Madurai is set to host a landmark international gathering as “The Rise – Sangam 5: Maa Madurai 2026,” the 16th Global Summit of Tamil Entrepreneurs and Professionals, will be held from January 8 to January 11, 2026. The four-day conference, which brings together Tamils from across the world, is expected to witness the participation of more than 2,000 delegates from 55 countries, making it one of the largest global Tamil business and professional forums to date.
Founded in 2016, The Rise was established with the vision of uniting Tamils living worldwide on a single platform to promote entrepreneurship, professional excellence, culture, and global collaboration. Significantly, the very first conference of The Rise was held in Madurai, and after being conducted successfully in several countries over the years, the global conference has now returned to its place of origin for its 16th edition.
The inaugural ceremony of the World Tamil Business Leaders Conference will take place on January 8 at 5.00 PM at the Velammal IDA Scudder Auditorium. Tamil Nadu Minister for Commercial Taxes and Registration, Mr. P. Moorthy, will preside over the function, inaugurate the conference, and deliver a special address. Member of Parliament Mr. A. Raja will participate as the chief guest and speak on the theme of strengthening the 21st-century Tamil legacy by drawing inspiration from classical Tamil scholars such as Tholkappiyar, Thirumoolar, Thiruvalluvar, Vallalar, and many others.
As part of the inaugural ceremony, a portrait of King Thirumaran, who completed the Second Tamil Sangam and inaugurated the Third Tamil Sangam in Madurai, will be unveiled. Tributes will also be paid to Pandithurai Thevar, who established the Fourth Tamil Sangam in 1901. Prominent special guests include Mr. Muthuramalingam, Chairman of the Velammal Group of Institutions; Mr. Namachivayam, General Secretary of the Tamil Economic Council; Pattimandram speaker Mr. Raja; Mr. Sahul Hameed, Chairman of The Rise UAE Supreme Council; and several leaders of The Rise organization from different countries. On this occasion, a visionary global initiative titled “Anaitthulaga Tamizhoor” will be launched to promote Tamil culture, language, medicine, tourism, and traditional lifestyle across the world.
Earlier on January 8 at 8.00 AM, the World Tamil Jallikattu Competition will be held at the Dr. Kalaignar Jallikattu Arena in Alanganallur, under the aegis of the Sangam–5 Conference Committee. The event will be presided over by Minister P. Moorthy, Tamil Nadu Jallikattu Peravai President Mr. P. Rajasekaran, and Madurai District Collector Mr. K.J. Praveen Kumar, with MP Mr. Su. Venkatesan as the chief guest.
On January 9, the conference will feature the Global Tamil Media and Tamil Impact Awards, with Tamil Nadu Minister for Municipal Administration, Urban Development and Water Supply Mr. K.N. Nehru presenting the awards. The third day, January 10, will host the Medical Advancement 2026 Conference for international Tamil doctors, along with the The Rise Next Gen Education Leaders Awards – 2026, attended by IT and Digital Services Minister Dr. Palanivel Thiyaga Rajan.
The summit includes a wide range of activities such as a trade exhibition, buyer–seller meets, Pitch Fest, IT, Women’s, HR, Education, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Global Logistics conferences. The conference will conclude on January 11 with the grand World Tamil Unity Pongal celebrations at Keezhadi, with the participation of ministers and religious leaders from various faiths.
Organizers described The Rise – Sangam 5: Maa Madurai 2026 as a historic conference that will shape the global journey of Tamils for the next 70 years.