Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday emphasized the central role of languages in sustaining India’s civilizational continuity, highlighting Tamil as a medium that connects learners to the country’s rich heritage of knowledge and philosophy. Speaking at the valedictory session of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 4.0 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Pradhan underscored that India’s linguistic, regional, and traditional diversity represents “interconnected streams of one civilization,” rather than isolated strands.

Pradhan stated that learning Tamil goes far beyond communication. “Learning Tamil is not limited to acquiring a language but it opens a gateway to India’s ancient wisdom,” he said, noting that the language embodies centuries of intellectual endeavor across ethics, governance, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and ecology. Tamil, he explained, has evolved as a “language of knowledge, scholarship, and lived philosophy,” preserving ideas and methods that continue to inform contemporary thought and practice.

Highlighting the broader civilizational intent of the KTS initiative, Pradhan said, “Languages, arts, philosophy, and ethics are not optional elements of education. They shape thinking, character, and values.” He described languages as living carriers of knowledge traditions, emphasizing that they preserve ideas, transmit methods, and connect thought with everyday life.

The minister referenced poet Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, recalling Bharati’s vision of linguistic unity, where “what is spoken in Kashi could be heard in Kanchi.” Pradhan noted that Bharati’s dream of Tamil reaching beyond regional boundaries has been realized through the Kashi Tamil Sangamam.

Focusing on Tamil Nadu and the ongoing debates over the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its three-language formula, Pradhan underscored the program’s significance in bridging cultural differences. Tamil Nadu has historically opposed the NEP’s language recommendations, viewing them as an imposition of Hindi. However, Pradhan described KTS 4.0 as an initiative that fosters unity without undermining diversity. “Though we differ in food, attire, and language, we are united by the spirit of India,” he said.

The 2025 edition of KTS, themed “Tamil Karkalam” (Learn Tamil), aimed to teach the language to North Indian students in a simple and enjoyable manner, while strengthening cultural pride and national devotion. The program also sought to deepen appreciation for Tamil’s contributions to India’s intellectual heritage. Students, academicians, artists, writers, and cultural practitioners participated in the initiative, reflecting a national engagement with Tamil culture and scholarship.

Pradhan also highlighted that the NEP 2020 recognizes education as a civilizational pursuit, where language learning, arts, philosophy, and ethics are integral to shaping character and values. “Languages preserved ideas, transmitted methods, and connected thought with everyday life,” he said, emphasizing that Tamil has long served as a pillar of the gyan parampara—India’s knowledge tradition—ensuring that wisdom remains accessible to all.

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, attending as the chief guest, also highlighted the civilizational significance of the event. He noted the historic bond between Kashi and Rameswaram, describing the event as being held in a place associated with former President APJ Abdul Kalam, further underlining its symbolic and cultural importance.

KTS 4.0 began in Varanasi from December 2 to 15 and was followed by a second phase where 300 students from Varanasi traveled to Tamil Nadu from December 16 to 30 for a 15-day immersive Tamil language learning experience. Through this program, students engaged not only with the language but also with Tamil arts, literature, and cultural practices, embodying the event’s dual focus on linguistic skill and civilizational knowledge.

Pradhan concluded by stressing that India’s languages are bridges, not barriers. Learning Tamil, he said, enables students to connect with centuries of scholarly thought and lived philosophy, reinforcing cultural unity while celebrating diversity. The Kashi Tamil Sangamam, he noted, demonstrates that language learning can be both enjoyable and deeply transformative, opening doors to India’s rich reservoir of ancient wisdom and intellectual tradition.

The event marked a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts to promote linguistic and cultural integration, reflecting a broader vision of education that celebrates the nation’s civilizational heritage.