Chennai: The fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangam, a cultural initiative reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of strengthening national integration, will commence in Varanasi on December 2 with the theme “Let's Learn Tamil,” Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan said on Monday.

Speaking about the annual event, Murugan said the Sangam celebrates the deep civilisational bond between Kashi — considered the country's oldest seat of spiritual heritage — and Tamil Nadu. He noted that from the Sangam era to Mahakavi Bharathiyar, numerous scholars have highlighted Kashi's cultural influence on Tamil society.

Describing the Hanuman Padithurai in Kashi, where Bharathiyar once lived, as a sacred pilgrimage site for Tamils, Murugan said the historic Sri Kashi Nattukottai Nagarathar Chatraam at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has upheld Tamil culture for more than two centuries. He added that public participation in the festival from Tamil Nadu has been rising every year.

This year's theme aims to create opportunities for students from across India to learn Tamil. The programme will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, seven groups from Tamil Nadu will visit Kashi from December 2 to 15 to explore cultural linkages and gain a spiritual experience. Additionally, 50 teachers from Tamil Nadu will travel to Varanasi to teach Tamil under the “Learn Tamil” initiative.

In the second phase, around 300 students from Varanasi will visit Tamil Nadu between December 15 and 31 to experience Tamil culture, heritage, and language.

Murugan said the Sangam will further promote the pride associated with Tamil language and culture, reiterating the Prime Minister's assertion that “Tamil culture and Tamil language are India's great treasures.”