Tue Jun 17 21:32:04 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Nirmala Lakshman, Publisher and Chairperson of The Hindu Group of Publications, discussed her book, “The Tamils,” at the Bangalore International Centre. She shared her experiences researching the book, which involved travelling across Tamil Nadu, interviewing experts and ordinary people, and uncovering the richness and complexity of Tamil heritage. Lakshman highlighted the need to make this heritage more visible to the wider world. The discussion also touched on the strong connection the Tamil diaspora feels to their roots and the diverse Tamil identity across the globe.

**News Article:**

**”The Tamils”: A Deep Dive into Heritage and Identity Unveiled by Nirmala Lakshman**

**Bengaluru, June 18, 2025** – A vibrant discussion unfolded at the Bangalore International Centre yesterday as Nirmala Lakshman, Publisher and Chairperson of The Hindu Group of Publications, presented her book, “The Tamils,” a culmination of four years of extensive research into Tamil heritage and culture.

Speaking to a captivated audience, Ms. Lakshman described her journey across Tamil Nadu, where she interviewed epigraphists, historians, and everyday citizens to capture the diverse narratives that shape Tamil identity. “Many expert voices had not been heard outside of Tamil Nadu and Tamil world,” she explained, emphasizing her goal to make this rich repository of knowledge accessible to a broader audience.

The discussion, moderated by Ranvir Shah and introduced by historian Ramachandra Guha, explored the many facets that define the Tamil experience. Ms. Lakshman highlighted the strong connection to their roots felt by the global Tamil diaspora, pointing to examples in Malaysia where generations removed from Tamil Nadu still yearn to understand their heritage.

“In this book, I tried to find that Tamil essence as I weave through history and story, talking to a wide spectrum of people,” Lakshman shared, describing the book as both anecdotal and personal. She concluded that a Tamil individual in Tamil Nadu is no more or less Tamil than one in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, or Canada, acknowledging the complexity and diversity of the Tamil identity across borders. “The Tamils” promises to be a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of this vibrant and historically significant culture.

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