Varanasi witnessed a significant cultural milestone on Tuesday as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) at Namo Ghat. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, and Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K Kailasanathan, marking a powerful symbol of national integration.
A Two-Phase Cultural Bridge
The fourth edition of this unique initiative, themed 'Learn Tamil - Tamil Karakalam' — Cultural Bridge of India's Unity, is structured in two distinct phases. The first phase will unfold in Varanasi (Kashi) from December 2 to December 15. During this period, seven groups from Tamil Nadu will visit the ancient city. The second phase shifts to Tamil Nadu, running from December 15 to December 31, where approximately 300 students from Kashi will embark on an educational and cultural journey to the southern state.
A key component of the exchange involves 50 teachers from Tamil Nadu who will arrive in Kashi. Their mission is to introduce the Tamil language and its rich culture in local schools, taking direct responsibility for teaching students. This hands-on approach aims to create a lasting linguistic connection.
More Than an Event: A National Movement
Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Technical Education and Literacy) in the Higher Education Department of the Union Ministry of Education, confirmed that all preparations for KTS 4.0 are complete. He emphasized that the formal inauguration by Minister Pradhan sets the stage for all subsequent events.
Jaiswal outlined the core objective, stating that KTS 4.0 is designed to strengthen the spirit of unity in India's diversity through linguistic, cultural, and educational exchanges. He described the program as a vital link between the ancient civilizations of Tamil Nadu and Kashi, encompassing their folk arts, religious traditions, and shared cultural dialogue.
"KTS 4.0 is not just a cultural programme; it is a national movement that brings alive the core spirit of Ek Bharat - Shreshtha Bharat," Jaiswal remarked. He highlighted that the platform enables youth, students, teachers, and common citizens from Tamil Nadu and North India to connect, understand, and mutually respect each other's heritage.
Building a Legacy of Shared Heritage
The initiative is poised to become a contemporary symbol of India's unity in diversity. While it introduces Tamil culture and language to a new audience, it simultaneously reinforces the national ethos of unity and coexistence. Jaiswal expressed a hopeful vision for the future, where coming generations will not merely know about the Tamil language but will experience its depth and cultural richness firsthand, appreciating India's shared historical tapestry.
He concluded with an appeal to all citizens, particularly the youth and students, to actively participate in the 'Learn Tamil - Tamil Karakalam' campaign and contribute to making this cross-cultural journey meaningful and enduring. The Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 stands as a concrete step towards weaving the diverse threads of Indian culture into a stronger, more unified national fabric.
