Pride and gratitude filled the heart of Avoca’s Ashlin Ellan, following his recent tour to India. Through an initiative by the Tamil Nadu government, Ellan recently toured India as part of the “Reaching Your Roots” educational tour. The tour took place between Friday, 27 December to Monday, 13 January in Chennai, India.
Reflecting on his tour, Ellan said: “My heart swells with gratitude and pride. This trip was not merely a vacation—it was a pilgrimage, a rediscovery of identity, and a celebration of heritage. It reaffirmed a truth that has always resonated deeply within me: you can take a Tamilian out of Tamil Nadu, but you cannot take Tamil out of a Tamilian.”
Ellan said one of the most profound moments of this journey was visiting Sri Rangam, a place which holds a special place in his heart. “The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, with its majestic gopurams and intricate corridors, is more than a sacred space—it is a testament to Tamil Nadu’s spiritual and cultural legacy. Standing within its walls, I felt a connection to my ancestors and the timeless essence of Tamil culture. Sri Rangam reminded me of the deep spiritual roots that bind all Tamilians together, no matter where in the world we may reside,” Ellan said.
Filled with pride, Ellan said that as a Tamilian living in South Africa, this journey deepened his connection to his heritage. He added that in South Africa, Tamils preserve their traditions through temples, festivals, and community practices; however, experiencing Tamil Nadu first hand—its temples, culture, and landscapes—has given him a profound sense of belonging and pride.
Ellan added that the engineering and design of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the Dharasuram Airavatesvara Temple further highlighted the brilliance of the Chola Dynasty. These temples, with their intricate carvings and towering structures, are not only places of worship but also monuments to the artistry, engineering, and vision of Tamil Nadu’s golden era.
He concluded that the journey was transformative, and he returned home with a renewed commitment to honour, celebrate and share Tamil culture with the world.
