Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 Preparations Reviewed at Banaras Hindu University

On November 3, 2026, a high-level meeting was convened at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi to assess the preparations for the upcoming Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 (KTS 5.0). Chaired by Smt. Deepti Gaur Mukerjee, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, the meeting brought together key stakeholders including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Additional Chief Secretary (Higher Education) Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh, and senior officials from the Union Ministry of Education, the Uttar Pradesh Government, and the [Indian Railways](/topic/indian-railways).

The meeting focused on inter-agency coordination and logistical arrangements necessary for the successful execution of KTS 5.0, which is scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 12, 2026. The theme for this year's event is ‘Thirukkural Payilvom - Thirukkural Abhyas Karen’, aimed at promoting the teachings of the classical Tamil text, Thirukkural, among the youth and learners across India.

During the meeting, discussions centered on various logistical aspects crucial for the event. This included dedicated rail transport arrangements facilitated by IRCTC, infrastructural facilities, and the organization of exhibitions and cultural programs. Senior officials also conducted site visits to assess the readiness of both onsite and offsite venues, including Namo Ghat, to ensure that all preparations are on track.

The meeting underscored the importance of seamless coordination among different departments and agencies, which is vital for the smooth execution of the event. With around 1,400 participants expected from Tamil Nadu, organized into seven groups, the logistical planning is extensive, involving four days of travel and four days of structured programs.

KTS 5.0 aims to immerse participants in the rich cultural heritage of India, with an itinerary that includes visits to significant locations such as Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya. Participants will engage in cultural, academic, and spiritual activities designed to deepen their understanding of Thirukkural's ethical and moral teachings.

In addition to the participants from Tamil Nadu, the event will feature 50 teachers who will travel to Uttar Pradesh to teach Thirukkural in local schools and colleges. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote the text's teachings among students from diverse academic and linguistic backgrounds.

To further amplify the reach of Thirukkural's teachings, a nationwide Students’ Engagement Programme will be launched across 1,000 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This program aims to foster a wider understanding of the text through structured study, research, and campus-based activities. The initiative is designed to engage students from various disciplines, ensuring that the teachings of Thirukkural resonate with a broad audience.

The Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) in Chennai is leading the digital outreach and publication efforts, while IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University are designated as the nodal coordinating institutions for Tamil Nadu and Kashi, respectively. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the event not only celebrates Tamil culture but also integrates it into the broader educational framework of India.

As Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 approaches, the meticulous preparations and inter-agency coordination reflect a commitment to celebrating and disseminating the teachings of Thirukkural. The event promises to be a significant cultural milestone, fostering connections between Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh while enriching the educational landscape of India.

With the web portal and delegate registration process already inaugurated by Union Minister for Education Shri Pralhad Joshi on October 22, 2026, the stage is set for an impactful gathering that aims to inspire the next generation of learners. The successful execution of KTS 5.0 could pave the way for future initiatives that further bridge cultural and educational gaps across the country.