Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 to Strengthen Cultural Ties Between Kashi and Tamil Nadu

New Delhi, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : The fifth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam is set to enhance the long-standing cultural connections between Kashi and Tamil Nadu. On October 22, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the registration portal for the event, which will take place from November 28 to December 12, 2026, across 1,000 higher education institutions in India. This initiative aims to provide insights into linguistic diversity and knowledge traditions.

This year’s theme is “Read and Understand Thirukkural,” focusing on disseminating the moral and life values embedded in the ancient Tamil text among the youth and students of the country. The program will leverage educational activities, study materials in various languages, and public participation. The goal is to ensure that the teachings of this text are not just read but integrated into daily life.

During the launch of the registration portal, Minister Pradhan emphasized India’s rich tradition of cultural unity. He noted the deep cultural ties between the north and south of the country, referencing the historical pilgrimages to Kashi and Rameswaram. This connection reflects centuries of interaction between the two regions. The Kashi Tamil Sangamam will bring together students, teachers, writers, professionals, farmers, artists, women, and spiritual scholars on a common platform.

Awareness programs will also be conducted at higher education institutions to help students grasp the objectives of the event. The minister stated that the Kashi Tamil Sangamam plays a vital role in strengthening national unity and celebrating India’s shared cultural heritage. It also promotes the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”

According to the Ministry of Education, approximately 1,400 participants from Tamil Nadu will take part in the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0. They will be divided into seven groups of around 200 each, with each group embarking on an eight-day journey. This journey will include four days of travel and four days dedicated to visiting various sites and participating in scheduled activities. The itinerary will feature cultural, educational, thematic, and spiritual activities in Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya.

This edition places a special emphasis on the involvement of youth and students. It aims to introduce the new generation to India’s ancient knowledge traditions and inspire them to adopt these values in modern education, professional life, and society.

Programs involving student participation will be organized across 1,000 higher education institutions nationwide under the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 initiative. The objective is to foster an understanding of the teachings of Thirukkural among students from diverse subjects and linguistic backgrounds. These programs will include structured studies of the text, research, and various activities in educational institutions.

The first edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam was held in 2022, and the subsequent four editions have facilitated the exchange of knowledge, language, traditions, and life experiences between the people of Kashi and Tamil Nadu. The initiative is managed by the higher education department of the Ministry of Education, with support from IIT Madras, Banaras Hindu University, the Central Institute of Classical Tamil in Chennai, the Uttar Pradesh government, and various ministries and departments of the central government.