In a significant move to strengthen national integration through language, the historic city of Varanasi is set to introduce regular Tamil language classes in its educational institutions. This initiative, driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, aims to deepen the ancient cultural and linguistic bonds between North and South India.
From Vision to Classroom: Daily Tamil Lessons Begin
The plan is taking concrete shape at the Government Queen's College in Varanasi, where daily evening Tamil classes are being organized. The inspiration came directly from the Prime Minister's 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address on December 28, where he praised Payal Patel, a student of the same college, for learning Tamil quickly.
College principal Sumit Kumar confirmed that the district inspector of schools has directed the institution to start the classes. "Keeping in mind the prime minister's vision of cultural integration, Tamil classes will be started at the college," Kumar stated. The college has already held discussions with Sandhya Kumar Sai from Tamil Nadu, who previously taught Patel, and she has agreed to conduct online sessions. The head of the Tamil Department at Banaras Hindu University has also pledged support.
A Two-Way Exchange: Teachers to Foster Linguistic Ties
In a reciprocal effort to promote Hindi in the south, around 50 teachers from Varanasi are likely to be deputed to Tamil Nadu to teach Hindi. This proposal has been discussed in high-level meetings chaired by the Varanasi commissioner and district magistrate, officials revealed. This teacher exchange program forms a core part of the broader initiative to create a sustainable model for linguistic and cultural sharing.
The enthusiasm for this cultural bridge was recently showcased when students of Government Queen's College conveyed New Year greetings in Tamil to Prime Minister Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The event, led by Payal Patel, featured vibrant rangoli and dance performances set to Tamil music, highlighting the successful fusion of traditions.
Grassroots Enthusiasm Drives Formal Courses
The momentum is spreading to other schools. Priyanka Tiwari, principal of Harish Chandra Girls Inter College, reported that a 15-day Tamil language program was conducted during the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, with 50 participants. The students later presented poems and songs in Tamil. "Encouraged by the students' enthusiasm for language learning, the college is considering launching a formal Tamil course from the next academic session," Tiwari added.
This entire movement is anchored in the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, a cultural exchange program designed to revive and celebrate the age-old civilisational, educational, and cultural links between Kashi (Varanasi) and Tamil Nadu. The program facilitates the coming together of students, scholars, teachers, and artists from Tamil Nadu to Varanasi through academic dialogues, language workshops, and cultural performances.
The concerted efforts in Varanasi mark a practical step towards national integration, transforming the Prime Minister's vision into a tangible educational reality that promises to bring the diverse linguistic landscapes of India closer together.
