VARANASI, Feb 23: Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, accompanied by 45 ambassadors from various nations, engaged with Tamil delegates visiting Varanasi for the third edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam. This session provided international representatives with a valuable opportunity to explore the deep cultural ties between Kashi and Kanchipuram, offering a broader perspective of India beyond its capital, Delhi. Jaishankar described Kashi as the cultural heart of India, intricately connected to people throughout the country.
“Tamil Nadu shares a special bond with Kashi, and the Kashi Tamil Sangamam celebrates this unique relationship. India stands as a mosaic of diversity; despite our multitude of languages, customs, and beliefs, we remain united. This unity within diversity is what binds India together,” he stated.
Jaishankar stressed the significance of honoring India’s rich heritage, which not only preserves it for future generations but also introduces the world to India’s illustrious past and traditions. He noted that cultures thrive through celebrations and that the Indian government actively supports such initiatives.
The Minister also touched upon how traditions fuel technological progress, referencing the contributions of the Indian knowledge system, particularly in advanced research conducted by Indian universities in fields such as drone and space technology. “We can expect to see more remarkable developments in the near future,” he remarked.
Tamil delegate Rajesh Kumar pointed out India’s expanding global presence and inquired about the ambassadors’ views on the country’s diversity. The Ambassador of Somalia responded by asserting that uniformity does not address challenges, noting that India, with its over a billion diverse thoughts, exemplifies coexistence and social harmony. Drawing parallels to conflicts in Africa, he emphasized that India’s rich multicultural heritage reinforces national unity.
A diplomat from Eritrea described his visit to Kashi as a profound experience, reminiscing about how his Indian teachers imparted knowledge about the country’s culture, people, and heritage, while acknowledging that the connections among diverse Indian communities contribute to national unity.
The Deputy High Commissioner of Rwanda echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the world could learn from India’s social harmony. He expressed his concerns regarding global conflicts and admired India’s peaceful society. Meanwhile, the Ambassador of Iceland highlighted that India’s strength lies in its diversity, reflected in shared cultures and values.
The High Commissioner of Jamaica noted that this year commemorates the 108th anniversary of Indian arrival in Jamaica, pointing out the many untold stories that exist between the two nations. He proposed collaboration to showcase these shared experiences and suggested establishing a Caribbean Studies center in India.
“The presence of esteemed diplomats from various countries signifies India’s global outreach and its enduring cultural and intellectual ties with civilizations across the world,” stated Sanjay Kumar, acting Vice Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University.
Organized by the Ministry of Education in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh government and other relevant ministries, this annual cultural and educational exchange seeks to celebrate and strengthen the historical civilizational bond between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. The inaugural month-long Kashi Tamil Sangamam took place from November 16 to December 16, 2022, aiming to revive the living ties between Varanasi and Tamil Nadu. The second iteration was held from December 17 to 30, 2023. The current edition is a 10-day event that commenced on February 15 and will conclude on February 24. This year’s theme focuses on celebrating the significant contributions of Sage Agasthyar to the Siddha system of medicine (Bharatiya Chikitsa), classical Tamil literature, and his role in fostering the cultural unity of the nation. (PTI)
