R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, NOV 22
In a renewed effort to celebrate and deepen India’s civilizational bonds, the Ministry of Education will organise Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 4.0 from December 2, 2025, marking the fourth chapter of one of the country’s most impactful cultural exchange programmes.
Inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Sangamam continues to strengthen the emotional, spiritual, linguistic and cultural bridge between Tamil Nadu and Kashi—two of India’s oldest centres of learning and civilisation. Since its launch in 2022, the initiative has drawn overwhelming public participation and become a flagship event under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
- Over 1,400 delegates to participate in mega civilizational exchange
- “Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam” to be the Central Theme of 2025 Edition
- Focus on cultural immersion, youth linkages and ancient Tamil–Kashi Heritage
A Multi-Ministerial Effort
KTS 4.0 is being jointly coordinated by IIT Madras and BHU Varanasi, with support from several key ministries—Culture, Information & Broadcasting, Tourism, Textiles, MSME, Food Processing, Skill Development—as well as IRCTC and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Theme for 2025: “Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam”
This year’s edition places national focus on Tamil language learning and appreciation of India’s classical linguistic heritage. Over 1,400 delegates from Tamil Nadu will travel under seven curated categories:
- Students
- Teachers
- Writers & Media Professionals
- Agriculture & Allied Sectors
- Professionals & Artisans
- Women
- Spiritual Scholars & Practitioners
Each group will embark on an 8-day experiential journey covering Varanasi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya, engaging in seminars, cultural programmes, literature exchanges, cuisine trails and heritage visits.
Tamil Trail in Kashi
Delegates will visit iconic Tamil-revered sites in Varanasi, including:
- The ancestral residence of Mahakavi Subramanya Bharatiyar
- Kedar Ghat
- Kasi Madam in the famed “Little Tamil Nadu” enclave
- Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Mata Annapurna Temple
A special academic interaction is also planned at BHU’s Tamil Department.
Major Initiatives Under KTS 4.0
- Sage Agasthya Vehicle Expedition: Tenkasi to Kashi
A signature cultural expedition will begin on December 2 from Tenkasi (Dakshin Kashi), retracing the legendary civilizational route associated with Sage Agasthya and the Pandyan ruler Adi Veera Parakrama Pandiyan.
The journey will culminate in Kashi on December 10, highlighting classical Tamil literature, Siddha traditions and civilizational connections spanning the Chera, Chola, Pandya, Pallava, Chalukya and Vijayanagara eras.
- Tamil Teaching in Uttar Pradesh Schools
Under the “Tamil Karkalam” initiative, 50 Hindi-knowing Tamil teachers will teach Tamil in Kashi’s schools—an unprecedented linguistic cultural exchange.
- Tamil Learning Tours for Uttar Pradesh Students
About 300 students from Kashi will undertake a 15-day Tamil immersion programme in December. CICT, Chennai will curate learning modules, while Tamil Nadu institutions will host cultural and heritage tours. The students will receive a ceremonial welcome in Chennai.
Strengthening India’s Civilizational Unity
Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 continues the Government of India’s commitment to fostering national integration through cultural understanding, linguistic enrichment and shared knowledge. By enhancing youth participation and academic engagement, the Sangamam reinforces the living continuity of India’s civilizational identity.
Registrations Open
- For all delegate categories: Visit the portal
kashitamil.iitm.ac.in
Last date: 8 PM, November 21, 2025
Selection Quiz: November 23, 10 AM–5 PM - For Kashi students’ Tamil immersion programme:
kashitamil.bhu.edu.in
