Kashi Tamil Sangamam

s for ensuring this balanced and holistic approach to education, at both curricular and extracurricular levels. Among other things, the policy recommends research to integrate the wealth of Indian Knowledge Systems with the more recent body of knowledge. Mainstreaming Yoga, Ayurveda to bolster modern medicine, use of new technology for producing ancient crafts, integrating ancient vaastushilpa with modern archaeology or even innovative renditions of old Raagas are examples where fusion of the traditional with the modern have had enriching results. Rediscovering ancient knowledge and integrating them with modern thought, philosophy, academics, technology, entrepreneurship, craftsmanship etc can help us create a valuable body of knowledge. Direct interaction between scholars, experts and practitioners of various trades, crafts and professions can help them exchange their expertise and best practices and learn from each other. Hence such interactions need to be encouraged by educational institutions. While ancient and traditional knowledge systems exist across all regions of India, across all ages and in multiple languages, Tamil Nadu and Kashi, and the area around it, are two of the oldest and most important of such centres. Both these centres have been fountainheads of knowledge in the intellectual, cultural, spiritual and artisanal realms. Varanasi, known popularly as Kashi in Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest living cities of the world, endowed with a civilizational and cultural continuum that is unparalleled. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, literature, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished in this holy city. Tamil Nadu on the other hand is another cradle of culture, arts, crafts, literature, with a wealth of knowledge available in Tamil language, which is the most ancient language in the world. What is more important is the fact that these two manifestations of Indian Culture, though geographically distant, have had deep and vibrant links over centuries. Knowledge seekers from near and far used to come to Kashi, and places in and around like Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, which are internally connected as Knowledge Hubs. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu, places like Kanchipuram, Puducherry, Madurai, Thanjavur, Rameshwaram, Srirangam, Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tamraparani River have been excellent knowledge centres/ Ghatikasthanas and have contributed for various ancient industries like shipbuilding, pottery, weaving, idol making, river dams, mining, warfare, weaponry etc. The ancient connect between the two centres of knowledge is evident in many walks of life like similar themes in literature, presence of the name of Kashi in every village in Tamil Nadu etc. Many household in Tamilnadu adopted the name of Kailasanatha and Kashinatha for naming their children, like those who are living in Kashi and Uttar Pradesh. Hence exploring and rediscovering the links between these two centres can lead to the creation of important bodies of knowledge both in the intellectual and practical realms. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, literature, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished in this holy city that is on the banks of the Holy River Ganga. Besides, Kashi has given impetus to the quest of freedom and patriotic fervour to Rani Lakshmi Bai and Mahakavi Subrayamanya Bharati and others. Saint Kumaragurupara from Sri Vaikundam, Tuthukudi District of Tamil Nadu has excelled in bargaining with Sultanate of Kashi with audacity and drove a lion to his courtyard to get back the Kedarghat and a place for consecration of Vishweshwara Lingam. He has written “Kashi Kalambakam” a grammatical composition of poems on Kashi. King Adhiveera Rama Pandiyan of Pandya Dynasty dedicated a Shiva Temple at Tenkasi of Tamilnadu after his pilgrimage to Kashi , whose ancestors have established Sivakasi. He wrote “Kashi Kandam” of Skanda Purana in Tamil poetic verses. Bharatiya way of life is a continuous exploring and understanding the unique manifestation of common civilizational treasure among the citizens in the country. It is the pathway to experience the rich and proud heritage of India that no country in the world can showcase. It is imperative to appreciate and strengthen the bonds amongst the people of India, starting with an event at Kashi by extolling the bond between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi.