INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed pride in Malaysia’s Indian community, noting that many families trace their roots back more than three generations to Tamil Nadu and now regard Malaysia as their homeland.
ANI News Agency reported recently that while speaking on his monthly radio programme Man Ki Baat, broadcast, Modi said this shared history has laid a strong foundation for closer ties between India and Malaysia.
“For example, the existence of more than 500 Tamil National-Type Schools in Malaysia is not only a source of pride for the Indian community, but also shows a continuing commitment to strengthening India–Malaysia relations.
“The Indian community in Malaysia is doing work that deserves praise. The Indian diaspora in Malaysia is bringing India and Malaysia closer together.
“Tamil schools in Malaysia do not only teach the Tamil language, but also other subjects in Tamil.
“In addition, other Indian languages such as Telugu and Punjabi are also given important emphasis in their curriculum in Malaysia,” he said.
Modi said Malaysia and its citizens of Indian descent should be commended for their sustained efforts to uphold Indian languages, culture and heritage, particularly through education.
He added that Indian culture continues to flourish globally, with overseas Indian communities playing a vital role in ensuring that heritage, arts and traditions are preserved and passed on to future generations.
Malaysia is home to the world’s fourth-largest Indian diaspora, numbering about 2.9 million people, after the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Canada. Modi noted that Malaysia stands apart from these countries, as its Indian community largely consists of families who have lived in the country for generations and consider it their permanent home, rather than recent professional migrants or temporary workers.
Referring to this long-established community, Modi urged younger generations to continue efforts to ensure that Indian heritage remains vibrant and continues to grow.
He also praised the iconic Red Bordered Saree Walk, which received recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records last December, saying the event provided a platform to showcase the richness of culture linking the peoples of both nations.
Modi further highlighted the popularity in Malaysia of Indian classical dance and folk traditions, singling out Odissi and Baul as art forms that continue to be well received and frequently performed in the country. - January 27, 2026
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