New Delhi (India): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the registration portal for the third edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 3.0) on Wednesday. Scheduled to take place from February 15 to 24 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the event celebrates the deep-rooted cultural ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi with the theme Maharishi Agasthyar, honoring the sage’s contributions to Tamil culture and India’s shared heritage.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Pradhan said:
“Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a celebration of the timeless bonds between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. It strengthens the civilisational links and furthers the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Maharishi Agasthyar’s legacy is deeply woven into India’s cultural and spiritual fabric. His intellectual brilliance forms the bedrock of Tamil language and literature, as well as our shared values, knowledge traditions, and heritage.”
Event Highlights
- Duration: 8 days (4 days for travel, 4 days at the site).
- Dates: February 15–24, 2025.
- Special Experiences: Participants will witness the Mahakumbh and visit the newly inaugurated Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
- Significance: The event coincides with the Mahakumbh and is the first Sangamam following the Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya.
Participants and Categories
Around 1,000 delegates from Tamil Nadu will join under five categories:
- Students, Teachers, and Writers.
- Farmers and Artisans (Vishwakarma categories).
- Professionals and Small Entrepreneurs.
- Women: SHG members, Mudra Loan beneficiaries, DBHPS Pracharaks.
- Start-up Innovators, Edu-Tech Professionals, and Researchers.
Additionally, 200 Tamil-origin students from various central universities will participate to strengthen the cultural bond.
Previous Editions
- KTS 1.0 (2022): Lasted a month with overwhelming participation.
- KTS 2.0 (2023): Inaugurated by PM Modi and introduced app-based Tamil translations for delegates.
Both editions drew nearly 4,000 participants and emphasized cultural exchange and learning.
Organizers and Features
KTS 3.0 is organized by the Ministry of Education, with IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) serving as implementing agencies. The event will feature:
- Exhibitions, seminars, and workshops.
- Cultural performances showcasing Tamil and Kashi traditions.
Registrations are open at kashitamil.iitm.ac.in until February 1, 2025.