Reaching Your Roots

Every year, 200 students will be selected and brought to Tamil Nadu for cultural tourism so that the children and young students of migrant Tamils ​​can renew their connection with the traditional roots of mother Tamil Nadu.

Reaching Roots is a 2 week cultural tour programme by Government of Tamil Ndu for Tamil Diaspora Youth to help reconnect the present with the past and establish the umbilical link between generations.

The programme envisages to generate curiosity and pride about their glorious cultural heritage by taking them through a guided tour of architectural and archaeological marvels of ancient Tamil Ndu. Further it will also showcase the various facets of Tamil history that includes visual and performing arts forms like dance, martial arts etc.

The programme also will have a component for the youth to interact with the leaders and scholars of various fields. At the same time, the programme envisages to introduce them to modern Tamil Nadu and help them develop closer bonds with their heritage.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Reaching Roots is for the Diaspora youth between the age of 18-30 years. The applicant should be a second generation emigrant (he/she should be born outside India) or the family has been living in the foreign country for more than 50 years. Preference would be given to the applicant who is a first-time visitor to India.

Every year 200 participants will be selected worldwide and it would be planned as five groups of 40 members each visiting Tamil Nadu. The applicant may also indicate their preference for the month during which they would like to participate in the tour.

The participants can be also be grouped into 19 students and a coordinator if they are coming from a particular country/university. Duration of each tour will be of 15 days including day of arrival and departure.

The total cost of international airfare will be borne by the government including the visa charges. Local hospitality including hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis, all meals and local transportation will be provided by the government. The Government will take care of participants only for the duration of the program. If participants wish to stay extra, they will have to make their own arrangements.

All participants should provide a medical fitness certificate. International travel and medical insurance will be taken for all the participants. Any other add-ons or specific insurance should be borne by the participant. The participants will be termed as' cultural ambassadors" and will be required to share the knowledge gained by way of a report which will be published subsequently.