Varanasi: PM Modi talks about AI at Kashi Tamil Sangamam, flags off Express train for Kanyakumari

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday launched the second edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam at the Namo Ghat in Varanasi and flagged off an express train (Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express) between the city of Kashi Vishwanath and Kanyakumari.

While inaugurating the second edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam Prime Minister Modi said “Today, use of new technology has taken place here through Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is a new beginning and hopefully, it makes it easier for me to reach you.”

The prime minister was referring to the simultaneous Artificial Intelligence (AI) based Tamil translation of his speech done through Bhashini for those in the audience who understood Tamil.

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He also flagged off the Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express between Varanasi and Kanyakumari.

At the Kashi Tamil Sangamam PM Modi said, “...You all have come here as members of my family more than being just guests. I welcome you all to the Kashi Tamil Sangamam..."

"Going to Varanasi from Tamil Nadu means going from Mahadev's one home to another. That's why the bond between people of Tamil Nadu and Varanasi is special," he said.

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Crediting Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya and other ancient philosophers for creating the idea of India as a nation, the prime said, "In other countries of the world, the nation has been a political definition, but India as a nation is made up of spiritual beliefs. India has been united by saints like Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, who awakened the national consciousness of India through their travels," PM Modi added.

He further said, “I am happy that the Banaras Hindu University and IIT Madras have collaborated to make the Kashi Tamil Sangamam a success. The IIT Madras has started the 'Vidya Shakti' initiative to help students from Kashi in maths and science. These things show that the relationship between Kashi and Tamil Nadu is special.”

Earlier, addressing the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath thanked the prime minister for the event 

“Organising the Kashi Tamil Sangamam (in Varanasi) is the result of PM Modi's vision. This is helping in 'Sangam' of North and South," the UP chief minister said.

The Kashi Tamil Sangamam, which will be held from December 17-31, will witness the participation of 1,400 dignitaries from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. According to an official statement, they are scheduled to visit Varanasi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya.

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The programme will also feature cultural events highlighting the unique traditions of Kashi and Tamil Nadu with the aim to strengthen the ties between the people of these two regions, the statement said.

The Union Ministry of Education is the nodal agency for the event with participation from the ministries of culture, tourism, railways, textiles, food processing, MSME, information and broadcasting, skill development and entrepreneurship, IRCTC and related departments of the Uttar Pradesh government.