The Tamil literary and cultural community in the United Kingdom will witness an important and meaningful occasion on Saturday, 18 April 2026 at 3:00 PM, as the book “From Valikamam to Vanni” by veteran poet Navannan is formally launched in Ilford. The event will take place at The Ursuline Academy, Morland Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4JU.
“From Valikamam to Vanni” is not simply a literary publication. It is a journey through memory, displacement, endurance, and historical consciousness. The title itself evokes a deeply symbolic passage — from the homeland landscapes of Valikamam to the war-scarred terrain of Vanni — reflecting the lived realities of a people who endured forced migration, conflict, and profound social transformation. Through poetic expression and reflective narrative, Navannan captures the emotional weight of those years, giving voice to collective experiences that continue to shape Tamil identity today.
At a time when historical narratives are often contested or marginalised, works such as this serve as vital repositories of memory. Literature becomes more than art; it becomes documentation, testimony, and resistance against forgetting. Navannan’s writing stands as an affirmation that memory survives, that stories endure, and that the experiences of the Tamil people cannot be erased from history.
The event is organised by Meiveli Publishing House, whose guiding vision — “The wings to lift your vision” — reflects its commitment to elevating Tamil thought, culture, and intellectual engagement. Over the years, the publishing house has played a valuable role in bringing forward works that strengthen community awareness and historical understanding.
The programme is supported by Tamil Information Centre (TIC) as sponsor, with Meiveli TV and Namathu Eelanadu serving as media partners. Their collaboration highlights a shared responsibility within the diaspora to nurture literature, preserve historical truth, and encourage meaningful dialogue across generations.
The launch is expected to bring together writers, academics, community leaders, activists, and members of the Tamil diaspora from across the UK. The gathering will provide a space not only to introduce the book but also to reflect collectively on memory, resilience, and the continuing relevance of cultural expression in safeguarding identity.
Members of the community, particularly younger generations who seek to understand the historical journey of their people, are warmly encouraged to attend. In honouring literature, we honour memory; in preserving memory, we protect our collective future.
