PRESS RELEASE 18th July, the day on which the great scholar Anna renamed Mother Tamil Nadu as "Tamil Nadu", was celebrated as "Tamil Nadu Day" on Saturday, 18.07.2026, at the auditorium of the World Tamil Sangam (Institute of Asian Studies), Taramani, Chennai, under the chairmanship of the Hon'ble Minister for School Education, Tamil Development, Information and Publicity, Thiru Rajmohan. At the inaugural function of Tamil Nadu Day, the Secretary of the Tamil Development and Information Department, Thiru Ve. Rajaraman IAS, delivered the welcome address. The Hon'ble Minister for School Education, Tamil Development, Information and Publicity, Thiru Rajmohan, delivered the felicitation address and presented prizes to the winners of the State-level essay and elocution competitions held for school students to mark Tamil Nadu Day: a cheque for Rs. 50,000/- and a certificate of appreciation to Ra. Nandhana of Kancheepuram District (1st prize, essay); a cheque for Rs. 30,000/- and a certificate to Ra.Po. Dhanushree of Theni District (2nd prize, essay); a cheque for Rs. 20,000/- and a certificate to Po. Aiswarya of Thiruvannamalai District (3rd prize, essay); a cheque for Rs. 50,000/- and a certificate to B. Kishore of Thiruvarur District (1st prize, elocution); a cheque for Rs. 30,000/- and a certificate to Po. Varsha of Cuddalore District (2nd prize, elocution); and a cheque for Rs. 20,000/- and a certificate to K. Manisha of Mayiladuthurai District (3rd prize, elocution). The Director of the Tamil Development Department, Dr. N. Arul, proposed the vote of thanks. ************ Issued By: - DIPR, Secretariat, Chennai – 9