Agency(Varanasi): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to Varanasi, launched the second edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and flagged off the Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express linking Varanasi to Kanyakumari. This initiative, held at the Namo Ghar, is aimed at strengthening the ethos of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.’ The Sangamam, taking place from December 17-31, will witness the participation of over 1,400 dignitaries from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Modi, who arrived in Varanasi earlier in the day, will oversee the launch of 37 projects totaling over Rs 19,000 crore. He emphasized the importance of government schemes in empowering the poor, contrasting it with the Congress party’s slogan of ‘garibi hatao’ (remove poverty). He highlighted the impact of providing pucca houses and gas cylinders, citing these as significant steps towards reducing the disparity between rich and poor and boosting confidence among the impoverished.
Addressing the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, Modi reflected on the zeal for freedom before Independence and called for a similar fervor in achieving a developed India. He emphasized the national scope of the VBSY, encouraging public participation and highlighting its role in overcoming challenges.
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam celebrates the cultural and educational ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, two ancient centers of learning. Modi credited figures like Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya for fostering national consciousness through their travels and teachings. The Prime Minister also released multi-language and braille translations of classic Tamil literature during the event.
Modi stressed the spiritual bonds uniting India’s diverse regions, citing the example of King Parakram Pandian’s reverence for all waters as Gangajal and every place as Kashi. He also recalled Pandian’s efforts in preserving Kashi’s heritage during foreign invasions by constructing temples like Tenkasi and Sivakasi.
The Prime Minister underlined that India’s identity is rooted more in its spiritual beliefs than in political terms, a contrast to other nations. He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and interacted with various government scheme beneficiaries and students.
On Monday, Modi is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various projects across sectors like roads, bridges, health, education, urban development, railways, and airports, reflecting the government’s commitment to comprehensive development.