In the coming times, Kashi-Tamil Sangamam will be made even more vibrant. Most importantly, it has furthered the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ — Vinod Johri
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a cultural initiative of the Government of Bharat, primarily envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to celebrate the deep, historical, and civilizational links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi). The Kashi-Tamil Sangamam initiative has beautifully woven together the vibrant cultures of Tamil Nadu and Kashi, fostering a richer cultural tapestry. With thousands engaging in various events that honour Bharat’s diverse knowledge systems and languages, this initiative is a testament to the unity in diversity. In our ethos, Sangam or confluence has a special place. Seen in this light, the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam stands out as a truly distinctive initiative, one that celebrates the living unity of Bharat’s many traditions while honouring their unique identities
The core idea draws from the centuries-old cultural, spiritual, and scholarly exchanges between the two regions, which have been significant centres of learning and culture in Bharat. The historical connection is exemplified by tales such as the 15th-century King Parakrama Pandya’s journey to Kashi to bring back a sacred lingam, leading to the establishment of the Kasi Viswanathar Temple in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu. The initiative is a modern manifestation of the government’s “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” program, which aims to enhance interactions and promote mutual understanding between people of different states to celebrate Bharat’s unity in diversity. The first edition was launched in 2022 during the nationwide celebration of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, marking 75 years of Indian independence and a time for rediscovering the nation’s rich civilisational heritage. Scholars, artisans, students, farmers, writers, professionals and many others from Tamil Nadu travelled to Kashi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya. Subsequent editions of Kashi Tamil Sangamam expanded the scale and depth of this effort. The aim was to keep introducing fresh themes, innovative formats and deeper engagement, thus ensuring that the Sangamam continued to evolve while remaining rooted in its core spirit. In the second edition in 2023, technology was used on a larger scale to ensure that language does not become a barrier for people. In the third edition, the focus was on Indian knowledge systems. At the same time, academic discussions, cultural performances, exhibitions and interactions witnessed greater participation. Thousands of people have taken part in these events.
The Sangamam was conceptualized to reaffirm and bring into public focus these existing bonds, ensuring that the younger generations are aware of the shared heritage and cultural continuity that has bound the country for millennia. There can’t be a better place than Kashi to host such a Sangamam. The same Kashi, which has remained a civilisational anchor from time immemorial where, for thousands of years, people from all over have come in search of knowledge, meaning and Moksha. One of the things that makes us the happiest about the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam is the participation of thousands of youngsters. It illustrates the passion among our Yuva Shakti to deepen their connect with our roots. It is a brilliant platform for them to showcase their talent and creativity during the various cultural programmes.
The program aims to foster national integration through various exchanges :-
- Encouraging dialogue and interaction between scholars, students, philosophers, and artisans from both regions, in alignment with the National Education Policy’s emphasis on integrating Indian Knowledge Systems.
- Celebrating and promoting the art, music, handlooms, handicrafts, cuisines, and other distinctive products and art forms of both Tamil Nadu and Kashi.
- Providing a platform for people from various walks of life to travel, experience, and learn from each other’s cultures, thereby strengthening personal and community bonds.
The inaugural event in 2022 laid the foundation for an ongoing annual program, with subsequent editions continuing to build upon these objectives.
Kashi’s connection with Tamil people and culture is very deep. It is in Kashi that Baba Vishwanath resides, while Tamil Nadu has Rameswaram. PM Narendra Modi hailed Tamil culture as a shared heritage of not only Bharat, but of all humanity. He noted that Kashi-Tamil Sangamam highlighted its greatness, celebrated the living unity of India’s many traditions while honouring their unique identities, and reinforced the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”. He stated that the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam stands out as a truly distinctive initiative, one that celebrates the living unity of India’s many traditions while honouring their unique identities.
A few days ago, PM Modi was in the sacred land of Somnath to be part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, marking a thousand years since the first attack on Somnath, which took place in 1026. People from all across Bharat had come to be part of this moment of remembrance, united by a shared reverence for history, culture and the enduring spirit of the people of India. During the programme, he met a few people who had previously come to Somnath during the Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam and had been to Kashi during the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. Their words of appreciation for such platforms touched me and so, he thought of sharing a few thoughts on this subject.
During one of the Mann Ki Baat programmes, Prime Minister Shri Modi ji had said that not learning Tamil is a major regret of his life. Fortunately, over the last few years, the Government has had several opportunities to further popularise Tamil culture across Bharat and to deepen the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’
Kashi’s connection with Tamil people and culture is very deep. It is in Kashi that Baba Vishwanath resides, while Tamil Nadu has Rameswaram. Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu is known as Kashi of the south or Dakshin Kashi. Saint Kumaraguruparar Swamigal forged a lasting link between Kashi and Tamil Nadu through his spirituality, scholarship and institution-building. Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, one of Tamil Nadu’s greatest sons, found in Kashi a space of intellectual growth and spiritual awakening. It was here that his nationalism deepened, his poetry sharpened and his vision of a free, united India took clearer shape. There are several such instances that highlight this close bond.
The fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam commenced on 2nd December 2025. The theme picked was very interesting — Tamil Karkalam - Learn Tamil. It presented a unique opportunity for people in Kashi and other parts to learn the beautiful Tamil language. Teachers came from Tamil Nadu and the students of Kashi had a very memorable experience! Tholkappiyam, the ancient Tamil literary classic, was translated into four Indian languages and six foreign languages.
A unique event, Sage Agasthya Vehicle Expedition (SAVE), was undertaken from Tenkasi to Kashi. On the way, various initiatives such as eye camps, health awareness camps, digital literacy camps, among other things, were held. The expedition paid homage to King Adi Veera Parakrama Pandiyan, the great Pandya ruler who spread the message of cultural oneness. There were exhibitions at Namo Ghat, academic sessions at Banaras Hindu University, as well as cultural programmes.
In addition to the Sangamam, efforts have been made to make the journey to Kashi memorable for the participants. The Indian Railways operated special trains to take people from Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh. In many railway stations, particularly in Tamil Nadu, they were cheered, and the train journey was marked by melodious songs and conversations.
Prime Minister Shri Modiji appreciated sisters and brothers of Kashi and Uttar Pradesh for their warmth and hospitality shown to the delegates of the various Kashi-Tamil Sangamams. Several people opened the doors of their homes for the guests from Tamil Nadu. The local administration worked round the clock to ensure the guests had a seamless experience.
This time, the valedictory function of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam was held in Rameswaram and it was graced by the Vice President of India, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji, who is himself a proud son of Tamil Nadu. He delivered a very inspiring address, emphasising India’s spiritual greatness and how such platforms deepen national integration.
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam has delivered meaningful outcomes like strengthening cultural understanding, fostering academic and people-to-people exchanges and creating lasting bonds between parts of the country that share a civilisational ethos. In the coming times, Kashi-Tamil Sangamam will be made even more vibrant. Most importantly, it has furthered the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ This spirit has flourished for centuries through our festivals, literature, music, art, cuisine, architecture, systems of knowledge and more.
This time of the year is very auspicious for people across the length and breadth of Bharat. People are enthusiastically marking various festivals like Sankranti, Uttarayan, Pongal, Magh Bihu, which are, among other things, associated with the Sun, nature and farming. These festivals bring people together and deepen the spirit of harmony in our society. He conveyed his best wishes for these festivals and hoped they continue to inspire us to deepen national unity through our shared heritage and collective participation.
(Source: Articles and news in newspapers – The Hindu, BusinessLine, Times of India, The Week, The Economic Times in January 2026)
