Tamil is India’s pride, says Modi as Kashiset to host Kashi-Tamil Sangamam 4.0

Varanasi: With Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0, an initiative celebrating the traditional and civilisational links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, set to begin on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the people of Kashi are very eager to welcome their brothers and sisters from Tamil Nadu with full enthusiasm.Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a flagship initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.In his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' address, Modi said the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam has become an important platform for all of those who are attached to the Tamil language.It aims to strengthen cultural bonds between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.Urging citizens to participate in the event and avail an opportunity to learn Tamil, Modi said, "This year's Kashi-Tamil Sangamam has a very interesting theme: Learn Tamil-Tamil Karkalam."Describing the event as the confluence of the world's oldest language and one of the world's oldest cities, Modi said the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam has become an important platform for all of those who are attached to the Tamil language."Whenever one speaks to the people of Kashi… they always say that they enjoy being a part of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. Here they get the opportunity to learn something new and meet new people," the prime minister said."I urge all of you to be a part of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. Along with this, do consider other platforms as well, that strengthen the spirit of 'Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat'," Modi said, adding, "Tamil Kalachaaram Uyarvanad (Tamil culture is great), Tamil Moli Uyarvanad (Tamil language is great), and Tamil Indiavin Perumidam (Tamil is the pride of India)."Meanwhile, the run for Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 was attended by a large number of students.The event was hosted by BHU, the academic partner of the programme, being organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, Govt of India.The marathon was flagged off by BHU Vice-Chancellor Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, who appreciated the participation of students, as well as teaching and non-teaching staff. He remarked, "BHU is a microcosm of the nation itself. People from various parts of the nation come and become a part of this university."Prof Chaturvedi said that the run spreads awareness about Kashi Tamil Sangamam and celebrates the cultural diversity and heritage of our country. Speaking about the Sangamam, he added that it represents a confluence of various domains — spirituality, intellect, philosophy, and religion.In his address, the nodal officer for KTS 4.0, Prof Anchal Srivastava, said that apart from 'Run for KTS', BHU has been organising a series of pre-event activities across Varanasi. Today's event was coordinated by Prof Bhuwan Chandra Kapri, department of physical education, faculty of arts, with Dr Rajeev Kumar Singh, assistant director, Physical Education & Sports, serving as co-coordinator.