Today, November 19, in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the "Kashi Tamil Sangamam." The one-month long programme was created to rekindle the intellectual ties and historical ties that formerly existed between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. More than 2,500 delegates from Tamil Nadu will take part in special programmes at the "Kashi Tamil Sangamam" to network with locals who share their interests and professions. Additionally, the delegates will travel to interesting locations in and near Varanasi.
The 'Kashi Tamil Sangamam' is working with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) as a knowledge partner. The Prime Minister will speak with the delegates from Tamil Nadu during the opening ceremony.
The event will have several academic events and interactive sessions on different themes like literature, heritage, rural scenario, culture and identity among others. These sessions will be an opportunity for scholars, intellectuals and students from Kashi and Tamil Nadu to discuss and connect with each other and share their knowledge for mutual benefit.
There will be an exhibition by the Central Bureau of Communication focusing on the Tamil heroes of the Indian freedom struggle. Cultural programmes will also be held where over 700 artists will be performing various Tamil folk, tribal and classical dance forms and theatrical performances. Several artists from Tamil Nadu including prominent musician Illaiyaraja will perform at the inaugural ceremony.
The National Book Trust is planning to exhibit books on Tamil Nadu and Kashi at the event. A number of films on Tamil Nadu’s culture, heritage and art will also be screened. Moreover, there will be twenty stalls exhibiting Tamil Nadu’s handicrafts and handloom where about 132 products from Tamil Nadu will be put up. Ten stalls are also being set up to provide Tamil food to participants and guests.
The academic programmes will be attended by students from BHU and other higher education institutions. They will research the various sectors' comparative behaviours in the two places and note down their insights.