Varanasi: The fourth edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 4.0 was inaugurated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, in the distinguished presence of Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education, and Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. The event marked a vibrant celebration of cultural, linguistic, and civilisational ties between Kashi and Tamil Nadu.
Addressing the gathering, Dharmendra Pradhan welcomed the delegates and participants and praised KTS as a remarkable initiative envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted that the Sangamam has created a strong knowledge bridge between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, fostering centuries-old connections while promoting experiential learning and youth engagement. Emphasising India’s linguistic diversity as a national strength, he underlined that KTS plays a vital role in nurturing linguistic pride and unity.
Yogi Adityanath said that KTS opens new avenues for cultural, economic, and social collaboration. He assured the Tamil Nadu delegates that their visits to Kashi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya would offer enriching experiences. He also noted the significance of this year’s theme, “Tamil Karkalam – Let us learn Tamil”, in promoting national integration and highlighted the car rally from Tenkasi to Kashi, spanning nearly 2,000 kilometres, as a symbolic journey of cultural exchange.
Dr. L. Murugan added that the initiative reflects the Prime Minister’s vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, aiming to strengthen cultural unity and celebrate India’s civilisational heritage.
KTS 4.0 focuses on deepening cultural and civilisational links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, with over 1,400 delegates participating across seven categories. The Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) also released translations of the ancient Tamil grammar text Tolkappiyam into four Indian and six foreign languages.
The event saw the presence of dignitaries including R.N. Ravi (Governor, Tamil Nadu), Dr. L. Murugan, Brajesh Pathak, Anil Rajbhar, Ravindra Jaiswal, Dr. Daya Shankar Mishra, K. Kailashnathan (Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry), Dr. Vineet Joshi, Prof. Ajit K. Chaturvedi (VC, BHU), Prof. Amit Patra (Director, IIT BHU), Prof. V. Kamakoti (Director, IIT Madras), and other senior officials.
KTS 4.0 continues to celebrate the civilisational, cultural, linguistic, and people-to-people connections between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, reflecting the enduring spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
