Wed Sep 17 04:03:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Chennai: A City Rooted in History, Embracing All, Says Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary**

**Chennai, September 17, 2025** – In an exclusive interview published today, N. Muruganandam, Chief Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, paints a portrait of Chennai as a city steeped in history and renowned for its inclusivity. Speaking to *The Hindu*, Muruganandam highlighted Chennai’s dual identity as both the “seat of Tamil culture” and a welcoming hub for people from all walks of life.

He emphasized the region’s rich historical significance, citing archaeological finds in Pallavaram dating back to prehistoric times, and the legacy of Thiruvalluvar in Mylapore. He also underscored Kancheepuram’s historical importance as a center of Buddhism and learning, and Mamallapuram’s role as a thriving port. He further pointed to Chennai’s role as the epicenter of 20th-century social reform movements, including the Dravidian movement and movements advocating for gender equality.

Muruganandam further elaborated on Chennai’s welcoming nature. Quoting the Tamil saying, “Tamil Nadu supports and promotes everyone,” he said Chennai embodies this sentiment, providing opportunities and embracing individuals from diverse backgrounds “with equanimity and without any discrimination.” He sees the city as egalitarian and the common man’s city that welcomes all.

The interview was conducted by Dennis S. Jesudasan and published on *The Hindu’s* website at 9:33 am IST today.

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