The Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a confluence of different verities of the cultural, philosophical, artistic, linguistic and literary manifestations

The Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 2022 reconnected the age-old interrelation between Rameshwaram and Kashi and rejuvenated the ageless bonds between Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. The KTS 2023 being held from 17th to 30th December is a Sangamam of arts and architecture, languages and literature, philosophies and practices, shastras and sciences, tradition and technology. The connections that exist between Kashi and Tamil Nadu are countless. If the connecting stories start from Maharshi Agastya, who, as directed by Lord Vishwanath at Kashi, went down to Dravida Desha and wrote Tamil grammar a few thousand years ago, the latest connect is IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation partnering with ‘Vidya Shakti’ scheme to provide Science and Maths education to rural, less-privileged students in and around Kashi. About 450 Kashi Vishwanath Temples all over Tamil Nadu including Shivakashi, Tenkashi, Vriddhakashi, etc. are the invigorators of the continuum of aadhyaatmika and saanskritika paramparaa originating from Kashi for several millenniums. From the Vaigai River to the Gangai River, from Madurai Meenakshi to Kashi Vishalakshi, the innate oneness in the cultural and civilisational manifestations is boundless and timeless. The KTS 2023 is for experiencing that oneness.

While inaugurating the KTS on the 17th of December, Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi said that the Aatmiyataa in Vividhataa (Affinity in Diversity) is unique and could not be seen in any other civilisation outside India. Diversities like linguistic, philosophic, traditional, architectural, artistic, cultural, etc. of these two regions of India are innumerable and unparalleled. That is the bonding beauty of Bharat. This beauty of diversity can be sustained only by the strength of unity, and hence, unity is paramount. Affinity among the people is the cementing factor of the unity of the nation. PM Modi said that while the concept of nation is political in other countries, it is spiritual and cultural in India, and this is what has made our nation remain as one for thousands of years. Knowing each other and sharing each other’s life experiences strengthen the affinity.

Seven batches of delegates from Tamil Nadu are named after the seven most sacred rivers of India – Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri which symbolise the civilisational unity and cultural harmony of Bharat. Altogether 64 stalls and exhibitions in the most modern Ghat, the NaMo Ghat, at Varanasi are like 64 Kalaas of ancient India. Cultural programs being held every day are a blend of both Tamil Nadu and Kashi traditions of Arts. The replica of the Sengol, Learn and Enjoy Tamil language Corner, Silk Saris of Kanchipuram and Banaras, ODOP, handloom and handicraft products, etc. are the star attractions of the exhibitions. The launching of 40 Classical Tamil texts in the Braille script by the Prime Minister is the reaffirmation of inclusive education. The release of Tirukkural in seven foreign languages shows the commitment of the Govt. of India to spread Tamil all over the world. Seven academic interactive sessions for exchanging ideas and best practices by the delegates and their counterparts in Kashi opened up new avenues for collaboration. Minister for Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Dr Dharmendra Pradhan, while welcoming the first batch of students, which comprised students from Tamil Nadu, emphasised multilingualism for ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. Most of the delegates from Tamil Nadu didn’t know Hindi and most of the Kashi people didn’t know Tamil. But that wasn’t in any way an impediment for them in communicating with and understanding each other because the affinity as fellow Bharatiya, the oneness within everyone, knowledge of some common vocabulary, common cultural understandings, common moorings, and the absence of any type of divisive walls in their minds made them experience the immense love in each other’s hearts transcending all the barriers.

Bharatiya languages are the primary vehicles of Bharatiya culture, arts, music, thoughts, and the bonds of unity and harmony of the people of Bharat. All are intertwined with each other. The Kashi Tamil Sangamam is not the confluence of two cultures, it is the confluence of different varieties of the cultural, philosophical, artistic, linguistic and literary manifestations of the same one all-inclusive culture, all-pervading and all-encompassing throughout Bharat. Ragas are many, Bhakti is one. Rupas are many, Satya is one. Names are many, Ishwar is one. Systems are many, purpose is one. Languages are many, Bhav is one. Paths are many, destination is one. Regions are many, Bharat is one. It is time to shred off all divisive thought processes and work for “Oru Bharatam, Unnata Bharatam”.

In the history of Classical Tamil literature, there were three great Sangamams of highly learned men at Madurai. Triveni Sangamam at Prayagraj is well known to all. The Ministry of Education has been celebrating Yuva Sangam, Sourashtra Tamil Sangamam and Kashi Tamil Sangamam. Now again it is history in making and Vikasit Bharat in shaping.

(The writer is Chairman Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti views are personal)