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PM Modi Hails Tamil Language Revival in Fiji & Kashi, Calls It India's Unity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address, highlighted global and domestic initiatives to promote the Tamil language. He cited the celebration of Tamil Day in a Fiji school as a heart-touching effort to connect the diaspora with their linguistic roots. Within India, he emphasized the success of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, where Hindi-speaking children from Varanasi showcased remarkable fluency in Tamil. The PM framed this renewed interest as a powerful testament to India's cultural unity and the enduring appeal of its oldest language.

Key Points: PM Modi on Tamil Language Promotion in Fiji & India | Mann Ki Baat

  • Tamil Day celebrated in Fiji school
  • Kashi Tamil Sangamam's 4th edition
  • Hindi-speaking children fluent in Tamil
  • Campaigns in 50+ Varanasi schools
3 min read

'Continuous work being done to promote Tamil language': PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat

PM Modi highlights Tamil Day in Fiji & Kashi Tamil Sangamam, praising efforts to connect new generations with the world's oldest language.

"Tamil is the world's oldest language... today, in other parts of the country, there is a renewed interest in the Tamil language among children and youth -- this is the power of the language, this is the unity of India. - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, Dec 28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded initiatives to promote the Tamil language in India and abroad, highlighting how children across regions are learning and taking pride in the world's oldest language.

Speaking during his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister said, "I now want to share with you about an endeavour thousands of kilometres away from India, which is heart-touching. In Fiji, a commendable initiative is being taken to spread the Indian language and culture. Continuous efforts are being made at many levels to connect the new generation there with the Tamil language."

He noted that Tamil Day was celebrated for the first time in a school in Raki-Raki, Fiji, in November, offering children a platform to openly express pride in their linguistic heritage. During the event, children recited poems in Tamil, delivered speeches and confidently showcased their culture on stage.

The Prime Minister added that similar efforts are underway within India as well. "Continuous work is also being done within the country to promote the Tamil language. A few days ago, the fourth 'Kashi Tamil Sangamam' was held in my parliamentary constituency, Kashi," he said.

During the programme, PM Modi also played an audio clip of children speaking Tamil and remarked on their fluency.

"You will be surprised to know that these children, who express themselves so fluently in Tamil, are from Kashi, Varanasi. Their mother tongue is Hindi, but their love for the Tamil language inspired them to learn Tamil," he said.

He further explained that during this year's Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, special emphasis was placed on learning Tamil.

"Under the theme of 'Learn Tamil - Tamil Karakalam', special campaigns were also run in more than 50 schools in Varanasi. The results of that can be heard in this audio clip," he added.

The fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, a cultural and educational exchange programme between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, began on December 2 and concluded on December 15.

Launched in 2022, the initiative aims to revive and strengthen the ancient civilisational, linguistic and spiritual ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.

Emphasising the significance of the language, the Prime Minister said, "Tamil is the world's oldest language. Tamil literature is also extremely rich. I had requested you to participate in the 'Kashi Tamil Sangamam' in Mann Ki Baat. I am happy that today, in other parts of the country, there is a renewed interest in the Tamil language among children and youth -- this is the power of the language, this is the unity of India."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is the real "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat". When children in Varanasi learn Tamil and Fijian kids celebrate Tamil Day, it shows our unity in diversity. Kudos to all involved. We need more such cultural bridges, not just between North and South, but across all states.
A
Aditya G
While promoting Tamil is excellent, I hope equal emphasis and resources are given to all Indian languages. Many regional languages are struggling. The promotion should be inclusive, not selective. Let's celebrate all linguistic heritage.
S
Sarah B
I'm an NRI living in the US, and this news is wonderful. Preserving and promoting our languages abroad is crucial for the diaspora's identity. My kids are learning Hindi, but maybe we should look for Tamil classes too! Great work in Fiji.
K
Karthik V
The audio clip of Hindi-speaking children from Kashi speaking fluent Tamil must have been amazing to hear! This is true national integration. When we take interest in each other's culture, barriers break down. Hope this inspires similar programs for other languages.
M
Michael C
Interesting read. The historical connection between Kashi and Tamil culture is fascinating. It's more than just language promotion; it's about reconnecting ancient civilizational links. Smart way to foster national unity through shared heritage.

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