Varanasi, Feb 15: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister of State for Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan inaugurated the third edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam at Namo Ghat here in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.

This 10-day event highlights the significant contributions of Sage Agasthyar to the Siddha System of Medicine (Bharatiya Chikitsa), classical Tamil literature, and his contributions to the cultural unity of the nation.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Pradhan quoted a Tamil verse by Pandya King Parakrama Pandiyan: Neerellam Gangai, Nilamellam Kashi (‘नीरेल्लाम्गंगे, निलमेल्लाम्कासी'), which means all water is as sacred as the Ganga, and every land in Bharat is as revered as Kashi.

Pradhan highlighted that Kashi, one of the world’s oldest living cities and India's cultural capital, stands as a beacon of the civilization’s rich heritage, while Tamil Nadu, the epitome of Tamil culture, represents the heart of India’s ancient wisdom and literary glory.

The Union Minister also emphasized how the Tamil people have carried their culture and traditions across the globe, enriching lives wherever they go.

Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for envisioning the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, Pradhan noted that the event serves as a bridge connecting the sublime traditions of North and South India, reinforcing India’s unity in cultural diversity.

In his speech, CM Adityanath expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for organizing the third edition of KTS in Varanasi and warmly welcomed the delegates attending the event during the Sangamam.

The Chief Minister expressed his delight that the Sangamam coincides with the Mahakumbh, which has already seen participation from nearly 51 crore people and noted that Tamil delegates would also be part of this grand gathering.

While speaking at the event, Dr. L. Murugan stated that the relationship between Kashi and Tamil Nadu spans over 5,000 years, with references found in ancient texts such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as in Sangam literature like Kurunji Thinai, Ettuthogai, and Kalithogai.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam is being organized by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India in collaboration with other ministries including Culture, Textiles, Railways, Tourism, Food Processing, I&B etc. and the Government of UP.

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