Mon Dec 15 19:02:44 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text, based on the provided content:

Thoothukudi Pearls Seek GI Tag to Preserve Ancient Legacy

CHENNAI, December 16, 2025 – The Thoothukudi Muthu Urpathiyalargal Sangam (Thoothukudi Pearl Producers Association) is seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Thoothukudi pearls, aiming to protect and promote the rich history and unique qualities of these pearls harvested from the Gulf of Mannar.

According to the association, Thoothukudi pearls boast a history of over 2,000 years, making them some of the world’s oldest recorded natural pearls. Their application highlights the pearls’ cultural and symbolic significance in Tamil tradition, where they were associated with purity, divinity, and royal power. Historically, they have been used in temple offerings, royal ornaments, and diplomatic gifts.

The association emphasizes the unique characteristics of these naturally formed pearls, describing their range of colours (pure white, cream, pale yellow, pink, and silvery white), smooth surfaces, fine texture, and a distinctive “milky shine”. Their thick nacre layers and long-lasting brilliance made them globally sought after in ancient markets, including those of Rome, Greece, Arabia, and China.

The application also underscores the geographical specificity of Thoothukudi pearls, noting that the Gulf of Mannar region between Thoothukudi and Sri Lanka offers a rare natural habitat ideal for the growth of the Indian pearl oyster. The area’s shallow waters, coral reef systems, moderate salinity, and high plankton concentration contribute to the pearls’ unique characteristics.

Furthermore, the association acknowledges the historical contributions of the Parava community, traditionally involved in pearl diving, whose unique cultural knowledge and free-diving skills represent an unparalleled human heritage element. The push for the GI tag aims to ensure the preservation of this ancient tradition and protect the Thoothukudi pearl industry from imitation and misrepresentation. The application was submitted to the GI Registry represented by IPR attorney and GI nodal officer P. Sanjai Gandhi.

News Article Structure:
* Headline: Concise and informative.
* Dateline: City and date.
* Lead Paragraph: Summarizes the most important information.
* Body Paragraphs: Expand on the key details, including background information, quotes (although there wasn’t a direct quote in the text, paraphrased statements are attributed), and supporting facts.
* Focus on Key Information: The article prioritizes the application for the GI tag and its reasons.

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