Chennai, Sep 8 (Reporter) On an official visit to US to attract investments to Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday addressed the Tamil community in Chicago and said the Dravidian Model government of the DMK protects Tamils across the world. "Not only Tamils in Tamil Nadu, but also Tamils around the world are protected by our Dravidian model government", he said, at the American Tamils' Meeting held in Chicago, organized by the Chicago Tamil Association and the Chicago Tamil Sangams. "We have created the 'Overseas Tamil Welfare Board' for expatriate Tamils. January 12 is celebrated as Overseas Tamil Day. Through this board, we have organized conferences on topics like ‘Unite through Tamil’, ‘Tamil Worldwide’, and ‘Tamil Triumphs’", he said. Stating that the TN government have established a toll-free assistance center for Tamils abroad, Mr Stalin said The 'My Village' initiative helps overseas Tamils improve their hometowns. The Kanian Poongundranar Award is given to expatriate Tamils. "We provide financial aid to the families of those who go abroad for work and face difficulties. We have rescued 1,524 students who went to Ukraine for education during the war and have brought back 83 Tamils from Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. We also rescued 126 individuals from Israel who were unable to continue their education", he said. In the past three years alone, the DMK goverrnment had rescued 2,398 people from abroad and different states. Overall, the Dravidian Munnetra Kazhagam government has created a sense of assurance among Tamils worldwide that "Tamil Nadu is our homeland" , he said. Talking about the pioneering 'Searching for Roots' initiative launched by the DMK government, the Chief Minister said it is a meaningful scheme bringing our children back to Tamil Nadu. "That’s why I always say, "This is not a party government; it is a government for a race!" The power to overcome caste and religious differences and unite everyone lies with Tamil people! We are those who believe that even if we fall, we will live as Tamils! This spirit was instilled by the Dravidian movement. Our Tamil race has a pride that no other race in the world has. We are those who have sacrificed ourselves to protect our mother tongue! I take pride in being a member of the Dravidian Munnetra Kazhagam that gave us those sacrifices!", he added. Recalling Saint Tamil Poet Thiruvalluvar, who lived a thousand years ago, Mr Stalin said "he spoke about the greatness of Tamil people, and I am reminded of his words. “Because a mother’s womb cannot bear everyone, we are siblings born from different mothers.” Even though we are born from different mothers, we all have a mother who nurtures this bond of affection - and that is Tamil Mother!". "Ours is a grand tradition and an epic saga! The Tamil Mother is the light, the beauty, the nectar, the life, and the sweetness of our language! The Tamil Mother is the one who calls out to Tamil in all its glory", he said. "Whenever I undertake an official visit to any country, my primary aim is to meet with our Tamils living there and connect with Tamil organizations. Although I have visited many countries and met Tamils, seeing you all in America, where Tamils are widely dispersed, makes me feel that I could simply stand and observe without speaking, such is the affection and love you have shown me", he said. In terms of industrial development, he said wherever he goes he would meet heads of companies and always highlight how Tamil Nadu leads the way in India and the unique features of Tamil Nadu, inviting them to start businesses there. "This is why Tamil Nadu has earned the distinction of being the first address for investors", he said, with a pride...////...