Overview
The Ministry of Education is set to organize the fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 4.0, commencing on December 2, 2025. This initiative aims to celebrate the profound civilizational connections between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The program continues to honor the cultural, linguistic, and people-to-people linkages between these two historically significant regions, embodying the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat.
Key Developments
Program Coordination
The KTS 4.0 program is being jointly coordinated by IIT Madras and BHU Varanasi. It receives support from various ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), along with the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Historical Context
Since its inception in 2022, the Kashi Tamil Sangamam has garnered significant public participation, establishing itself as a crucial cultural bridge that reconnects two of India’s oldest knowledge traditions. Building upon the success of the previous three editions, the fourth edition seeks to deepen engagement through enhanced learning exchanges, cultural immersion, academic interactions, and increased youth involvement.
Theme for 2025
The central theme for KTS 4.0 is “Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam”. This theme aims to promote the learning of Tamil across India and foster a broader appreciation for India’s classical linguistic and literary heritage.
Delegate Participation
In this edition, over 1,400 delegates from Tamil Nadu will participate, categorized into seven groups:
- Students
- Teachers
- Writers & Media Professionals
- Agriculture & Allied Sectors
- Professionals & Artisans
- Women
- Spiritual Scholars and Practitioners
Experiential Tour
Delegates will embark on an 8-day experiential tour, which includes visits to Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya. The tour will feature interactions, seminars, cultural performances, and exposure to local cuisine, handicrafts, and heritage.
Visits to Tamil Heritage Locations
Delegates will visit significant Tamil heritage sites in Varanasi, such as the ancestral house of Mahakavi Subramanya Bharatiyar, Kedar Ghat, the Kasi Madam in the “Little Tamil Nadu” area, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Mata Annapurna Temple. They will also visit the Tamil Department at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) for academic and literary interactions.
Major Initiatives under KTS 4.0
Sage Agasthya Vehicle Expedition
The “Sage Agasthya Vehicle Expedition” is planned to trace ancient cultural routes between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. It will commence from Tenkasi on December 2, 2025, and conclude in Kashi on December 10, 2025. This expedition commemorates the efforts of the Pandiyan ruler Shri Adi Veera Parakrama Pandiyan, who propagated the message of unity in Bharatiya culture through his journey from Tamil Nadu to Kashi and constructed a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, renaming the town as Tenkasi (Dakshin Kashi) to emphasize the spirit of unity.
The expedition will highlight civilizational linkages from the Chera, Chola, Pandya, Pallava, Chalukya, and Vijayanagara periods, while promoting awareness of classical Tamil literature, Siddha medicine, and shared heritage.
Teaching Tamil in Varanasi Schools
Under the “Tamil Karkalam” campaign, 50 Hindi-knowing Tamil teachers will teach Tamil to school students in Kashi.
Tamil Learning Study Tours for Uttar Pradesh Students
A total of 300 college students from Kashi will travel to designated institutions in Tamil Nadu for a 15-day Tamil learning program. CICT Chennai will provide orientation and learning materials, while host institutions will organize academic and cultural tours highlighting Tamil Nadu’s heritage, traditions, and historic ties with Kashi. These students will be warmly welcomed in Chennai.
Conclusion
Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 reaffirms the Government of India’s commitment to strengthening national unity through cultural exchange, linguistic enrichment, and knowledge-sharing. By bringing diverse communities together, the program embodies the living essence of India’s civilizational continuity and cultural oneness.
Registration Information
Two dedicated registration portals have been launched for Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0:
- For participation in all other categories: https://kashitamil.iitm.ac.in/ (Registration closes at 8:00 PM on 21st November 2025, and the Selection Quiz will be conducted on 23rd November 2025 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Exclusively for the selection of 300 students who will visit Tamil Nadu: https://kashitamil.bhu.edu.in/