Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan; Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath; and Union Minister of State for Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan inaugurated the third edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, today.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in a message expressed his delight on organisation of the 3rd Kashi Tamil Sangamam. Being held in the midst of the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, this occasion has become even more significant, he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the abiding connection between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, between Kaveri and Ganga, that goes back several thousands of years. He also mentioned how the heart-warming sentiments and experiences of the people during the previous two Sangamams showcased the beauty of India's diverse culture, as well as the strong connections between people.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, in his address, quoted a Tamil verse by Pandya King Parakrama Pandiyan: Neerellam Gangai, Nilamellam Kashi (‘नीरेल्लाम् गंगे, निलमेल्लाम् कासी'), which means all water is as sacred as the Ganga, and every land in Bharat is as revered as Kashi.
He highlighted that Kashi, one of the world’s oldest living cities and India's cultural capital, stands as a beacon of the civilization’s rich heritage, while Tamil Nadu, the epitome of Tamil culture, represents the heart of India’s ancient wisdom and literary glory.
He also emphasized how the Tamil people have carried their culture and traditions across the globe, enriching lives wherever they go. Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for envisioning the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, he noted that the event serves as a bridge connecting the sublime traditions of North and South India, reinforcing India’s unity in cultural diversity.
The event also celebrates the nation's unbroken cultural continuity, reaffirming the commitment to Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. He further stated that cultural unity is the key to India’s national resurgence, and this Sangamam is a crucial step toward overcoming distances and fostering deeper understanding.
The Minister mentioned that the theme of this edition of KTS was Rishi Agasthyar, a significant link between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, revered in both spiritual and intellectual traditions and revered in both spiritual and intellectual traditions.
In his speech, Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for organizing the third edition of KTS in Varanasi and warmly welcomed the delegates attending the event during the Sangamam.
He expressed his delight that the Sangamam coincides with the Mahakumbh, which has already seen participation from nearly 51 crore people and noted that Tamil delegates would also be part of this grand gathering.
He emphasized that the theme represents India's rich knowledge and traditions, revolving around the 4S Sant Parampara, Scientists, Social Reformers, and Students. Yogi Adityanath further highlighted that the theme has been Sage Agastyar and underscored the profound significance of the Sage in strengthening the confluence of North and South as well as Sanskrit and Tamil.
While speaking at the event, Dr. L. Murugan highlighted how the Kashi Tamil Sangamam has been celebrated for the past two years, following Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. He mentioned that just as Tamils wish to visit Kashi, people from Kashi aspire to visit Rameswaram, emphasizing that this cultural connection has existed since ancient times.
Dr. Murugan also stated that the relationship between Kashi and Tamil Nadu spans over 5,000 years, with references found in ancient texts such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as in Sangam literature like Kurunji Thinai, Ettuthogai, and Kalithogai.
He expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for promoting the greatness of the Tamil language and Thirukkural across the world. Additionally, he informed that efforts are underway to establish Thiruvalluvar cultural centres.
The objective of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam is to rediscover, reaffirm, and celebrate the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi—two of the country's most important and ancient seats of learning. The central theme of this edition of KTS is Maharishi Agasthyar.
During the event the delegates will also visit Mahakumbh and Shri Ayodhya Dham. The event will offer a divine experience and bring Tamil Nadu and Kashi more closer. This year, the government has decided to bring around 1000 delegates from Tamil Nadu under five categories/groups: (i) Students, Teachers, and Writers; (ii) Farmers and Artisans (Vishwakarma Categories); (iii) Professionals and Small Entrepreneurs; (iv) Women (SHG, Mudra Loan beneficiaries, DBHPS Pracharaks); and (v) Start-up, Innovation, Edu-Tech, Research.
This year, an additional group of around 200 students of Tamil origin studying in various CUs will be a part of this event to enliven the bond between Kashi and Tamil Nadu. Participation of youth in all categories will be encouraged this year.
The duration of the tour will be 8 Days (4 for travel, 4 at site). The first batch arrived today and attended the event. The last group will return to Tamil Nadu on 26th February 2025. An exhibition on the different facets of Sage Agasthyar and his contributions to world of Health, Philosophy, Science, Linguistics, Literature, Polity, Culture, Art, particularly to Tamil and Tamil Nadu, etc. and seminars, workshops, book release, etc. will be organised at Kashi during KTS 3.0.
Kashi Tamil Sangamam is being organized by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India in collaboration with other ministries including Culture, Textiles, Railways, Tourism, Food Processing, I&B etc. and the Govt. of UP.
The programme aims to provide an opportunity for scholars, students, philosophers, traders, artisans, artists and people from other walks of life from the two regions to come together, share their knowledge, culture and best practices and learn from each other’s experience.
It also aims to make the youth aware and experience cultural oneness. The endeavour is in sync with NEP 2020’s emphasis on integrating the wealth of Indian Knowledge Systems with modern systems of knowledge.
IIT Madras and BHU are the two implementing agencies for the programme. KTS 2.0 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Varanasi on 17th December, 2023, with the first-ever real-time, app-based translation of a part of the Prime Minister’s speech in Tamil for the benefit of visiting Tamil delegates.
Shri Ravindra Jaiswal and Dr. Dayashankar Mishra "Dayalu, Ministers of State (Independent Charge), Govt. of Uttar Pradesh; Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education; Shri Chamu Krishna Shastry, Chairman, Bhartiya Bhasha Samiti; Prof. Sanjay Kumar, Acting Vice Chancellor, Benaras Hindu University; Prof. V. Kamakoti; IIT Madras; Director Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Prof. Amit Patra, and other dignitaries and officials were also present at the event today.