During the Pongal celebrations in Madurai, a special Twin Cities Partnership will be signed with Camberley, a town in the UK. Mayor Louise Ashbery of Surrey Heath and her delegation will visit Madurai and Theni for the festival. They will sign the agreement with the Madurai Corporation Commissioner. Camberley is known as the hometown of Colonel John Pennycuick, the British engineer behind the Mullaperiyar Dam. This partnership starts a new chapter for cultural exchange, education, and global progress between the two cities. Santhana Beeroli, a documentary filmmaker, said, "The agreement marks a new chapter in cultural exchange, educational collaboration, and global development between the two cities. The visit of Mayor Councillor Louise Ashbery and her delegation symbolises a renewed bond between the two regions, rooted in history and focused on future progress." Madurai Corporation Commissioner Chitra Vijayan has contacted Mayor Ashbery about the partnership. She said in her letter, "The Government of Tamil Nadu and the Madurai Corporation welcome your proposal to explore a formal twinning arrangement. We share your belief that such a partnership holds significant potential for fostering cultural, educational, and economic exchanges." Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Minorities and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, S.M. Nazar, has already visited St. Peter’s Church in Camberley. Mayor Ashbery expressed interest in Tamil Nadu, saying she wants "to learn more about the historic city of Madurai, explore the links between our communities, and gain a deeper understanding of Tamil culture." She added, "I am particularly keen to learn more about Colonel John Pennycuick and the lasting impact of the Mullaperiyar Dam on the region." The delegation will meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on January 11 in Chennai before going to Madurai. They will join the Pongal festivities on January 14 and sign the agreement on January 16. This partnership will focus on cooperation in education, heritage, tourism, economic growth, and sustainable urban governance. Mr. Beeroli highlighted one benefit: "Through this initiative, students from Tamil Nadu will gain access to U.K. universities, exchange programmes, and joint research opportunities. It will especially benefit students from Madurai and surrounding regions, offering them global exposure and access to high-quality education."