A PANEL DISCUSSION on TAMIL IDENTITY followed by a Q&A and a drinks reception.

King's College London, New Hunt's House, Lecture Theatre 2, Newcomen St, London SE1 1UL

17th March 2017

Panel Discussion (6.30pm to 8pm)

"Identity" is an ever evolving concept.

As diasporic people within an age of information. What defines your Tamil identity? Is it even important? Are the traditionalist ideas that the mastery of language served as the only foundation to an identity true or are the other facets involved?

Our panellists strive to explore how their experiences of being Tamil has affected them for the better and what obstacles they may have faced. Tales of migration and outdated cultural norms serve as some topics of discussion.

Panellists:

1. Darsha Jegatheeswaran: Senior Researcher & Researcher Coordinator of the Adayaalam Centre for Policy Research in Jaffna, Contributor at Tamil Guardian, Lawyer by profession

2. Dr. Madurika Rasaratnam: Lecturer in Comparative Politics at City, University of London, Author of 'Tamils and the Nation: India and Sri Lanka Compared'

3. Dr. Lavanya Sankaran: Phd and Mphil: Research Centre for English and Applied Linguistics, University of Cambridge

4. Ragavan Shanmugathas: Musician and Composer, studying Musical Industry and Vocals at the Academy of Contemporary Music

Moderator:

Abinaya Nathan: Editor-in-Chief at Tamil Guardian

The discussion will be followed by a Q& A and a drinks reception (8pm-10pm)

Challenging Tamil Identity in the 21st Century