Tamil Sangamam's 4th edition focuses on 'learning Tamil' amid three-language row, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• The 4th edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam will begin on December 2, focusing on promoting Tamil language learning.
• Approximately 1,500 students in Varanasi will receive foundational spoken Tamil classes from 50 teachers from Tamil Nadu.
• Around 300 college students from Varanasi will travel to Tamil Nadu to learn Tamil at institutions like IIT Madras and Pondicherry University.
• The event includes a 'Sage Agastya Vehicle Expedition' starting from Tirunelveli on December 2, reaching Kashi on December 10.

Detailed Insights:

• The Kashi Tamil Sangamam aims to strengthen the cultural and civilizational connections between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, initiated in 2022.
• This year's theme, "Tamil Karkalam" ("Let us learn Tamil"), seeks to encourage widespread Tamil language acquisition.
• The program includes Tamil classes in 50 schools in Varanasi from December 2-15, with each teacher instructing 30 students.
• Banaras Hindu University, along with IIT Madras, is coordinating the event, which includes discussions and participation from students, teachers, and entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu.
• The 'Sage Agastya Vehicle Expedition' will travel through multiple states, engaging in activities and promoting cultural exchange.
• The event occurs amid ongoing debate between the Centre and Tamil Nadu regarding the implementation of the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• The Tamil Nadu government views the three-language policy as an imposition of Hindi, while the Centre asserts it does not enforce any specific language.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: A comprehensive framework to revamp the education system in India.
• Three-Language Formula: A language education policy advocating the study of Hindi, English, and a regional language in non-Hindi speaking states.
• Cultural Exchange: The interchange of ideas, information, and traditions between different cultures to promote mutual understanding.