Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India is a country which has lived a natural cultural unity for several centuries. He emphasised on Kashi’s cultural antiquity and pride. Notably, Kashi is the cultural capital of India and Tamil Nadu.
The Prime Minister said people should work to eliminate linguistic disparities and promote emotional oneness in the nation while opening the “Kashi Tamil Sangamam” here on Saturday. He published the English translations of “Thirukkural,” a book originally written in Tamil, and spoke with Tamil Nadu students visiting Varanasi.
The “aadhinams” (religious leaders) of Tamil Nadu’s various temples and monasteries were honoured by PM Modi.
“Our nation has the magnificent glory of ‘confluence’, be it the confluence of rivers, ideology, science or knowledge. Every confluence of culture and tradition is celebrated and revered in India. In reality, it is a celebration of India’s might and characteristics, making the Kashi-Tamil Sangam unique,” he said.
“Our nation’s cultural hub today is Kashi, which encompasses the entirety of India. On the other hand, Tamil Nadu and the Tamil culture are the foundation of India’s antiquity and pride. This confluence is as sacred as the Ganga and the Yamuna. Like Ganga and Yamuna, it is a source of limitless potential and power,” he added.
He asserted that Tamil Nadu and Kashi are both excellent sources of literature, music, and the arts.
Tabla is utilised in Kashi, while tannumai is played in Tamil Nadu. Kanjeevaram silk from Tamil Nadu is famous across the world, while Banarasi sarees are produced in Kashi. The greatest Indian spiritual masters were both born and raised there. Saint Thiruvalluvar’s devotion is from Tamil Nadu, while Bhakta Tulsi is from Kashi. In every aspect of life, he claimed, one can perceive the spirit of Tamil Nadu and Kashi.
Hee said of Tamil, one of the oldest living languages in the world, “we lack in honouring it fully.”
The Prime Minister said, “This is the responsibility of 130 crore Indians to preserve the legacy of Tamil and enrich it. If we ignore Tamil, we do a great disservice to the nation, and if we keep Tamil confined in restrictions, we will do great harm to it. We have to remember to remove linguistic differences and establish emotional unity.”
The Prime Minister said that the Sangamam is a unique experience and expressed the hope that people of Kashi will leave no stone unturned in providing memorable hospitality.
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan were also present on the occassion.