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of India’s many traditions while honouring their a barrier for people. In the third edition, the
unique identities. focus was on Indian knowledge systems. At
And what can be a better place than Kashi to the same time, academic discussions, cultural
host such a Sangamam. The same Kashi, which performances, exhibitions and interactions
has remained a civilisational anchor from time witnessed greater participation. Thousands of
immemorial… where, for thousands of years, people have taken part in these events.
people from all over have come in search of The fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil San-
knowledge, meaning and Moksha. gamam commenced on 2nd December 2025.
Kashi’s connection with Tamil people and The theme picked was very interesting- Tamil
culture is very deep. It is in Kashi that Baba Karkalam - Learn Tamil. It presented a unique
Vishwanath resides, while Tamil Nadu has opportunity for people in Kashi and other parts
Rameswaram. Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu is known to learn the beautiful Tamil language. Teachers
as Kashi of the south or Dakshin Kashi. Saint came from Tamil Nadu and the students of
Kumaraguruparar Swamigal forged a lasting Kashi had a very memorable experience!
link between Kashi and Tamil Nadu through his There were many other special events this
spirituality, scholarship and institution-build- time.
ing. Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, one of Tholkappiyam, the ancient Tamil literary
Tamil Nadu’s greatest sons, found in Kashi classic, was translated into 4 Indian languages
a space of intellectual growth and spiritual and 6 foreign languages.
awakening. It was here that his nationalism A unique event, Sage Agasthya Vehicle Ex-
deepened, his poetry sharpened and his vision pedition (SAVE), was undertaken from Tenkasi
of a free, united India took clearer shape. There to Kashi. On the way, various initiatives such
are several such instances that highlight this as eye camps, health awareness camps, digital
close bond. literacy camps, among other things, were held.
The first edition of Kashi-Tamil Sangamam The expedition paid homage to King Adi Veera
took place in 2022. I recall attending the Parakrama Pandiyan, the great Pandya ruler
inauguration programme. Scholars, artisans, who spread the message of cultural oneness.
students, farmers, writers, professionals and There were exhibitions at Namo Ghat, academ-
many others from Tamil Nadu travelled to ic sessions at Banaras Hindu University, as well
Kashi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya. as cultural programmes.
Subsequent editions expanded the scale One of the things that makes me most
and depth of this effort. The aim was to keep happy about the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam is the
introducing fresh themes, innovative formats participation of thousands of youngsters. It
and deeper engagement, thus ensuring that illustrates the passion among our Yuva Shakti
the Sangamam continued to evolve while re- to deepen their connect with our roots. It is a
maining rooted in its core spirit. In the second brilliant platform for them to showcase their
edition in 2023, technology was used on a larger talent and creativity during the various cultural
scale to ensure that language does not become programmes.
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