New Delhi, Feb 1 (UNI) Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, who enjoys global fan following, has been invited by none other than the Harvard University, to deliver a keynote on the issues plaguing the southern state of Tamil Nadu on February 10, trade sources said here on Thursday.

The versatile actor will be speaking about Tamil Nadu at the annual Indian Conference of the varsity, the sources added.



This is the second time the actor will be seen speaking at the prestigious B-School. He had earlier spoken at Harvard in 2016 on the topic of freedom of speech.

'The topic is Tamil Nadu. I chose to speak on it out of sheer necessity. Our state has sunk to the lowest depth. Its affecting my dignity as a man, even more as a Tamilian,' the actor said.

'I yearn to see my state rise to the height it deserves. The rise of my state will translate into the rise of my nation. Harvard is a seat of learning like our Nalanda University. If only we had continued that tradition without any break, we would have been holding such seminars at least 200 years back. These platforms are important and can't be neglected.

'This is going to be an engagement with more fortunate minds, who availed an opportunity to seek knowledge. A place that dispenses knowledge, for money or free, is still a seat of wisdom. Having their ears, even though only momentarily, is a great opportunity,' he said.

Meanwhile, Haasan will reportedly announce his political party's name on February 21 at Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram. The superstar also plans to begin a state-wide tour the same day.

UNI PY RJ 1736