Varanasi : Banaras Hindu University on Sunday organized an introductory program for Kashi Tamil Sangamam scheduled from 17 November, 2022 to 16 December, 2022. The program is being organized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and Banaras Hindu University is the host institution for the program.
Addressing the gathering at the introductory program, renowned educationist and chairman of Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, Sh. Chamu Krishna Shastry informed that Indians have always been united and unified, irrespective of the diversity in languages, backgrounds, lifestyles or beliefs. The bonds of cordiality, mutual love and respect have always kept us together and the diversity in fact brought us closer to each other, said the Padma Shri awardee Mr. Shastry. He said that Kashi Tamil Sangamam will act as an opportunity for people from both the parts to relive the ancient connect and linkages. Presenting an overall outline of the program, he said that nearly 2500 delegates from Tamil Nadu will be visiting Kashi over the course of one month and will have a memorable stay with enriching experiences. There will be twelve groups comprising nearly 200 members each. These groups will have students, teachers, artisans, those from literature, culture, art, commerce and industry and many more, informed Mr. Shastry. He said that during their stay in Varanasi, the delegates will get to interact with experts and members from their domain area, attend cultural events, visit Sri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, see the KV corridor, attend Ganga Aarti, visit Sarnath, besides other activities planned for them. Organizing Kashi Tamil Sangamam at this time has its own significance. Delegates from Tamil Nadu will be visiting Kashi during Tamil Karthik Masam, during which people in Tamil Nadu lit diyas at Lord Siva temples, said Chamu Krishna Shastry.
Shri Saurabh Srivastava, MLA, Cantt, Varanasi, said that Kashi presents a glimpse of a mini India as people from all the states who speak different languages reside in Kashi. He said that it is a matter of pride for him as a people’s representative that the program in line with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi ji is taking place in Kashi.
Shri Kashi Nath Shastri, well known scholar, who had served the Banaras Hindu University for a long time, said Kashi has always attracted thinkers, philosophers and great personalities. Kashi, which is known for its hospitality, is ready to welcome guests from Tamil Nadu, like it has always done, said Mr. Shastri.
Shri Subramani, from the Shankara Math, Varanasi, said that the idea of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi ji, is bringing people closer to their roots once again. He said that the people of Kashi are ready to greet and welcome the guests from Tamil Nadu and make their stay here a memorable one.
Delivering the presidential address, Prof. H C S Rathore, Nodal Officer, KTS, BHU, said India for decades was subjected to attempts of dividing the country, but our strong cultural roots and rich heritage kept us united and together. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, and from Bhuj to Aizawal, we Indians have always been one. There have been attempts to divide Indians, but none of them were successful. He said that Kashi Tamil Sangamam is the first of its kind program ever which is further strengthening the bond among people of the country. He exhorted everyone from Kashi to gear up to make the Sangamam a great success.
The introductory program for Kashi Tamil Sangamam organized at the Malaviya Mulya Anusheelan Kendra in Banaras Hindu University, was attended by students, faculty members and members of the Tamil community residing in Varanasi. Dr. Jagdeesan, Assistant Professor, Department of Indian Languages, BHU, conducted the program.
Banaras Hindu University is one of the venues of Kashi Tamil Sangamam. The varsity will be hosting and organizing various academic and cultural events during the Sangamam. The main venue at BHU will also have nearly 75 stalls exhibiting the art, handicraft, culture, business, food and cuisine and other specialties of Tamil Nadu, which will provide those in Varanasi an opportunity to have a glimpse of the southern state. Similarly, those visiting the Sangamam, will have an opportunity to know, interact and familiarize with life in Kashi and the treasure it beholds. The broader objective is to bring the two Knowledge and Cultural traditions closer, create an understanding of shared heritage and deepen the people-to-people bond between the regions.
