Blitz Bureau
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 3.0 – being held from February 15 to 24 in Varanasi – aims to celebrate and strengthen the ancient civilisational bond between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.
This prestigious cultural initiative is organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with various ministries and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
The KTS seeks 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.
Sage Agasthyarlegacy
The endeavour is in sync with the NEP 2020’s emphasis on integrating the wealth of Indian knowledge systems with modern systems of knowledge. This year, the Government has decided to bring around 1,000 delegates from Tamil Nadu under five categories/groups: students, teachers, and writers; farmers and artisans (Vishwakarmacategories); professionals and small entrepreneurs; women self-help Groups, Mudra loan beneficiaries, and Dakshina Bharat Hindi PracharSabhapracharaks; and start-up, innovation, edu-tech, research. An additional group of around 200 students of Tamil origin studying in various Central universities is part of this year’s event.
The main theme in this year’s event is highlighting the significant contributions of Sage Agasthyar to the Siddha system of medicine (BharatiyaChikitsa), classical Tamil literature, and also his contributions in the cultural unity of the nation. An exhibition dedicated to Sage Agasthyar will be organised in Kashi during KTS 3.0. This exhibition will highlight various aspects of his life and work, showcasing his significant contributions to the Tamil and Indian knowledge traditions.
A brainchild of Prime MinisterNarendraModi, the Kashi Tamil Sangamamis an inspirational initiative to celebrate the timeless bonds between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, strengthen the civilisational links and further the spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat. Its key objectives include highlighting the literary, spiritual, and artistic connections between Tamil Nadu and Kashi; encouraging academic and research-based interactions between scholars from both regions; showcasing traditional art forms, crafts, and cuisine to enhance cultural appreciation; and providing a platform for Tamil students to explore the historical significance of Kashi and its ancient educational institutions.
The first edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam was held from November 16 to December 16, 2022. Over 2,500 people from Tamil Nadu, representing 12 different walks of life, had travelled to Varanasi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya on eight-daytour, during which they had an immersive experience of different aspects of life in and around Varanasi. The second edition of KTS was held from December 17 to 30, 2023, at the NamoGhat in Varanasi.
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0continues the mission of fostering deeper cultural and intellectual ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. By highlighting the legacy of Sage Agasthyar and bringing together diverse delegates, the initiative strengthens the bonds of India’s rich heritage and contributes to the spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.
