Tamil in Varanasi Schools: New Language Initiative Strengthens Cultural Exchange

Schools and colleges in Varanasi are set to introduce Tamil language classes as part of a new education and cultural exchange initiative aimed at strengthening linguistic unity and civilisational ties between North and South India.

The move is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of national integration through cultural understanding, particularly under the Kashi Tamil Sangamam programme. The initiative seeks to promote mutual language learning, academic cooperation and cultural dialogue between Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Momentum From Mann Ki Baat and Student Initiative

The proposal gained traction following the Prime Minister’s December 28 episode of Mann Ki Baat, in which he highlighted the efforts of a Varanasi student who successfully learnt basic Tamil within a short period. Her achievement drew attention to the growing curiosity among students in the city to explore southern Indian languages and traditions.

Following this, education authorities moved swiftly. Government Queen’s College in Varanasi has been directed to begin regular Tamil classes, initially planned as daily evening sessions. Preparations for the rollout are already underway, with institutional approvals in place.

Online Teaching and University Support

To facilitate the programme, the college has partnered with a Tamil language instructor based in Tamil Nadu, who will conduct online classes for students. This hybrid learning model is expected to help overcome logistical challenges while ensuring authenticity in language instruction.

Academic backing for the initiative has also been assured by Banaras Hindu University. The head of the university’s Tamil department has extended support in the form of curriculum guidance, academic resources and mentoring, strengthening the initiative’s long-term prospects.

Two-Way Cultural Exchange With Tamil Nadu

The language initiative is not limited to Tamil instruction in Varanasi. Officials revealed that nearly 50 teachers from the city are likely to be sent to Tamil Nadu to teach Hindi, reinforcing the two-way nature of the cultural exchange.

The proposal has been discussed at administrative meetings chaired by senior district officials and forms part of a broader plan to encourage linguistic harmony and people-to-people engagement between the two regions.

Students have already begun participating actively in the initiative. Recently, learners from Government Queen’s College sent New Year greetings in Tamil to national and state leadership, reflecting their growing confidence and enthusiasm. Cultural programmes featuring Tamil music, rangoli designs and traditional dance performances have further deepened engagement.

More Institutions Expected to Join

The movement is steadily expanding beyond a single institution. Harish Chandra Girls Inter College has emerged as another key participant, having earlier conducted a short-term Tamil language programme during the Kashi Tamil Sangamam. Around 50 students took part, prompting the college administration to consider launching a formal Tamil course from the next academic session.

Education officials believe that similar programmes could be introduced in more schools and colleges across Varanasi in the coming months, depending on student interest and faculty availability.

Reviving Ancient Civilisational Links

The Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a flagship cultural initiative designed to celebrate the deep historical, spiritual and educational connections between Kashi and Tamil Nadu. Through language workshops, academic interactions and cultural exchanges, the programme seeks to revive age-old bonds while adapting them to modern educational needs.

With Tamil language classes set to begin in Varanasi and Hindi teachers preparing for assignments in Tamil Nadu, the initiative marks a meaningful step toward strengthening India’s linguistic diversity through education.

By transforming classrooms into spaces of cultural dialogue, the programme aims to ensure that language becomes a bridge for unity, mutual respect and national cohesion rather than a point of division.