A special interaction program held at IIT Madras on Saturday became a vibrant platform to celebrate India's deep-rooted cultural connections. The event, part of Kashi-Tamil Sangamam 4.0, saw Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi engaging with students from Varanasi who had travelled to Tamil Nadu.
Not Tourism, But A Journey Into Cultural Unity
Addressing the gathering, Governor Ravi emphasized that the purpose of such exchanges transcends mere tourism. He stated that the core intent is to experience the vibrant cultural unity of India, which has been the foundation of society for millennia. According to an official press note, he described 'Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat' as a living reality, not just a slogan.
Ravi articulated that India was built not by kings, armies, or invasions, but by its enduring culture and civilization. He used a powerful metaphor, describing India as a vast tree with diverse leaves and branches, but one single root. "This sense of unity has come to us from Vedic sages," he remarked, sharing insights from his life experiences. The Governor called upon the youth to actively strengthen their cultural self-awareness and national consciousness.
Strengthening The Linguistic-Cultural Bridge
IIT Madras director V Kamakoti reminded participants of the program's theme, 'Tamil Karkalam' (Learn Tamil). He expressed a hopeful expectation that on the final day of the Sangamam, all visiting students would attempt to converse in the Tamil language. This, he noted, would significantly strengthen the linguistic-cultural bridge between the two historic regions.
The program also witnessed the presence of R Chandrasekharan from the Central Institute of Classical Tamil. Throughout the session, speakers elaborated on the profound historical, literary, and spiritual connections between Kashi (Varanasi) and Tamil Nadu. They described this confluence as an inspiring platform for fostering national unity.
An Energizing Conclusion For Youth Participation
The event concluded with an open dialogue between the speakers and the students, filled with inspiring messages. This interactive session was noted for providing new energy to the ideals of cultural unity, linguistic harmony, and active youth participation. The Kashi-Tamil Sangamam 4.0 initiative continues to serve as a vital channel for experiential learning and bonding between two of India's most ancient cultural heartlands.
