The second edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 2.0) was organized by the Ministry of Education from 17.12.2023 to 30.12.2023 at Namo Ghat in Varanasi. As in the previous year, IIT Madras and BHU were the organizing institutions and a whole of government approach was adopted with the participation of multiple ministries and departments of the Central Government and the Govt of Uttar Pradesh. Ministry of Railways, IRCTC, Ministries of Culture, Tourism, Textiles through Dev Commissioners Handloom and Handicrafts, Food Processing, MSME through Coir Board and KVIC, MSDE, I&B, and departments of UP Govt and the Varanasi administration played crucial roles in organizing various aspects of the event. KTS 2.0 was inaugurated by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi at Varanasi on the 17th December, 2022, with the first time ever real time, app-based translation of a part of Hon’ble PM’s speech in Tamil for the benefit of visiting Tamil delegates.
The main objective of the KTS was to strengthen bonds between people of the two regions – Kashi and Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the National Education Policy 2020 underscores the importance of cultivating a modern generation aligned with the 21st-century mindset while remaining rooted in Indian culture. The policy suggests various approaches to achieve a balanced and holistic education, encompassing both curricular and extracurricular aspects. One recommendation involves researching the integration of traditional Indian knowledge systems with contemporary knowledge, fostering the creation of a valuable knowledge base. Direct engagement among scholars, experts, and practitioners across different fields can facilitate the exchange of expertise, leading to innovations in technology, craftsmanship, and business practices. Thus, educational institutions are encouraged to promote such interactions. Although ancient knowledge systems are prevalent across India in various languages and age groups, Tamil Nadu and Varanasi (or Kashi) stand out as among the oldest and most significant centers. These regions have been pivotal sources of intellectual, cultural, spiritual, and artisanal knowledge. Varanasi, known as Kashi in Tamil Nadu, is one of the world's oldest living cities with an unparalleled civilizational and cultural continuum. It has been a hub for knowledge, philosophy, culture, literature, and Indian arts and crafts. Similarly, Tamil Nadu boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a wealth of knowledge in the ancient Tamil language, recognized as the oldest language globally. Despite their geographical distance, these two cultures have maintained deep and vibrant links for centuries. Exploring and rediscovering these links is seen as a catalyst for creating significant bodies of knowledge in both intellectual and practical domains. The first edition of KTS organized from 16th November- 16th December 2022 witnessed immense enthusiastic response from people of both regions. In order to take this initiative further ahead it was decided to organize the second edition of KTS.
