NE YOUTH BUREAU
CHENNAI, DEC 27
Education seamlessly merged with cultural discovery as students from Varanasi explored Tamil Nadu under the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 initiative, gaining first-hand exposure to the State’s rich academic, linguistic and traditional heritage.
The student group from Varanasi met V. K. Munusamy, gaining insight into the art of terracotta and its deep cultural roots.
The interaction offered a rare opportunity to learn directly from a master craftsman, adding a meaningful artistic exchange to their Kashi Tamil Sangamam… pic.twitter.com/9NYe6oaqkW
— Kashi Tamil Sangamam (@KTSangamam) December 27, 2025
As part of the tour, the students visited Ganapathy Tulsi Jain Engineering College, where special programmes were organised under the ‘Tamil Karkalam’ theme. The sessions introduced them to the Tamil language and customs through interactive learning modules designed to make cultural exchange engaging and meaningful.
- ‘Tamil Karkalam’ sessions blend academics with cultural immersion
- Students from Varanasi learn spoken Tamil and savour regional traditions
- Ancient martial art Silambam introduces discipline, balance and self-defence
- IIT Madras and Puducherry beach sessions deepen mind–body–culture connect
During the language workshops held on campus, students learned basic Tamil words and commonly used daily expressions. Beyond classrooms, they experienced Tamil culture through its cuisine and customs, discovering how language, food and tradition together offer a holistic understanding of a region’s identity.
Adding a powerful dimension to the journey, the students were introduced to Silambam, Tamil Nadu’s ancient stick-based martial art. The training instilled lessons of self-discipline, coordination and confidence, while offering a deeper connection with the State’s indigenous physical traditions.
Silambam, one of India’s oldest martial art forms, is traditionally practised using a bamboo staff known as the silambam. The art also incorporates weapons such as swords, daggers and the flexible sword urumi. Known for its rhythmic movements, agile footwork and intense mental focus, Silambam finds mention in Sangam literature and once enjoyed royal patronage under the Chola, Chera and Pandya dynasties. Today, it is recognised not only as a cultural treasure but also for its physical and mental wellness benefits.
The learning journey continued at IIT Madras, where a dedicated programme on mental and physical well-being was organised. The day began with a rejuvenating yoga session, followed by interactive Tamil language classes conducted by experts from the Centre for Indian Classical Traditions (CICT). Through engaging activities, students learned conversational Tamil, fostering curiosity and active participation.
In the final leg of the tour, students participated in a Silambam practice session at Bommayapalayam Beach in Puducherry. Conducted against the open seashore, the session offered a unique blend of nature, tradition and discipline, transforming martial training into a deeply immersive cultural experience.
Under Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0, the journey emerged as a vibrant platform for understanding language, culture and life values, further strengthening the cultural bridge between North and South India.
