Visit of The Tamil Heritage Foundation International in the Francke Foundations

The co-founder and president of the Tamil Heritage Foundation International, Dr Subashini Kanagasundaram, visited us on Friday, 28 March 2025, with a group of experts of Indian origin living in Germany. The full-day programme included guided tours of the library and archive with time to read the Tamil prints, manuscripts and palm leaf manuscripts in the reading room and provided an insight into the cultural and educational work of the Francke Foundations. The IT specialist and author had initiated the trip to Halle to introduce the members to the history of the Francke Foundations' relations with India and to give them the opportunity to gain an insight into the sources of the Danish-Halle Mission. While studying the sources, the participants questioned the prepared materials according to their various research specialisations such as religion, botany or Tamil linguistics. Many new ideas for cooperation emerged during the discussions with the local staff. The Foundation is also particularly interested in collaborating with the Museum for Intercultural Exchange in the Ziegenbalg-House in Tharangambadi.  

»We sincerely appreciate your gracious acceptance of our request to visit the Francke Archive and the rare manuscript section. It was an exceptionally well-organized visit, and on behalf of the Tamil Heritage Foundation International, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your cooperation and keen interest in sharing insights on these historically significant artifacts and documents.« Dr Subashini Kanagasundaram

The Tamil Heritage Foundation International is a non-profit organisation of Tamil-speaking people all over the world. Its aim is to make Tamil culture accessible to people living abroad. Regular online meetings with lectures by members and travelling together enable members to discover new facets of their culture.