The much-anticipated third edition of the Tamil Kashi Sangamam (KTS 3.0) is set to take place from February 15-24 . This 10-day cultural and spiritual extravaganza will reinforce the deep-rooted connections between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi), two ancient centres of learning, spirituality, heritage and culture. With the theme of “Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat,” the event will highlight the legacy of Sage Agastyar, a towering figure in Bharatiya philosophy, medicine, linguistics and a great unifier of Bharat since immemorial.
Agastyar: The Cultural and Spiritual icon as unifier of Bharat
At the heart of KTS 3.0 is Sage Agastyar, revered as a ‘Mantra Drashta,’ the founder of many Rigveda mantras, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Bharatiya knowledge systems across both Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha.
As the first grammarian of the Tamil language, he has made vast contributions to its classical literature. Known as the founder of the Siddha system of Indian medicine (Bharatiya Chikitsa), a significant and prideful contribution of Tamil Nadu to the global health tradition.
Agastyar was the Kulaguru of Tamil kings like the Cholas and Pandyas. In the battlefield of Lanka, Agastyar imparted the ‘Aditya Hridayam’ to Bhagwan Shri Rama, guiding him to achieve victory in the war.
Sage Agastyar authored numerous books in both Tamil and Sanskrit, including the Agastya Samhita, a scientific treatise that even explains the process of electricity production.
Sage Agastyar serves as a profound link between Kashi and Tamil Nadu. In Kashi, there is the Agastya Kunda and the Agastyeshwar Mahadev Mandir. Over a thousand years ago, Agastyeshwara temples dedicated to Lord Shiva were established across Tamil Nadu.
Statues of Agastyar and Lopamudra are found throughout the Kaveri belt, starting from Talakaveri in Karnataka, the birthplace of the Kaveri River. Agastyeshwar Mahadev temples can also be found in Ujjain, Nasik, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, and various other parts of India.
Beyond Bharat, Agastyar is worshipped in several Southeast Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Java, Cambodia, and Vietnam. His legacy is described in the Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Buddhist literature.
A Journey of Cultural Reconnection
A total of six groups, including five from Tamil Nadu and one from all the Central Universities, will participate, with 200 delegates in each group, adding up to 1,200 participants.
The eight-day program includes two days for travel and four days for visits to Varanasi, Prayag Raj, and Ayodhya. Namo Ghat in Varanasi will host exhibitions, cultural events, and academic activities for ten days.
IIT Madras and BHU Varanasi are the nodal institutions coordinating the event.
The Group Details:
This year, the Tamil Kashi Sangamam will focus on youth while selecting delegates across various categories. Participants will include students, teachers, and writers, as well as farmers and artisans (Vishwakarma categories). Professionals, small entrepreneurs, and women from Self-Help Groups, Mudra Loan beneficiaries, and Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha Pracharaks will also be represented.
Additionally, delegates from start-ups, innovation, edu-tech, and research fields will participate. Five students from each Central University will join the local tour in Varanasi. Influencers from each category will also be included to amplify the event’s impact.
Minister of Education, Government of India, Dharmendra Pradhan, held press conference briefing on Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0
Briefing the press on Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 and launch of KTS Portal. https://t.co/sR4o6mBweL
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) January 15, 2025
The Tour
The itinerary includes visits to iconic sites such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, and the Triveni Sangam in Prayag Raj. Cultural programs, exhibitions, and workshops will be held throughout the event, with a special focus on Sage Agastyar’s contributions to Indian civilization. The first group will leave Tamil Nadu on 13th February 2025 and the last group will return to Tamil Nadu on February 26, 2025.
Cultural and Educational Programs
The Tamil Kashi Sangamam will feature exhibitions on Sage Agastyar’s multifaceted legacy, showcasing his contributions to health, linguistics, and science. IGNCA will present displays on Agastyeshwar Mandirs across India, while the National Institute of Siddha in Chennai will shed light on his contributions to Siddha medicine. Additionally, seminars and outreach programs will emphasize Tamil Nadu’s historical contributions to Bharatiya culture, science, and governance.
Pre-event activities are planned in Tamil Nadu and cities with significant Tamil diaspora populations.
A Unified Effort:
The event is supported by several key ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Tourism, and the Ministry of Health. The Government of Uttar Pradesh is also a key collaborator, ensuring the event’s success in Varanasi, Prayag Raj, and Ayodhya.
Exhibitions at Varanasi:
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) will present an exhibit on the Agastyeshwar Temples of Tamil Nadu, India, and abroad.
The National Institute of Siddha, Chennai, along with NCISM and Ayush, will highlight Agastyar’s contributions to the world of health. Another exhibition by TCS iON, ZOHO, and SASTRA will explore the connection between Agastyar, Subramania Bharati, AI, and rural development, linking Tamil Nadu’s civilizational past to its contemporary progress.
PIB Tamil Nadu will present “4S – Sages, Scholars, Scientists, and Social Reformers of Tamil Nadu.”
The Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), Chennai, will showcase the multidimensional facets of Agastyar. Additionally, all the participating ministries will have their own stalls at the event.
Activities/Programs themes in TN for KTS3.0 with Agastyar and Kumbh Mela themes
Online Games, Quizzes, Competitions, etc for students by CICT, CIIL, IITM, SASTRA, TCS iON, etc.
Lectures, Seminars, Conferences, Workshops by MoE institutions in TN in collaboration with local institutions;
‘KTS Connect’ meeting ; Agastyar related programs by NCISM, M/o Ayush, in all the Siddha Colleges
Press Conference, Social Media Campaign, Pre-event Buzz, Screening of Agathiaar Movie & Documentary on KTS.
A Vision for the Future
Tamil Kashi Sangamam 3.0 is more than just a cultural event; it is a movement to bridge regional diversity and foster national unity. By bringing Sage Agastyar’s legacy to the forefront, the event aims to inspire pride in India’s shared heritage and encourage the younger generation to connect with their civilizational ethos.
As the Sangamam unfolds in February 2025, it promises to be a transformative journey—a celebration of unity, culture, and the enduring legacy of Sage Agastyar, who continues to inspire generations across Bharat.
The Government has so far celebrated the Kashi Tamil Sangamam on two occasions earlier; i.e., for one month in 2022 and for a fortnight in 2023 and around 4000 delegates from Tamil Nadu have been a part of this event.
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