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BJP National President addresses “Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0” in Varanasi
BJP National President and union Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Mandir and addressed Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on 21 February. Shri Nadda highlighted the deep cultural bond between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, emphasizing that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, continuous efforts are being made to unify the nation, from East to West and North to South. During the event, Tamil Nadu BJP President Shri K. Annamalai was also present.
Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda said that the Kashi Tamil Sangamam represents the confluence of two rich cultures. Despite their diversity, the essence of India’s unity is reflected in this gathering. Tamil Nadu’s language and culture share an ancient connection with Kashi. In the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,’ this third edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam is being organized to celebrate unity in diversity. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, several efforts have been made to strengthen national unity, bridging the East and West, North and South.
The BJP National President highlighted the deep cultural connection between Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh through the Madhavpur Mela, which celebrates Rukmini’s journey from Dwarka. He emphasized that initiatives like Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam reflect Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s decade-long vision of uniting India’s linguistic and cultural heritage. PM Shri Narendra Modi has showcased India’s linguistic diversity not just within the country but globally. Tamil poet and freedom fighter Subramania Bharati studied in Kashi and dedicated his life to India’s independence, spending years resisting British rule.
After returning to Tamil Nadu, he continued his fight for freedom. In the 15th century, Raja Pandian built a Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu for devotees who couldn’t visit Kashi. This temple became a spiritual alternative for those unable to seek Baba’s blessings in Kashi.
Kashi-Tamil culture highlights Agastya Rishi’s legacy
Shri Nadda expressed his privilege in witnessing the Uttar Pradesh government’s exhibition on Agastya Rishi. He noted that Kashi-Tamil culture highlights Agastya Rishi’s legacy—born in Kashi but dedicated his life to Tamil Nadu. Known as the creator of Tamil grammar, his birth anniversary is celebrated as ‘Siddha Day,’ symbolizing the deep-rooted ties between Kashi and Tamil Nadu. The Agastya Kundh at the Agastya Rishi Mandir further reinforces this bond.
Shri Narendra Modi, through the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, emphasized unity in diversity, a sentiment reflected in this event. Today, over 200 Tamil devotees and self-help group members will journey from Tamil Nadu to Kashi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh, strengthening India’s rich cultural fabric, he said.
India’s unity in diversity
Shri Nadda highlighted that the Tamil Sangamam is being revitalized with the support of IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University. The enthusiastic participation of Kashi’s people reflects India’s unity in diversity. This event beautifully blends India’s rich culture, the ancient Tamil language, and Sanskrit’s glorious tradition. Reviving this initiative after a long time is truly commendable. Visitors will carry cherished memories of Kashi, while guests from Tamil Nadu will share and celebrate their cultural heritage.