Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam

• 20 Apr 2023

Why in News?

Nearly 3,000 people are expected to attend Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam. The festival aims to showcase “age-old ties” and cultural links between two coastal States of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

• The Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam, is similar to the Kashi Tamil Sangamam.

What is Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam?

• Background:
  • Centuries ago, invasions between 600 and 1000 years ago forced numerous individuals to migrate from Saurashtra in Gujarat and establish new settlements in Tamil Nadu's districts around Madurai, now known as Tamil Saurashtrian.
    • People of Gujarati origin have settled in various places in TamilNadu, such as Tiruchi, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, and Salem, creating cultural connections between Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
• Highlights of the Festival:
  • The festival aims to highlight the cultural diversity and strength of India and to reconnect people with pilgrimage destinations and cultural heritage.
  • This event will take place at multiple locations in Gujarat such as Somnath, Dwarka and the Statue of Unity at Kevadia.

• Significance of Logo:
  • It is a representation of the merging of the silk fabric expertise of the Tamil Saurashtrian people and the textile industry of Gujarat.
  • The confluence of the two cultures is depicted through the Somnath temple, the place of origin of the Saurashtrians, and the Meenakshi temple near Madurai, where they settled.
  • A young woman, posing in a dancing posture with dandiya (Gujarat)and bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu) ,embodies the coming together of two art forms.
  • The upper tricolour signifies the message of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,' while the blue colour on the lower side symbolises the merging of the two states with the sea.

What is the Significance of Sangamam?

• Cultural Security: It is as important as other forms of security, such as border security, economic security, food security, social security, and cybersecurity.
  • Protecting cultural links and heritage through Sangamam is essential for maintaining the identity of a nation and has witnessed a cultural revival of India.
• Community Building and Social Cohesion: Sangamam serves as a platform for the community to come together, socialise, and build a sense of community.
  • It also promotes mutual respect, understanding, and harmony among people from different walks of life fostering a sense of unity and togetherness.

What is Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat?

• About: It was launched in 2015 to promote engagement amongst the people of different States/UTs so as to enhance mutual understanding and bonding between people of diverse cultures, thereby securing stronger unity and integrity of India.
• Ministry Involved: The Ministry of Education has been designated as the Nodal Ministry for co-ordination of the programme.
• Activities Under the Scheme: Every State and UT in the country would be paired with another State/UT for a time period, during which they would carry out a structured engagement with one another in the spheres of language, literature, cuisine, festivals, cultural events, tourism etc.

Source: TH