“We are all a part of the Mahabharata cultural heritage,” stated Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during the Kashi-Tamil Sangam 3.0 program held in Varanasi today.
CM Majhi emphasized that the languages, customs, and traditions of each region in India may differ, but we share mutual love, harmony, and spiritual values. This cultural unity distinguishes India from all other nations, and this Mahabharata consciousness unifies us, he remarked.
It’s noteworthy that to strengthen and promote India’s cultural unity, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi initiated the Kashi-Tamil Sangam program in 2022. This year, the event is being held at Namo Ghat in Varanasi from February 15. The Chief Minister was joined by Union Minister of State for Education Dr. Sukant Majumdar and Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Anil Rajbhar at today’s event.
The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude for participating in this program, noting that the spiritual connections between Kashi and Tamil Nadu are deeply rooted. Kashi is more than just a city; it symbolizes India’s eternal spiritual tradition. Likewise, Tamil Nadu’s classical language, literature, Bhavyamandira, and philosophical traditions have significantly enriched Indian culture. The Kashi-Tamil Sangam epitomizes our unity in diversity.
He further highlighted that Odisha also embodies the essence of the Indian cultural spirit. Devotees from across the country gather at the temple of Lord Sri Jagannath, and individuals from all religions and cultures partake in the Rath Yatra. The Sri Jagannath culture has been vital in disseminating this Mahabharata divine thought.
The Chief Minister remarked that both the Odissi dance of Odisha and the Bharatanatyam dance of Tamil Nadu cross-regional and linguistic boundaries to convey stories of devotion through classical dance.
Chief Minister Majhi thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this exceptional initiative to connect the cultural heritages of Kashi and Tamil Nadu, and he commended the organizers. He concluded by stating that this exchange of cultural and spiritual sentiments will inspire future generations and strengthen their bonds of unity.
