A report by Sharon Nathan, Research Associate at the Findeisen Foundation
As part of a European tour, the Chief Minister of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, together with a delegation led by the Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce, T. R. B. Rajaa, visited the University of Cologne on August 31.
At the center of the visit was the Tamil Library at the Institute of Indology and Tamil Studies – one of the largest of its kind in Europe, with around 40,000 volumes and historic Tamil manuscripts. Upon taking office, the Chief Minister had allocated a sum of 1.25 crore rupees (approx. €122,000) to support teaching and the preservation of the collection.
Joint visit to the Tamil Library of the University of Cologne. © State of Tamil Nadu
Presentation of CUBITY and the Findeisen Foundation
Through my previous work at the Institute of Indology and Tamil Studies, the opportunity arose to present the Cubity Atelier House and the work of the Findeisen Foundation for Art and Architecture to the delegation. The guests expressed interest in a collaboration. We outlined possibilities for mutual exchange – such as project and research residencies, public programs, and knowledge transfer on sustainable building and community projects.
“The enthusiasm of Dr. Sven Wortmann, Mr. Sharon Nathan (M.A.), Ms. Daria Lambrecht over Tamil, shows that it [the contribution] has been very fruitful.”
M. K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Meeting with Minister-President Hendrik Wüst
On September 2, 2025, the Chief Minister was welcomed by Minister-President Hendrik Wüst at the State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia in Düsseldorf. According to official reports, the talks focused on economic cooperation, investments, vocational education following the dual system, energy and climate issues, as well as the role of NRW and Tamil Nadu as leading industrial regions.
After the visit to Germany, the delegation continued its program in the United Kingdom – with investor meetings, appointments with companies, and an academic event in Oxford (including a focus on Tamil intellectual and social history). The aim of the trip is to attract investments, expand educational cooperation, and enhance the international visibility of Tamil cultural studies.
Minister-President Hendrik Wüst welcomed Chief Minister M. K. Stalin at the State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia in Düsseldorf. © State of NRW / Josua Dunst