Kashi Tamil Sangamam Phase 2 Launched: IIT Madras Unveils Registration Portal for Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Program

In an effort to foster cultural ties between Varanasi and Tamil Nadu, the second phase of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) has been officially launched by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras on November 27, 2023. The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, scheduled from December 17 to December 30, aims to deepen the historical connections between these two vibrant centers of learning and culture in ancient India.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, KTS Phase 2 envisions the participation of approximately 1400 individuals from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Facilitated by a meticulously planned itinerary, the participants will embark on an 8-day immersive tour, inclusive of travel time, covering Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya.

The delegates will be categorized into seven groups, each named after a sacred river - Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Sindhu, Narmada, Godavari, and Kaveri - representing diverse backgrounds such as students, teachers, farmers, artisans, traders, businessmen, religious leaders, writers, and professionals. With a crisper format, the program emphasizes awareness generation, outreach, and the exchange of ideas and best practices among different domains.

The Ministry of Education will oversee the program, with collaboration from various ministries, including Culture, Railways, Tourism, Textiles, Food Processing (ODOP), MSME, I&B, SD&E, and relevant departments of the Uttar Pradesh government. Capitalizing on the success of Phase I, IIT Madras and BHU (Banaras Hindu University) will serve as the implementing agencies in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, respectively.

The delegate itinerary includes visits to historical, tourist, and religious sites, fostering interactions with the local population in Uttar Pradesh. Stalls showcasing art, culture, handlooms, handicrafts, cuisine, and special products from both Tamil Nadu and Varanasi will be set up. Additionally, cultural programs blending the rich traditions of Tamil Nadu and Kashi will be organized at Namo Ghat in Varanasi.

To facilitate academic exchanges, seminars, discussions, lectures, and demonstrations on various facets of knowledge, such as literature, ancient texts, philosophy, spirituality, music, dance, drama, yoga, Ayurveda, handlooms, handicrafts, as well as modern innovations, trade exchanges, edutech, and other next-gen technologies will be organized. Practical practitioners from both regions will actively participate, contributing to a body of practical knowledge and innovations.

IIT Madras, in coordination with identified institutions in Tamil Nadu, will conduct dedicated awareness generation and outreach activities through workshops, seminars, meetings, and other campaigns from December 1st to December 31st.

Applications are now open on the KTS portal, and the selection of delegates will be carried out by a specially constituted selection committee. The inaugural edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam in 2022 saw over 2500 participants from Tamil Nadu, representing 12 different walks of life, immersing themselves in the cultural tapestry of Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya during the 8-day tour.