'Celebrating Culinary Diversity and Inclusion' - Oorum Unnavum Food Festival by Refugees

CHENNAI, July 5, 2024 —The Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu have been prioritizing promoting self-reliance among the residents of Sri Lankan Rehabilitation Camps in Tamil Nadu. In support of these measures, and in collaboration with the Government of Tamil Nadu, UNHCR, NGOs - Organisation for Eelam Refugees' Rehabilitation (OfERR), Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), and Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), and private sectors have jointly organized ‘Oorum Unnavum’, a refugee-led food festival, for the second time in Chennai between 5 – 7 July. 

The three-day food festival commemorating World Refugee Day, which is commemorated on 20 June every year, will take place from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Semmozhi Poonga. About 55 refugee food entrepreneurs from across Tamil Nadu will set up an assortment of over 100 dishes from their cultures in a professional manner, with the technical support of Advantage Foods Pvt. Ltd. In 2023, the ‘Oorum Unnavum’ food festival captivated visitors at Semmozhi Poonga, Chennai, with food delicacies cooked and presented with pride by refugees from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. The aim of the food festival was to promote refugee self-reliance and resilience, thus enabling them to live dignified lives.

The food festival, ‘Oorum Unnavum’, is themed “எல்லோரும் இன்புற்றிருக்க” (Happiness for all). It features 12 stalls and a special lunch that can be booked by those interested through Phone: +91 91764 83735; Email: [email protected]. Additionally, this year’s festival will feature live music performances by the band “On the Streets of Chennai” each evening from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

The food festival was inaugurated on 5 July, by the chief guest, Member of Parliament Ms. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi. She was instrumental in establishing a refugee-women-owned and run restaurant at Thoothukudi. This women’s group also has a stall which will deliver a special lunch at this festival. Dr. Kalanidhi Veerasamy, Member of Parliament and Vice-chairperson of the Advisory Committee for the Welfare of Sri Lankan Tamils of the Government of Tamil Nadu, and Dr. Ezhilan Naganathan,Member of the Legislative Assembly, were the guests of honour. Other dignitaries who participated in the inauguration are:

•    Ms. Margriet Veenma, Deputy Chief of Mission for India and Maldives, UNHCR
•    Ms. Reeta Harish Thakkar, IAS, Secretary to Government, Public and Rehabilitation
•    Mr. Sandeep Nanduri, IAS, Managing Director, TIDCO
•    Ms. J. Innocent Divya, IAS, Managing Director, TNSDC

World Refugee Day is observed annually on June 20, dedicated to honouring the resilience and perseverance of refugees worldwide. UNHCR’s report highlights the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide has risen to an unprecedented 120 million, underscoring the urgent need for support and solutions. This year's global focus is on standing in solidarity #WithRefugees, emphasizing the importance of finding effective solutions to support every displaced person in creating a better future. 

Notably, India and the Government of Tamil Nadu's initiatives in supporting Sri Lankan refugees represent a global best practice in this regard, guided by the principle of "Yaathum Oore Yaavarum Kelir". The Government of Tamil Nadu has implemented numerous programmes to assist refugees, including providing skill training and facilitating job opportunities. Moreover, they are actively fostering entrepreneurship by establishing work shed projects and supporting the formation of self-help groups. UNHCR has also collaborated with the Southern Indian Chamber of Commerce (SICCI) to promote refugee inclusion in the labour market by identifying job opportunities and offering relevant skill training.

Supporting Partners and Organizations of this food festival are:

•    The Commissionerate of Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils
•    Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation
•    Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation
•    Greater Chennai Corporation
•    Department of Horticulture
•    Advantage Foods Pvt. Ltd.,
•    Hatsun Curd
•    United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
•    NGOs (OfERR, ADRA, JRS)

Technical partners include Audi Chennai, WorkEZ, KragBuzz, , Repute Express, and others. 
For additional information about the festival, please refer to our website or reach out to our Communications Personnel.

For more information about the festival, please visit contact our Communications Personnel.

1.    Rama Dwivedi
Assistant External Relations Officer
UNHCR India
Email: [email protected]

2.    Siva Sai Jeevanantham
Communications Assistant
UNHCR Field Office 
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +91 8448223207