Recalling his experience, he said that when he asked an auto driver how much he would charge from the hotel to Marina Beach, the auto driver first offered the option of how to reach Marina Beach in shared taxi spending less and thereafter how much he would charge if the auto was reserved. “The people are honest and hardworking,” said the journalist.
President of Assam Association Chennai, Dwip Kinkor Goswami talking to GPlus said, “For the past 10-12 days, Assam appeared immersed in the Sumi Bora affair. When you turn on the television or read the news, the coverage is dominated by events surrounding individuals like Sumi Bora, highlighting issues like corruption, looting, and other anti-social activities,” adding that during this period Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, was on a 15-day business visit to various cities in the United States and returned with investment commitments worth ₹7,516 crore, which will create employment for approximately 40,000 people. These investments involve 17 major American companies in sectors across Tamil Nadu. Some of these companies include Sarvad Motor Co., Applied Materials Co., Microchip Co., Nokia, PayPal, Chase Conduit, Precision Electronics Maker, Apple Computer, Caterpillar, and more. This initiative will not only strengthen Tamil Nadu’s economy but also create significant employment opportunities, especially for young women, while addressing environmental concerns.
“I humbly request the Chief Minister of Assam to organise an Investment Summit in Tamil Nadu (Chennai) and encourage Tamil Nadu-based entrepreneurs to establish industries in the North East. Currently, a number of Assamese establishments have achieved success in Chennai, and their efforts could inspire industries based in Chennai to consider setting up operations in Assam. Large enterprises investing in Assam could significantly contribute to the region's economic development,” Goswami said.
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During an interaction with the media team of Assam, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi talked about the uniqueness of different regions, noting that while the Northeast has unparalleled natural beauty, Tamil Nadu is known for its heritage tourism. He highlighted how the introduction of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation in 1873 by the British created a division between the plains and hills, leading to a sense of estrangement among the people of the Northeast.
“We became strangers among ourselves even within the Northeast,” he said. Ravi also discussed the impact of education on state development, stating that skilled human resources drive transformation. He also explained that Tamil Nadu’s focus on education and infrastructure can be a model for Assam and other Northeastern states. “Chennai has become a major destination for health tourism and Guwahati could develop into a health sector hub catering to neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar,” Ravi said. Further, he said that Northeastern states could take a leaf out of Tamil Nadu’s book for inspiration in heritage tourism. The former Governor of Nagaland also vouched for establishment of skill development centres in Assam to bridge regional skill gaps and enhance economic opportunities.
A senior official of Tamil Nadu PIB said that he had not seen a bandh during his tenure in the state. At a time when in Assam Assamese–Marwari issue, Miya –Khilonjia issue are doing the rounds for political scores, the Tamils are preserving their culture and identity, helping people from across the globe, providing jobs and education while healthcare facilities are only developing further.
Indeed, Assam has a lot to learn from the southern state.
