Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted the growing role of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam in strengthening cultural bonds and deepening the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, describing the initiative as a living example of India’s unity in diversity.
Sharing his reflections on the occasion of Pongal, the Prime Minister said the Kashi Tamil Sangamam has evolved into a vibrant platform that brings together traditions, languages and communities from different parts of the country.
In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister recalled his recent visit to Somnath during the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, where he interacted with people who appreciated initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam. He said their feedback prompted him to share his thoughts on the impact and growth of the programme.
The Prime Minister also elaborated on the theme in a blog titled “Kashi–Tamil Sangamam and a Tribute to Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” In the blog, he reflected on the historical and civilisational links between Kashi and Tamil culture, noting that cultural confluences, or sangams, hold a special place in India’s ethos.
Referring to his earlier remarks during Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister wrote that not learning Tamil remains a personal regret, while adding that recent initiatives have helped promote Tamil culture across India and strengthened cultural integration.
He described Kashi as a natural venue for such a confluence, calling it a civilisational anchor that has, for centuries, drawn seekers of knowledge, spirituality and meaning from across the country.
The Prime Minister highlighted the deep cultural and spiritual ties between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, pointing to sacred sites such as Kashi Vishwanath and Rameswaram, and places like Tenkasi, often referred to as Dakshin Kashi. He also recalled the contributions of Saint Kumaraguruparar Swamigal and poet Subramania Bharati, noting that Kashi played a formative role in shaping Bharati’s nationalism and intellectual journey.
The Prime Minister said such initiatives celebrate India’s diversity while reinforcing the shared civilisational values that bind the nation together.
Read the full blog here: https://www.narendramodi.in/kashi-tamil-sangamam-and-a-tribute-to-ek-bharat-shreshtha-bharat-601492
