In a significant move to strengthen national integration through language, educational institutions in Varanasi are set to introduce regular Tamil language classes. This initiative is a direct outcome of the cultural exchange programme, Kashi Tamil Sangamam, which highlights the ancient civilisational links between Kashi (Varanasi) and Tamil Nadu.
Prime Minister's Vision Inspires Language Initiative
The push for Tamil classes gained momentum after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address on December 28, praised Payal Patel, a student of Government Queen's College in Varanasi, for learning Tamil quickly. Inspired by this recognition and the PM's vision, the college is now planning to start daily evening Tamil classes. College principal Sumit Kumar confirmed that the district inspector of schools has directed the institution to commence the classes.
Principal Kumar stated that discussions have been held with Sandhya Kumar Sai from Tamil Nadu, who previously taught Payal Patel, and she has agreed to conduct online sessions. Furthermore, the head of the Tamil Department at Banaras Hindu University has also promised full cooperation for this educational endeavour.
A Two-Way Exchange: Teachers to Travel for Hindi Instruction
The cultural bridge is being built in both directions. As part of the same initiative, around 50 teachers from Varanasi are likely to be deputed to Tamil Nadu to teach Hindi. This reciprocal proposal aims to foster deeper linguistic understanding and has been discussed in meetings chaired by the Varanasi commissioner and district magistrate.
"Keeping in mind the prime minister’s vision of cultural integration, Tamil classes will be started at the college," Principal Kumar emphasised. The college recently showcased this integration when students, led by Payal Patel, conveyed New Year greetings in Tamil to Prime Minister Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The event also featured rangoli and dance performances set to Tamil music.
Growing Enthusiasm in Other Institutions
The enthusiasm for Tamil learning is spreading to other schools in the holy city. Priyanka Tiwari, Principal of Harish Chandra Girls Inter College, reported that a 15-day Tamil language programme was conducted at her institution during the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, with 50 participants. The students later presented poems and songs in Tamil.
Encouraged by the overwhelming student response, the college is now considering launching a formal Tamil course from the next academic session. This indicates a growing institutional commitment to the language exchange beyond one-off events.
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam programme itself is designed to bring together students, scholars, teachers, and artists from Tamil Nadu to Varanasi. Through academic sessions, language workshops, literary interactions, and cultural performances, it focuses on promoting linguistic learning, mutual understanding, and strengthening the fabric of national integration. The introduction of structured Tamil classes in Varanasi marks a concrete, lasting step in this ongoing cultural journey.
