The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-Madras) will play a key role in organizing the fourth edition of the ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 4.0)’, a flagship initiative of the Union Ministry of Education. The month-long cultural and intellectual confluence will begin on December 2 and conclude with a grand valedictory function in Rameswaram.Envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the event aims to celebrate the shared heritage and civilizational ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi). This year, more than 1,500 delegates across seven categories will take part in a series of programs showcasing the deep cultural, linguistic, and spiritual connection between the two ancient centres of learning.
One of the key highlights of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 will be the launch of the “Tamil Karpom” initiative, which encourages students from North India to visit Tamil Nadu and learn the Tamil language. The valedictory ceremony at Rameswaram will mark the grand culmination of this year’s celebrations.
Speaking about the event, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “The theme for this year is ‘Karpom Tamil (Let us Learn Tamil)’. This initiative seeks to spread awareness about the richness of the Tamil language across the country.”
He added that Tamil learning sessions will be organized in Kashi for students and youth, and a special ‘Agasthya Expedition’ has been planned from Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, retracing the path and contributions of Sage Agasthya. Awareness campaigns on the Siddha system of medicine, as well as displays of classical texts and heritage sites, will also be conducted using digital boards mounted on decorated vehicles at key locations.
IIT-Madras, which serves as the Knowledge Partner for the event, will oversee the development of the official KTS website, handle delegate registration and selection, and coordinate end-to-end logistics including travel, accommodation, food, and visits to important cultural landmarks in partnership with the Ministry of Railways.
As in previous editions, IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) will serve as the nodal institutions for implementing the program, working in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Government and several Union Ministries, including Culture, Railways, Textiles, and Tourism.
Delegates from Tamil Nadu will represent seven key categories:
1. Students – from colleges, technical, and skill institutions
2. Teachers – from schools and colleges, including retired and Hindi Pracharaks
3. Writers and Media – book publishers, editors, content creators, and social media professionals
4. Agriculture and Allied Sectors – farmers, students, artisans, and animal husbandry professionals
5. Professionals and Artisans – entrepreneurs, start-ups, lawyers, doctors, accountants, and handicraft workers
6. Women – SHG members, Mudra loan beneficiaries, and self-employed individuals
7. Spiritual Delegates – classical singers, spiritual teachers, temple priests, and workers
In addition, 300 students from Uttar Pradesh and Varanasi will travel to Tamil Nadu to undergo Tamil language orientation programs at the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) and other designated institutions.
Various seminars, competitions, and cultural events will be organized across Tamil Nadu, major Indian cities, and even abroad to spread awareness about the Kashi Tamil Sangamam initiative, which continues to serve as a vibrant platform celebrating India’s unity in diversity.