In a symbolic gesture of unity under the vision of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” PM Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the second phase of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 at Namo Ghat on December 17, 2023. The event will witness the Prime Minister flagging off the Kanyakumari – Varanasi Tamil Sangamam train, emphasizing cultural ties between the southern and northern regions of India.
Accompanied by distinguished dignitaries including Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel; Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan; and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, the inauguration will take place against the backdrop of the Namo Ghat.
The second phase of Kashi Tamil Sangamam is scheduled to take place from December 17th to 30th, 2023, in the sacred city of Kashi (Varanasi). A Tamil delegation, representing diverse walks of life, has already set out from Chennai on December 15th, with approximately 1400 individuals expected to participate in the event. The participants, divided into seven groups named after India’s sacred rivers, will travel from different parts of Tamil Nadu to Kashi.
The groups, representing Students (Ganga), Teachers (Yamuna), Professionals (Godavari), Spiritual (Saraswati), Farmers and Artisans (Narmada), Writers (Sindhu), and Traders and Businessmen (Kaveri), will embark on a journey that includes visits to Prayagraj and Ayodhya.
Over 42,000 registrations were received for the event, concluding on December 8, 2023, from which 200 individuals were selected for each group by the selection committee. The Ministry of Education, Government of India, will serve as the nodal agency, collaborating with various ministries and departments, including Culture, Tourism, Railways, Textiles, Food Processing (ODOP), MSME, Information & Broadcasting, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and IRCTC.
Building on the success of the first phase, IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) will act as implementing agencies in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, respectively.
The itinerary for the event includes a 2-day outbound trip, a 2-day return trip to Banaras, and 1-day visits to Prayagraj and Ayodhya. Stalls showcasing the art, culture, handlooms, handicrafts, cuisine, and special products of Tamil Nadu and Kashi will be featured. Cultural programs blending the traditions of Tamil Nadu and Kashi will take place at the Namo Ghat in Kashi.
Throughout the event, seminars, discussions, lectures, and more will be organized on various aspects of knowledge, including literature, ancient texts, philosophy, spirituality, music, dance, drama, yoga, ayurveda, handloom, handicrafts, and modern innovations.
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam serves as a platform for experts, scholars, and practitioners from Tamil Nadu and Kashi to engage in mutual learning, fostering practical knowledge and innovation across different domains. The event represents a unique opportunity to strengthen cultural ties and promote a harmonious exchange of ideas between the southern and northern regions of India.
The first phase of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, held from November 16 to December 16, 2022, marked a significant milestone in cultural exchange, with over 2500 participants from Tamil Nadu gaining immersive experiences in Kashi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya over an 8-day tour.