In a significant move to strengthen India’s linguistic and cultural unity, schools and colleges in Varanasi are preparing to introduce regular Tamil language classes. The initiative draws inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of cultural integration through the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and aims to deepen ties between Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu by encouraging mutual language learning and academic exchange.
The initiative gained momentum after Prime Minister Modi, in his December 28 episode ofMann Ki Baat, lauded Payal Patel, a student of Government Queen’s College, Varanasi, for learning basic Tamil in a short period. Her achievement sparked interest among students and highlighted a growing enthusiasm for learning southern Indian languages.
Motivated by the Prime Minister’s remarks, the district inspector of schools directed Government Queen’s College to begin daily evening Tamil classes. College principal Sumit Kumar confirmed that preparations are underway and the programme will be launched soon.
To facilitate the classes, the college has partnered with Sandhya Kumar Sai, a Tamil language instructor from Tamil Nadu who previously taught Payal Patel. She has agreed to conduct online sessions for students. Additionally, the head of the Tamil Department at Banaras Hindu University has extended full academic support, lending strong institutional backing to the initiative.
The programme also envisions reciprocal linguistic exchange. Officials have revealed that around 50 teachers from Varanasi may be deputed to Tamil Nadu to teach Hindi. The proposal has been discussed in meetings chaired by the Varanasi commissioner and district magistrate and forms part of a broader plan to promote linguistic harmony between the two regions.
Students of Government Queen’s College recently sent New Year greetings in Tamil to the Prime Minister and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, reflecting their growing engagement with the language. A student-led programme featured rangoli designs and dance performances set to Tamil music, symbolising the vibrant cultural connection between Kashi and Tamil Nadu.
Harish Chandra Girls Inter College has also joined the initiative. Principal Priyanka Tiwari noted that a 15-day Tamil language programme conducted during the Kashi Tamil Sangamam benefited around 50 students. Encouraged by the response, the college is now considering introducing a formal Tamil course from the next academic session.
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a flagship cultural exchange programme celebrating the ancient civilisational, cultural, and educational links between Kashi and Tamil Nadu. By bringing together students, scholars, teachers, and artists through academic sessions, language workshops, literary interactions, and cultural performances, it promotes national integration through shared heritage.
With Tamil classes set to begin in Varanasi and Hindi teachers preparing to travel south, this initiative marks a meaningful step toward bridging India’s linguistic diversity. By transforming classrooms into spaces of cultural dialogue, the Kashi Tamil Sangamam is fostering unity, understanding, and a deeper sense of national cohesion.
