Tamil knows no borders, strengthens One India through Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and shared heritage: PM Modi

A few days ago, I was in the sacred land of Somnath to be part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, marking a thousand years since the first attack on Somnath, which took place in 1026. People from across India had gathered to be part of this moment of remembrance. During the programme, I met a few people who had earlier visited Somnath during the Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam and had also been to Kashi during the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. Their words of appreciation for such platforms touched me, and I felt like sharing a few thoughts on the subject.

During one of the Mann Ki Baat programmes, I had said that not learning Tamil is a major regret of my life. Fortunately, over the last few years, our government has had several opportunities to further popularise Tamil culture across India and deepen the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. A prime example of this effort is the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. In our ethos, Sangam, or confluence, holds a special place.

And what could be a better place than Kashi to host such a Sangamam-the same Kashi that has remained a civilisational anchor from time immemorial, where for thousands of years people from all over have come in search of knowledge, meaning and moksha.


Kashi's connection with Tamil people and culture runs deep. It is in Kashi that Baba Vishwanath resides, while Tamil Nadu is home to Rameswaram. Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu is known as the Kashi of the south, or Dakshin Kashi. Saint Kumaraguruparar Swamigal forged a lasting link between Kashi and Tamil Nadu through his spirituality, scholarship and institution-building. Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, one of Tamil Nadu's greatest sons, found in Kashi a space for intellectual growth and spiritual awakening. It was here that his nationalism deepened, his poetry sharpened and his vision of a free, united India took clearer shape. There are many such instances that highlight this close bond.

The first edition of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam was held in 2022. I recall attending the inauguration programme. Scholars, artisans, students, farmers, writers, professionals and others from Tamil Nadu travelled to Kashi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya.

Subsequent editions expanded the scale and depth of the initiative. The effort was to introduce fresh themes, innovative formats and deeper engagement, ensuring that the Sangamam continued to evolve while remaining rooted in its core spirit. In the second edition in 2023, technology was used more extensively to ensure that language did not become a barrier. The third edition focused on Indian knowledge systems, alongside academic discussions, cultural performances, exhibitions and interactions, all of which saw greater participation. Thousands of people have taken part in these events.

The fourth edition of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam commenced on December 2, 2025. The theme chosen-Tamil Karkalam (Learn Tamil)-was particularly interesting. It offered a unique opportunity for people in Kashi and elsewhere to learn the beautiful Tamil language. Teachers from Tamil Nadu participated, and students in Kashi had a memorable experience.

One of the aspects that makes me most happy about the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam is the participation of thousands of young people. It reflects the passion among our Yuva Shakti to deepen their connection with our roots. I would also like to appreciate the sisters and brothers of Kashi and Uttar Pradesh for the warmth and hospitality extended to the delegates of the various Kashi-Tamil Sangamams. As the MP from Varanasi, I could not be prouder.

This time of the year is especially auspicious for people across India. Festivals such as Sankranti, Uttarayan, Pongal and Magh Bihu are being celebrated with great enthusiasm. These festivals, among other things, are associated with the Sun, nature and farming. I convey my best wishes on these occasions and hope they continue to inspire us to deepen national unity through our shared heritage and collective participation.