Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 | 19 Feb 2025

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

The 3rd edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 3.0), a cultural confluence between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, is being held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. 

What are the Key Highlights of KTS 3.0? 

  • Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 3.0) coincides with Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj and provides an opportunity to visit the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya for the first time post-inauguration. 
    • The 1st edition of KTS was held in 2022, while the 2nd in 2023. 
  • It features around 1,000 delegates from Tamil Nadu across 5 categories, including students, teachers, writers, farmers, artisans, professionals, entrepreneurs, SHGs, and innovation communities.  
    • Also, joined by 200 Tamil-origin students from Central Universities, enhancing the event’s diversity and engagement. 
  • Central Theme: “Legacy of Sage Agastya”. 

What is Kashi Tamil Sangamam? 

  • About: 
    • It is a cultural initiative that aims to celebrate the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties and strengthen the ancient civilizational bond between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi). 
    • The event aligns with the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, emphasizing the integration of India’s diverse cultural heritage.  
  • Historical Significance: 
    • The historical ties between Kashi (Uttar Pradesh) and Tamil Nadu date back to the 15th century when King Parakrama Pandya of Madurai traveled to Kashi to bring back a sacred lingam for his temple (Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu). 
    • The Pandya rulers also established the Kasi Viswanathar Temple in Tenkasi, located in southwestern Tamil Nadu, near the Kerala border. 
    • This deep-rooted spiritual and cultural connection underscores the essence of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam initiative. 
  • Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Education in collaboration with various ministries and the Government of Uttar Pradesh. 
  • Objectives: 
    • Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging interactions between scholars, researchers, artisans, and professionals. 
    • Academic Collaboration: Facilitating discussions on Indian Knowledge Systems in alignment with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 
    • Promoting Traditional Art and Craft: Showcasing classical Tamil art, literature, and cuisine to a national audience. 
    • Youth Engagement: Providing young participants an immersive experience in India’s civilizational ethos. 

Agastya Muni 

  • He is a revered Saptarishi in Vedic and Puranic texts, considered the father of Tamil language and Siddha medicine, with his works, Agastya Samhita and Naadi Shastra, being foundational to Siddha medicine. 
  • He composed the first Tamil grammar, Agattiyam, and introduced the Tamil script.  
  • He is also revered in Java and Sumatra for spreading Indian culture and credited with propagating Vedic culture in South India, Aryanizing the Yadavas, and advancing Tampa Parniyan medicine and spirituality.  
  • He is mentioned in Ramayana, with his hermitage on the banks of the Godavari River.