Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 to Begin December 2, Rekindling the Civilisational Bond Between Tamil Nadu and Kashi
The fourth edition marks a shift into a stronger linguistic and educational phase, foregrounding structured Tamil learning and two-way knowledge exchange.
New Delhi, December 1: The fourth edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) will begin on December 2, marking another milestone in the cultural, linguistic and civilisational exchange between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. Anchored in the theme “Let Us Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam,” this year’s programme places structured Tamil learning and two-way linguistic engagement at the core of the initiative.
According to the press release issued by the Ministry of Education, more than 1,400 delegates from Tamil Nadu representing seven broad categories—including students, teachers, writers, agricultural workers, artisans, women, and spiritual scholars—will participate in curated activities in Kashi. The expanded scope reinforces the government’s aim to deepen cultural appreciation and people-to-people connections across regions.
Tamil Learning Programme Across Uttar Pradesh Schools
A key highlight of KTS 4.0 is the structured Tamil learning programme for students in Uttar Pradesh. Fifty Tamil-speaking teachers, including those from DBHPS (Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha), will be deployed across 10 Kashi-region schools from December 2 to 15. Each cohort will undergo a 10-day module covering spoken Tamil, cultural narratives, literature, and music, with certification from the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT).
In addition, students from Uttar Pradesh pursuing Tamil studies in various universities will join curated tours and immersive cultural sessions.
Institutions Participating in KTS 4.0
Delegates from several educational institutions—including IIT Madras, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Sri Sankara Arts & Science College, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Gandhigram Rural Institute, and others—will take part in the programme, which blends academic exchange with cultural immersion.
Sage Agastya Vehicle Expedition to Trace Ancient Knowledge Routes
One of the most symbolic initiatives of this edition is the Sage Agastya Vehicle Expedition (SAVE), which travels from Tenkasi to Kashi from December 2 to 19. The expedition pays tribute to legendary sage Agastya and Tamil Nadu’s contribution to Indian knowledge systems. The route highlights civilisational linkages across the Chera, Chola, Pallava and Vijayanagara regions, and celebrates the legacy of Pandiyan ruler Adi Vera Pandiyan.
A Continuum of Cultural Engagement: From Editions 1.0 to 4.0
Since its launch in 2022 as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Kashi Tamil Sangamam has evolved from a commemorative programme into a continuing cultural bridge between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.
- KTS 1.0 (2022) witnessed participation from over 2,500 delegates, featuring tours across Varanasi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya, along with exhibitions showcasing Tamil crafts and performances.
- KTS 2.0 (2023) brought 1,435 delegates and introduced the first-ever realtime Tamil translation of the Prime Minister’s address, alongside expanded academic and cultural sessions.
- KTS 3.0 (February 2025) deepened intellectual focus through exhibitions, discussions on language and knowledge traditions, and large-scale cultural experiences across Varanasi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya.
What Makes KTS 4.0 Different
The fourth edition marks a shift into a stronger linguistic and educational phase, foregrounding structured Tamil learning and two-way knowledge exchange. The Sangamam aims to translate cultural familiarity into lived experience, enabling deeper language acquisition and contemporary cultural understanding.
Officials note that these efforts align closely with the principles of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, strengthening national unity through cultural, linguistic and educational pathways.
