Kamal Haasan Urges PM Modi to Fast-Track Keeladi Recognition: “Show World Tamil Civilization’s Grandeur”

NEW DELHI, August 7, 2025 – In a significant cultural diplomacy push, legendary actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Kamal Haasan met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, urging the immediate recognition of Keeladi’s archaeological antiquity and the global promotion of Tamil civilisation.

Key Demands Placed Before PM

1. Expedite Keeladi’s Recognition

   • Formal acknowledgment of Keeladi as India’s oldest urban settlement (6th century BCE)

   • Accelerated carbon-dating and ASI-led research at the site
     Rationale: “Keeladi’s Sangam-era artefacts rewrite Indian history – proving advanced Tamil civilisation existed contemporaneously with Mesopotamia,” Haasan stated post-meeting.

2. Global Showcase of Tamil Heritage

   • UNESCO World Heritage tag for Keeladi cluster

   • Permanent “Tamil Civilization Gallery” in the National Museum

   • Centre-funded international exhibitions

3. Tamil Language Promotion

   • Include Tamil manuscripts in the National Digital Library

   • Increase scholarships for Tamil paleography studies

The Historical Weight of Keeladi

• Game-Changing Finds: Brick structures, Tamil-Brahmi scripts, 5,800+ artifacts proving urban life

• Current Status: Only 10% of the 110-acre site has been excavated despite 9 phases (since 2014)

• Controversy: Previous ASI reports downplayed findings; TN Archaeology Dept dates site to 580 BCE

Political-Cultural Significance

Haasan framed the appeal as “Tamil Nadu’s cultural right, not a political request,” emphasising:

“PM Modi’s support can help showcase மாபெரும் தமிழ் பண்பாடு (Tamil civilization’s grandeur) to the world. This transcends politics.”

Reactions

• Archaeologists: “Validation could reshape Indian history textbooks” – Dr. R. Sivanandam, Keeladi excavation lead

• Political Allies: DMK’s T.R. Baalu welcomed “non-partisan cultural advocacy”

• Critics: BJP Tamil Nadu chief K. Annamalai questioned “selective cultural prioritisation”.

What Next?

PMO sources confirm:

• Committee formation to evaluate Keeladi’s national heritage status

• Tamil included in Bharat Shared Heritage initiative for G20 outreach

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… pic.twitter.com/rXwXzddMvF

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) August 7, 2025

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