Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin unveiled a portrait of social reformer EV Ramasamy Periyar at the University of Oxford in London on Thursday. Periyar, often remembered as the ‘Prophet of Rationalism’, was honoured as part of the 100-year celebrations of the Self-Respect Movement he started in 1925.
Why is MK Stalin in London?
Stalin is currently in the United Kingdom where he has pitched for stronger economic and climate partnership. He also held talks with Catherine West, the UK’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Indo-Pacific).
The meeting was held at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office as part of Stalin’s ‘TN Rising European Tour’. The talks focussed on partnerships in green economy, skill training, higher education, and maritime connectivity.
They also discussed cultural ties, the Tamil diaspora in the UK, and various ways to make maritime cooperation stronger while putting Tamil Nadu’s long coastline to use. The TN CM was joined by Industries Minister TRB Rajaa and senior state officials, including the heads of the state’s investment promotion agency, as per PTI.
Six big ‘strategic wins’ for Tamil Nadu in London
Stalin, during his visit to London, signed a series of agreements to bring new investments and partnerships to the state. The deals included major investments from Wilson Power and Britannia RFID, worth Rs 300 crore and Rs 520 crore respectively. Together, these projects will create over 1,000 jobs in renewable energy and manufacturing.
In total, Stalin signed six agreements, which he described as “strategic wins” for the state. These include partnerships not only in industry but also in education, design, and maritime sectors.
Investments in Jobs and Industry
According to the state’s investment agency, Wilson Power will set up a transformer unit for renewable energy in Tamil Nadu, creating nearly 543 jobs, the PTI report said. Britannia RFID will invest in facilities at Tiruppur and Namakkal to manufacture RFID products that improve supply chain tracking, adding another 550 jobs.
Rolls-Royce’s expansion plans in Tamil Nadu
Rolls-Royce confirmed plans to expand in Tamil Nadu, focusing on Maintenance, Repair and Operations, research and development, and its aerospace manufacturing plant in Hosur, the report added. Lloyd’s List will expand its Global Capability Centre in Chennai, adding 200 new jobs and strengthening the state’s role in maritime analytics and the Blue Economy.
Boost for education and skills
The agreements also highlighted education and youth development. Ecole Intuit Lab, in partnership with Sakthi Excellence Academy, will set up a design school in Coimbatore. The University of Exeter will work with Tamil Nadu on research, teacher exchange, and academic projects, giving students more international exposure.
Stalin said these partnerships will drive growth and innovation in the state while equipping young people with new skills and knowledge for the future.