Why is Vice President CP Radhakrishnan Celebrating the Kashi-Tamil Nadu Cultural Link?
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New Delhi, Oct 31 (NationPress) Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the new Satram (Resting place) established by the Sri Kasi Nattukkottai Nagara Satram Managing Society, alongside Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, in Varanasi.
This ten-storey Satram, featuring 140 rooms, is the second facility built by the Society in Varanasi for the benefit of visiting devotees, as indicated in an official statement.
“This initiative is designed to assist visiting devotees and inspire younger generations to explore the sacred city. It reflects the longstanding spiritual and cultural ties between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, symbolizing the profound Kashi-Tamil connect in the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” the statement mentioned.
During his speech, the Vice-President underscored the time-honored spiritual and cultural relationship between Kashi (Varanasi) and Tamil Nadu.
He reminisced about his past visits to the sacred city, noting its significant development over the last 25 years, attributing this advancement to the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Adityanath.
Radhakrishnan also shared personal anecdotes, including his shift to vegetarianism after taking a holy dip in the Ganga in 2000.
The Vice-President praised the Nagarathar community for their unwavering commitment to social service and their continuous efforts to promote Tamil culture wherever they settle.
He commended the community for the construction of the Satram at a total cost of Rs 60 crore, entirely funded through community contributions, and recognized the new building as a beacon of faith, resilience, and cooperation between regions.
He emphasized that Dharma ultimately prevails, pointing out that the land where the Satram now stands had been encroached upon but was reclaimed through the state government's efforts. The Satram, he noted, now serves as a noble facility for devotees.
The Vice President remarked that Kashi is viewed as the spiritual capital of the world and observed that the newly constructed Satram will significantly benefit visiting devotees while fostering spiritual awareness.
Radhakrishnan also lauded the return of the idol of Goddess Annapurani Amman Devi to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex.
The idol, which had been stolen from the temple in Varanasi over a century ago, was returned to India from Canada in 2021 thanks to the persistent efforts of the Government of India under PM Modi, as stated.