Varanasi: The third edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam was inaugurated in Varanasi by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday, February 15 marking a grand celebration of India’s deep-rooted cultural connections. The event, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Excellent India), serves as a bridge between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, reinforcing the historical and emotional ties that have existed for millennia.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shared a special letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X, in which the PM acknowledged the centuries-old relationship between the Ganga and the Kaveri. He emphasised how previous editions of the Sangamam have demonstrated India’s diverse yet unified cultural landscape.
“This year, the event pays tribute to Sage Agasthyar, whose contributions to traditional medicine, classical Tamil literature, and cultural unity have shaped India’s intellectual legacy. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of Mahakumbh and visit the newly constructed Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya,” PM Modi wrote.
He further underscored that initiatives like Kashi Tamil Sangamam play a crucial role in fostering unity while celebrating diversity. “As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, such programs strengthen our national fabric,” he added.
Celebrating Sage Agasthyar’s Contributions
This year’s Sangamam is centered around the life and contributions of Sage Agasthyar, a revered figure in Tamil tradition. His influence spans across multiple disciplines, including medicine, linguistics, philosophy, and literature. The event features exhibitions that highlight his contributions to the Siddha system of medicine, ancient Indian sciences, and classical Tamil literature.
Scholarly seminars and workshops have also been planned to delve into his teachings, ensuring academic engagement and cultural exchange among participants. The discussions will focus on the influence of Sage Agasthyar on India’s knowledge traditions and his role in strengthening the cultural bridge between North and South India.
Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi Adityanath highlighted the significance of Kashi and Tamil Nadu’s cultural bond. “This event is a true representation of India’s civilizational heritage. Kashi and Tamil Nadu have shared a spiritual, intellectual, and creative connection since ancient times,” he said.
The ‘4S’ Theme: Saint Tradition, Scientists, Social Reformers, and Students
This year’s Sangamam follows the theme of ‘4S’ – Saint tradition, Scientists, Social reformers, and Students. CM Adityanath emphasized that Maharishi Agastya is seen as a unifying figure between North and South India. “The Sangamam has established itself as a key platform for fostering dialogue between people across the country, celebrating shared traditions and wisdom,” he said.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted how the event beautifully weaves together music, heritage, and devotion. “As part of PM Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047, we aim to integrate development and heritage. The Sangamam serves as a celebration of both,” he remarked.
Pradhan also outlined various initiatives taken by the Union government in the field of education to preserve India’s knowledge traditions. He mentioned the National Digital Repository of Indian Knowledge System, which will digitize ancient texts and manuscripts, using AI to explore their contemporary relevance.
“Additionally, under the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustaka Yojana, higher education and professional course textbooks will be translated into 22 Indian languages and stored as a ‘digital Maha Kumbh’ to help students access knowledge in their mother tongue,” he explained.
Tamil Delegation Receives Grand Welcome in Varanasi
The first batch of 200 Tamil delegates, including teachers, students, and writers, arrived in Varanasi on Saturday, where they were greeted with a grand reception. BJP Kashi region office bearers and workers welcomed them with rose petals at Banaras railway station, showcasing the traditional hospitality of Kashi.
Overwhelmed by the warm reception, Tamil students and teachers broke into dance to the beats of drums, captivated by the spirit of the city. BJP Kashi region spokesperson Navratan Rathi noted that the enthusiastic welcome symbolized the cultural unity envisioned by the Sangamam.
Among the dignitaries present at the welcome ceremony were BJP Kashi region president Dilip Patel, district president and Legislative Council member Hansraj Vishwakarma, Legislative Council member Dharmendra Rai, and senior administrative officials, including Varanasi District Magistrate S. Rajalingam.
A Grand Spiritual and Cultural Initiative
At the event held at Varanasi’s Namo Ghat, CM Yogi Adityanath emphasised the integration of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam with the grand Maha Kumbh celebrations. “This event is a significant step in strengthening ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and elevating centuries-old traditions to new heights. The vision of uniting North and South, East and West, is realized through this Sangamam,” he stated.
CM Adityanath also noted the special significance of this edition, as it is the first to be held after the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. “Delegates of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the spiritual essence of Kashi, the divinity of Mahakumbh, and the sanctity of Ayodhya,” he said.
Highlighting Kashi’s historical significance as a center of Indian heritage and spirituality, he reiterated the importance of Tamil literature, one of the oldest literary traditions in the world. “This event reconnects us with our invaluable heritage and strengthens our cultural unity,” he added.
The inauguration event was attended by several distinguished guests, including U.P. Ministers Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’ and Ravindra Jaiswal, Union Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Vice-Chancellor Sanjay Kumar, and IIT-BHU Director Amit Patra.
