“Our sages have said - 'Eko Aham Bahu Syam'! That is, the same consciousness is manifested in different forms. We can see this philosophy in the context of Kashi and Tamil Nadu. Both Kashi and Tamil Nadu are timeless centers of culture and civilisation. Both regions are centers of the world's most ancient languages of Sanskrit and Tamil. If Baba Vishwanath is in Kashi, then Tamil Nadu is blessed by Lord Rameshwaram. Both Kashi and Tamil Nadu are ‘Shivmay’ (drenched in the devotion of Lord Shiva) and ‘Shaktimay’ (drenched in the devotion of Goddess Shakti). There is Kashi in itself and there is Dakshin Kashi in Tamil Nadu. Both have their own importance in the form of 'Kashi-Kanchi' in the ‘Sapta Puris’ (seven holy pilgrimage sites in Hinduism).”
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Bharat is a living mosaic of cultures, customs, and traditions. Despite distinct religious, regional, and linguistic identities, a shared national ethos unites Indians—reinforcing the idea that differences are a source of strength. This unity in diversity represents a collective resilience and coalescence of myriad identities into a vibrant, harmonious whole.

In the words of PM Modi, it is a living mantra of ‘Sam Vo Manasi Jaanatham’ (understanding each other’s mind). The Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a modern link in this eternal continuity, acting as a bridge between different traditions of thought, partaking in their dynamism, and enhancing reciprocity—all while complementing and strengthening the bonds of cultural and civilisational kinship.

Rooted in the PM’s idea of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, the Sangamam was inaugurated in November 2022 for the first time. There have existed age-old links between Kashi and Tamil Nadu—the two historic centers of intellectual and spiritual genius. The Sangamam, under PM Modi’s leadership, was started to reinvigorate these linkages, the shared identity, and the ancient manifestations of our collective culture of Bharatiyata.

Initiated in 2022, the Sangamam serves as a unique platform uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds such as scholars, students, philosophers, traders, artisans, and artists from Tamil Nadu and Kashi. This visionary program fosters the exchange of knowledge, culture, and best practices, promoting a harmonious coexistence of traditions.

Since its inception, the Sangamam has garnered immense participation, drawing in heads of mutts, students, artists, authors, craftsmen, and professionals, establishing itself as an influential forum for dialogue and idea exchange.

In its 2023 edition, over 1,400 representatives were categorised into seven groups symbolising the sacred rivers of India, each representing a distinct facet of society, such as students (Ganga), teachers (Yamuna), professionals (Godavari), spiritual leaders (Saraswati), farmers and artisans (Narmada), writers (Sindhu), and traders and businessmen (Kaveri). These representatives travelled from Chennai, Coimbatore, and Kanyakumari to Kashi, also visiting Prayagraj and Ayodhya as part of their itinerary.

The event showcased a blend of Tamil Nadu and Kashi's rich cultural heritage through stalls exhibiting art, handlooms, handicrafts, cuisine, and other specialties. Cultural programs held at the Namo Ghat in Kashi seamlessly blended the two regions' distinct yet shared traditions.

Throughout the event, a multitude of seminars, discussions, lectures, and exchanges explored various domains of knowledge, spanning literature, ancient texts, philosophy, spirituality, music, dance, drama, yoga, ayurveda, handloom, handicrafts, and modern innovations, including business exchanges and EdTech. Local practitioners and scholars actively participated, fostering the emergence of practical knowledge and innovation in diverse fields.

Crucially, the Sangamam has proven instrumental in providing a stage for local artisans and artists to showcase their talent and traditional crafts. This not only propels economic empowerment at the grassroots level but also safeguards the preservation of traditional art forms integral to the cultural identity of both Varanasi and Tamil Nadu. The event has also proven to be a catalyst for tourism, contributing immensely to the local economy.

During the event, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Kanyakumari – Varanasi Tamil Sangamam train and launched multi-language and Braille translations of Thirukkural, Manimekalai, and other classic Tamil literature, further emphasising the commitment to cultural inclusivity. A collaborative initiative between Banaras Hindu University and IIT Chennai, named the Vidya Shakti Initiative, has also been underway, where IIT Chennai is providing online support to thousands of students in Varanasi in Science and Mathematics.

The Prime Minister highlighted the emotional and creative bond between the people of Kashi and Tamil Nadu, as seen in the establishment of the sacred Sengol in the new Parliament under the supervision of Adheenam saints.

In the backdrop of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Kashi Tamil Sangamam emerges as a remarkable celebration of India’s inclusivity. It also serves as a means to preserve languages, empowering local artists, and boosting tourism, reflecting a holistic approach to cultural development. Yet again, the Sangamam reasserts and reaffirms PM Modi’s idea of Bharatiyata—of Nattu Nalane Namadu Nalan meaning that national interest is our interest—a representation of our policy of IndiaFirst across paradigms and platforms.