New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed on Thursday that the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam is a remarkable initiative exemplifying the living unity of India's rich traditions while celebrating their unique identities.

He acknowledged the event's role in enhancing the essence of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'.

In a blog entry, the Prime Minister reminisced about his recent visit to the Somnath Temple in Gujarat during the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, where individuals from across the nation had converged. He interacted with numerous attendees who had previously visited Somnath as part of the Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam and had also journeyed to Kashi during the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam.

“Their expressions of gratitude for such platforms moved me, prompting me to share some reflections on this matter,” he remarked.

During one of his monthly radio broadcasts, 'Mann Ki Baat', he had shared that not learning Tamil was a “significant regret” of his life.

“Thankfully, in recent years, our government has created numerous opportunities to promote Tamil culture across India and to enhance the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. A quintessential example of this effort is the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam,” he stated.

Emphasizing the profound cultural significance of such events, PM Modi indicated that in Indian culture, a Sangam or convergence holds particular importance.

“In this perspective, the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam is a truly distinctive initiative that acknowledges the living unity of India's myriad traditions while respecting their individual identities,” he added.

He also highlighted the importance of Kashi as the backdrop for the Sangamam.

“Where better than Kashi to host such a Sangamam? Kashi has been a civilizational cornerstone since ancient times, drawing seekers of knowledge, meaning, and Moksha for centuries,” the Prime Minister elaborated.

PM Modi emphasized the “deep connection” between Kashi and Tamil culture, stating, “Baba Vishwanath resides in Kashi, while Tamil Nadu is home to Rameswaram. Tenkasi, in Tamil Nadu, is referred to as the Kashi of the South or Dakshin Kashi. Through his spirituality, scholarship, and institution-building, Saint Kumaraguruparar Swamigal established a lasting bond between Kashi and Tamil Nadu.”

He also mentioned Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, recognizing him as one of Tamil Nadu's most illustrious figures who discovered a space for intellectual and spiritual growth in Kashi.

According to PM Modi, it was in Kashi that Bharati’s nationalism flourished, his poetry sharpened, and his vision for a united and free India took clearer form.

Recalling the inception of the initiative, the Prime Minister noted that the inaugural Kashi-Tamil Sangamam was conducted in 2022, where he was present.

He remarked that scholars, artisans, students, farmers, writers, professionals, and many others from Tamil Nadu visited Kashi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya as part of the event.

He stated that subsequent editions of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam have expanded in both scope and depth, introducing new themes and innovative formats to ensure its evolution while remaining true to its core essence.

According to him, the second edition in 2023 leveraged technology extensively to eliminate language barriers. The third edition concentrated on Indian knowledge systems, featuring more academic discussions, cultural performances, exhibitions, and interactions.

PM Modi further elaborated that the fourth edition of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam began on December 2, 2025, with the theme 'Tamil Karkalam - Learn Tamil'.

He characterized it as a “unique chance for individuals in Kashi and beyond to explore the beautiful Tamil language,” noting that educators from Tamil Nadu traveled to Kashi, providing students with a “memorable experience.”

Highlighting special events of this year, the Prime Minister mentioned the translation of the ancient Tamil literary classic Tholkappiyam into four Indian languages and six foreign languages.

He also pointed out a distinctive initiative, the Sage Agasthya Vehicle Expedition (SAVE), which journeyed from Tenkasi to Kashi.

“This expedition conducted various activities like eye camps, health awareness camps, and digital literacy camps along the way,” he reported.

The expedition also paid tribute to King Adi Veera Parakrama Pandiyan, known for promoting cultural unity. PM Modi noted that exhibitions were held at Namo Ghat, academic sessions took place at Banaras Hindu University, and numerous cultural programs unfolded.

The Prime Minister expressed his greatest satisfaction with the enthusiastic involvement of thousands of young individuals in the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam.

“This reflects the fervor of our Yuva Shakti to cultivate their connection with our roots. It serves as a brilliant platform for showcasing talent and creativity during various cultural programs,” he stated.

He added that efforts were made to ensure that the journey to Kashi was a remarkable experience for participants. The Indian Railways operated special trains from Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh.

“At many railway stations, particularly in Tamil Nadu, the travelers were celebrated, and the train journey was filled with melodious songs and joyous conversations,” he recounted.

The Prime Minister conveyed his gratitude to the “sisters and brothers” of Kashi and Uttar Pradesh for their “warm hospitality” toward delegates from the various editions of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam.

“Many individuals opened their homes to guests from Tamil Nadu. The local authorities worked tirelessly to provide a seamless experience for the guests. As the MP from Varanasi, I could not be prouder!” he expressed.

The Prime Minister noted that this time, the closing ceremony of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam was conducted in Rameswaram and was graced by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, whom he termed a “proud son of Tamil Nadu.”

“He delivered an inspiring address, highlighting India's spiritual greatness and how such platforms enhance national integration,” PM Modi stated.

According to the Prime Minister, the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam has achieved significant outcomes by “bolstering cultural understanding, encouraging academic and interpersonal exchanges, and fostering enduring connections between regions sharing a civilizational ethos.”

“In the future, we aim to enrich this platform further. Most importantly, it has intensified the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat',” he continued, noting that this spirit has thrived for centuries through India’s festivals, literature, music, art, cuisine, architecture, and systems of knowledge.

PM Modi also sent his greetings to people nationwide for auspicious festivals such as Sankranti, Uttarayan, Pongal, and Magh Bihu, which are intimately linked with the Sun, nature, and agriculture.

“These festivals unite people and strengthen the spirit of harmony within our society. I extend my best wishes for these festivals and hope they continue to motivate us to enhance national unity through our collective heritage and engagement,” he concluded.