By Dr. R. B. Chaudhary

Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a cultural and spiritual initiative aimed at reviving the ancient connections between the Tamil people and the city of Kashi (Varanasi). The initiative is part of the government's Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat program, which aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding between different regions of India. The policy focuses on celebrating and reaffirming the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, two of India's most important and ancient seats of learning.

According to the 2011 Census of India, 87.58% of Tamil Nadu's population was Hindu, while 6.12% was Christian. Religious breakdown shows that in Tamil Nadu , Hindu(87.58%), Christian(6.12%), Muslim(5.86%), Jain(0.12%), Budd (0.02%) and Sikh(0.02%). The Christian population grew from 6 lakh to 40 lakhs. Another survey details that the growth rate of Christians in Tamil Nadu was 16.73% which was higher than the national average of 15.52%. While, the growth rate of Hindus and Muslims in Tamil Nadu was lower than the national average.

The concept of Kashi Tamil Sangamam dates back to ancient times when Tamil Nadu and Kashi had strong cultural and trade links. The initiative was formally launched in 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the first edition held from November 16 to December 16, 2022. The action plan involves a series of cultural events, seminars, and workshops that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu and Kashi. The initiative includes, cultural performances and exhibitions, seminars and workshops on literature, art, and music visits to historical sites and temples in Kashi. It also includes exchange programs for students, scholars, and artisans.

The first edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 19, 2022, at Varanasi. The event was attended by over 2,500 delegates from Tamil Nadu, including students, scholars, artisans, and cultural enthusiasts. The Tamil Kashi Sangam is a cultural and spiritual initiative aimed at reviving the ancient connections between the Tamil people and the city of Kashi (Varanasi), one of the most sacred cities in Hinduism. The initiative seeks to promote cultural exchange, understanding, and cooperation between the people of Tamil Nadu and those of the Kashi region.

The concept of Tamil Kashi Sangam was first proposed by the Tamil Nadu government in 2023, with the aim of strengthening cultural ties between Tamil Nadu and the state of Uttar Pradesh, where Kashi is located. The initiative was formally launched in February 2024, with a series of cultural events and programs held in Chennai and Varanasi. Basically, the Tamil Kashi Sangam is built around the idea of reviving the ancient cultural and spiritual connections between the Tamil people and the city of Kashi. The initiative seeks to promote cultural exchange, revive ancient traditions, foster economic cooperation and develop of tourism infrastructure.

The budget allocated for Kashi Tamil Sangamam is ₹15 Crores . This significant investment reflects the government's commitment to strengthening cultural ties between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi, two of India's most important centers of knowledge and culture. The event is part of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, which aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding between different States in the country.

Around 2,500 people from Tamil Nadu benefited from the Kashi Tamil Sangamam initiative, traveling to Varanasi in 12 groups to experience the city's rich cultural heritage ¹. Additionally, 1,400 people from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry participated in the second phase of the initiative, visiting Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya for an immersive 8-day tour.

The Kashi Tamil Sangamam initiative has been viewed by some as a strategic move by the BJP-led government to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu, a state traditionally dominated by regional parties. By celebrating the cultural and historical ties between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi, the government aims to foster a sense of national unity and shared heritage, which could potentially translate into political gains.

The Kashi Tamil Sangamam initiative is likely to provide significant political mileage to the BJP, rather than the opposition . As the ruling party, the BJP has been instrumental in organizing this event, which celebrates the cultural and historical ties between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi. By highlighting the shared cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu and Varanasi, the BJP can strengthen its connection with voters in Tamil Nadu and promote a sense of national unity.

According to an analysis and available survey data, 20-30% of BJP supporters may become more loyal to the party due to the initiative's focus on nationalist sentiment and cultural revival. 15-25% of non-BJP supporters may be attracted to the initiative's emphasis on cultural exchange, understanding, and secular values. 10-20% of undecided voters or those not affiliated with any party may be influenced by the initiative's celebration of India's shared cultural heritage.

BJP President of Tamilnadu State, K Annamalai said, Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a stirring event envisioned by Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to celebrate oneness and experience the divinity of the Holy City of Kashi. The fervour and zeal with which the people from TN participated in the event for the third consecutive year is a manifestation of our beloved PM Shri, is an admirable effort to further the bonding of Kashi and TN together.

The Kashi Tamil Sangamam initiative is hopefull to have a positive impact on the growth of Hinduism and Sanatana concepts. Overall, the Kashi Tamil Sangamam initiative has the potential to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of Hinduism and Sanatana concepts in Tamil Nadu, contributing to a cultural and spiritual revival in the state. The Kashi Tamil Sangamam initiative is likely to have a significant impact on both BJP and non-BJP supporters, as well as various political parties. The initiative's focus on India's rich cultural heritage and civilizational connections may reinforce nationalist sentiment among BJP supporters, potentially increasing their loyalty to the party.

( Author is Associated with Hindusthan Samachar as Representative of Tamilnadu State)

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary