Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan today said that the bond between Kashi and Tamil Nadu is not merely historical, but a profound civilisational and spiritual continuum that has united Bharat for thousands of years. He noted that such exchanges reaffirm India’s shared heritage and deepen the sense of national integration. He was addressing the valedictory function of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 held at Rameshwaram.

 

Quoting Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, the Vice-President observed that the Kashi Tamil Sangamam reflects the poet’s vision of a united, integrated and confident India. He said that Bharati’s dream is being realised today through the far-sighted vision and focused initiatives of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

 

Speaking at the function, Union Minister of Education, Shri. Dharmendra Pradhan said that, with a confluence like Kashi Tamil Sangamam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sown the seeds to celebrate our shared heritage, instil a sense of pride in our intellectual, spiritual and cultural heritage, as well as strengthen national cohesion and unity. He also said that the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, beginning from the banks of Kashi and culminating at the shores of Rameshwaram, has reinforced the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and has brought our people, culture and centuries-old ties closer together.

 

The Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi said that the link between Kashi and Tamil is a few thousand years old, since Shri Ram ji’s period, and the faith and devotion of Lord Shiva is the main culture of the Tamil People. He also said that the Kasi Tamil Sangamam has gained fame every year and highlighted this year’s theme, which is that let’s learn Tamil.

 

Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr L. Murugan, highlighted the link between Kashi and various pilgrimage places of Tamil Nadu. He also elaborated on the mention of Kashi in ancient Tamil literature. Lauding the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in realising the people’s dream to visit Kashi and Rameshwaram. He also thanked the Prime Minister for taking efforts to spread the  Tamil language in the international arena, by making the Thiruvalluvar cultural centres.