Vijayawada Railway officials give warm send off to delegates attending Kashi-Tamil Sangamam at Varanasi by train

Kashi- Tamil  Sangamam is a first of its kind Cultural and Academic Exchange Programme under the aegis of “Ek Bharat-Shresht Bharat”

Ministry of Education, Government of India is organizing month long Kashi Tamil Sangamam from 16th November to 19th December, 2022. .  The broader objective of this programme is to bring the two knowledge and cultural traditions closer, create and understanding of our shared heritage and deepen the people-to-people bond between the regions.

As part of the program, academic exchanges – seminars, discussions etc will be held between experts/ scholars on various facets of the two ancient manifestations of Indian Culture, with focus on bringing out the links and shared values between the two regions .Around 2500 Delegates comprising of spiritual leaders, teachers, Undergraduate, PhD Students, Entrepreneurs and artisans  under 12 categories will visit  Varanasi from Tamil Nadu free of cost. Exhibition of various arts, crafts, handlooms, handicrafts, cuisine etc. of Tamil Nadu will be organized in Varanasi. Various Cultural programmes showcasing art forms will be held during the month.

The first rake carrying 216 delegates for Kashi Tamil Sangamam started today from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. About 35 delegates from Rameswaram, 103 from Tiruchchirappalli and 78 from Chennai Egmore boarded the train Train no 22535 Rameswaram- Varanasi Express for participating in the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam event.  Shri R N Ravi,  Hon'ble Governor of Tamil Nadu  flagged off the first train service carrying 205 delegates for Kasi Tamil Sangamam on 17th of November from Chennai Egmore railway station in the august presence of  Dr. L Murugan, Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry. 

At Vijayawada, Delegates were given a warm send off by the Railway Official Team at Railway Station today i.e., 17th November, 2022.Adressing the media, Shri Vavilapaali Ram babu, IRTS, Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager said that such cultural exchange programme highlights the unity in diversity of our nation and strengthen the fabric of traditionally existing emotional bonds between the people of our country and also promote the spirit of national integration through a deep and structured engagement between States. He said that it is a wonderful opportunity and experience for students and scholars to explore the nuances of culture and traditions in the north and at the same time exchanging the popular cultural and traditional values of their home state.  Shri Vavilapalli Ram babu, IRTS interacted with the student delegates and congratulated them for being a part of the great initiative to revive and reaffirm Tamil Nadu's cultural and historic links with Kashi

Interacting with media Students and scholars expressed their excitement and keen interest of being part in this Cultural exchange programme and lauded the initiative by Government to strengthen its integrity and protect its heritage and civilization values. Vijayawada Division, SCR also undertook an extensive social media campaign by posting creatives and videos of on board experience and excitement of the delegates on visiting Kashi with hashtag #VannakamKashi.

Shri Valleswara B Thokala, Sr. DSC: Ms Nusrat Mandrupkar, PRO; Shri P.B.N. Prasad, Station Director, Other Officers and Inspectors took part in the event.