As the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2025 commences today, it is yet another testimony to India’s unity in diversity. This unique cultural confluence, being held from February 15-24, 2025, brings together nation’s two of the most ancient and spiritually rich regions—Kashi and Tamil Nadu—fostering a deep civilizational bond that transcends geography.
Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) was inaugurated by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, and this year mark the third edition of the cultural event. Started by the government of India as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, this initiative upholds the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat. KTS 3.0 is gearing up to be a soulful symphony of Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage and Varanasi’s timeless traditions.
KTS 3.0
Minister for education Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that the third edition of the event will commemorate one of India’s most respected sages, Maharishi Agasthyar. Maharishi Agasthyar’s intellectual prowess serves as the foundation for Tamil language and literature, shared values, knowledge traditions, and legacy.
This year, Kashi Tamil Sangamam holds special significance as it coincides with the Mahakumbh and marks the first Sangamam after the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. With the Mahakumbh and Shri Ayodhya Dham serving as the backdrop and Maharishi Agasthyar as the main focus, KTS 3.0 will provide a sublime experience that will deepen the connection between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, two of India’s oldest centers of learning and cultural legacy, like never before.
For KTS 3.0, the government has planned to bring around 1,000 delegates from Tamil Nadu. 200 Tamil-origin students from various central universities will join the event. Special emphasis is placed on encouraging youth participation. Attendees will experience dance performances, music, and the exquisite art of both Kashi and Tamil Nadu.
The Kashi-Tamil connect: A sacred bond
For centuries, Tamil sages, saints, and scholars have journeyed to Kashi, enriching its spiritual and academic landscape. The Tamil community has revered Kashi as a sacred site, and this exchange of knowledge and traditions has been reciprocal. From Adi Shankaracharya to Mahakavi Subramania Bharathiyar, the Tamil cultural footprint in Kashi has been deep and lasting. Home of Mahakavi Bharathiyar, one of the greatest Tamil literary figures, located on the banks of Hanuman Ghat in Kashi is a pilgrimage site.
The Kashi-Tamil Nadu connection is a centuries-old bond. The Tamil saint Kumaragurupara Desikar founded the Kumaraswamy Mutt at Hanuman Ghat in the 17th century, establishing a Tamil presence in Kashi. Sri Kasi Natukottai Nagarathar Satram has facilitated offerings at the Kashi Vishwanath temple for over 200 years.
However, in the past few years, certain divisive forces have attempted to create rifts in our social fabric, seeking to pit one region against another, one language against another. However, under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, India has steadfastly pursued the path of unity, development, and inclusivity. The ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’ vision is the guiding principle shaping national policies, ensuring equitable progress for every community and region.
PM committed to every language, every culture
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently championed the cause of linguistic and cultural harmony. His deep admiration for Tamil culture is well known. His speeches, both in India and abroad, often highlight the rich legacy of Tamil literature, language, and traditions. He has emphasized that Tamil is one of the oldest languages in the world, a source of pride for the entire nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has an unmatched dedication to Tamil culture. His commitment to conserving and honoring Tamil history was demonstrated by the founding of the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre in Singapore and his involvement in the Maha Kumbabhishekam ceremony at Jakarta’s Murugan Temple.
While inaugurating the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 at Varanasi, the PM flagged off the Kanyakumari–Varanasi Tamil Sangamam train and launched multilingual and Braille translations of the Thirukkural, Manimekalai, and other classic Tamil literary works. He has released the Thirukkural in Gujarati and in Tok Pisin, the language of Papua New Guinea, to bring Indian thought and culture closer to the people of this southwestern Pacific nation. These initiatives reinforce his deep connection with Tamil Nadu and underscore India’s broader commitment to preserving and promoting its rich heritage.
A future of togetherness
Thousands of participants from Tamil Nadu during this Sangamam will witness firsthand the timeless connections that unite our nation. This event is not merely a celebration; it is a reaffirmation of our collective identity.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India continues to walk the path of cultural inclusivity, ensuring that every language, every tradition, and every community finds its due recognition in our national narrative. As we celebrate Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2025, let us remind ourselves that our diversity is not a challenge to overcome—it is a treasure to cherish.
The unity of Kashi and Tamil Nadu is the unity of Bharat itself. Let us celebrate it today and always.
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Dr Loganathan Murugan
(Union minister of state for information & broadcasting and parliamentary affairs)