The Andaman and Nicobar Islands will turn into a global Tamil cultural hub this September as the Andaman Tamil Association and World Tamil Wing co-host the 1000th anniversary of Rajendra Chola’s ‘Kadaram Kondan’ victory. The two-day event, set for August 16 and 17, 2025, will unfold at the Andaman Tamil Association Complex, Phoenix Bay, drawing historians, artists, cultural delegates, and leaders from around the world.
The programme will celebrate the Chola emperor’s naval triumph over Kadaram (present-day Kedah, Malaysia) and his dominance across Southeast Asia between 1014-1025 AD, highlighting his role in expanding trade routes and cultural exchange from Sri Vijaya to the Bay of Bengal.
The celebrations begin at 10:00 AM with the Kadaram Kondan Victory Ceremony Entrance Gate Opening, led by Veera Venugopal, Founder of NV Solutions, Chicago. The arch opening will be inaugurated via video by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Special guests include Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Lok Sabha (A&N Islands), and Saba Rajendran, MLA, Neyveli, Tamil Nadu. Greetings will be delivered by senior Tamil Nadu officials, scholars, and archaeologists, including K. Sridharan of the Department of Archaeology, Chennai. Presentations will explore Tamil maritime history, the Cholas’ overseas expeditions, and the Tamil role in Andaman’s development.
From 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM, audiences can enjoy a live orchestra by Lakshman Surya Band at Ambedkar.
The second day begins at 10:00 AM with an international conference hosting delegates from across the globe. The Kadaram Kondan Portrait will be inaugurated by Lt. Governor D.K. Joshi, followed by the Tamil Studies Conference.
Cultural segments include Silambam martial art performances led by Rajadurai and team. Awards will be presented, including the “Chennap Pother Award” to Saidai Duraisamy, and the “Kadaram Kondan Award” to Natasa Kasinathan, Principal Director, Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department.
The event will also feature the Andaman Art Archive 2025 flower release and an address by Shivaji Raja, former Consul of Medan, Indonesia. Sessions will cover Tamil martial arts history, the Cholas’ overseas influence, and heritage tourism opportunities.
Organisers will present a roadmap to develop Andaman’s cultural sector by leveraging its historical connections to the Chola Empire’s maritime routes. With cultural pride and historical scholarship at its core, the 1000th anniversary of Rajendra Chola’s Kadaram Kondan victory promises to be both a tribute to an emperor’s legacy and a launchpad for Andaman’s cultural tourism future.
