Content:
- Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0
- Conserving the Immortal Marks of Archaeological Sites
Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0
Introduction
- The Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 3.0 is scheduled from February 15-24, 2025, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- Organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with other ministries and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
- Aims to celebrate and strengthen civilizational ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi).
- Aligns with NEP 2020, emphasizing the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems with modern education.
- Participants include scholars, students, artisans, traders, artists, and professionals from Tamil Nadu and Kashi.
Relevance : GS 1(Culture and Heritage)
Significance of KTS 3.0
- Special Highlights in 2025:
- Participants will witness the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj and visit the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
- Expansion of youth participation, with an additional 200 Tamil-origin students from Central Universities.
- Aims to foster cultural awareness, knowledge-sharing, and academic discourse.
Delegates & Categories
- 1000 Delegates from Tamil Nadu will be invited under five categories:
- Students, Teachers, and Writers
- Farmers and Artisans (Vishwakarma Categories)
- Professionals and Small Entrepreneurs
- Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Mudra Loan beneficiaries, DBHPS Pracharaks
- Startups, Innovation, Edu-Tech, and Research
Honoring Sage Agasthyar’s Legacy
- Key theme for KTS 3.0: Contributions of Sage Agasthyar.
- Significant Contributions:
- Siddha Medicine (Bharatiya Chikitsa)
- Classical Tamil Literature
- Philosophy, Science, Linguistics, Polity, and Art
- Agasthyar is revered as the first grammarian of Tamil and is worshipped in Java and Sumatra.
- Exhibition on Sage Agasthyar at KTS 3.0, highlighting his scholarly achievements.
Bridging Tradition and Contemporary Discourse
- Aims and Objectives:
- Strengthening literary, spiritual, and artistic ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.
- Promoting academic and research-based interactions.
- Showcasing traditional art forms, crafts, and cuisine.
- Encouraging Tamil students to explore the historical significance of Kashi.
Kashi Tamil Sangamam: Evolution Over the Years
- KTS 1.0 (2022):
- Held from November 16 to December 16, 2022.
- 2500 delegates from Tamil Nadu visited Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya.
- KTS 2.0 (2023):
- Held from December 17-30, 2023, at Namo Ghat, Varanasi.
- Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the event on December 17, 2023.
- Real-time app-based translation of PM’s speech into Tamil for delegates.
Conclusion
- KTS 3.0 continues the legacy of fostering cultural and intellectual ties.
- Strengthens the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat initiative by celebrating India’s linguistic and spiritual unity.
- Encourages cross-cultural exchanges, youth participation, and knowledge integration.
Conserving the Immortal Marks of Archaeological Sites
Introduction
- India’s cultural and archaeological heritage is vast, spanning from ancient temples to historic ruins.
- These sites represent India’s rich history, traditions, and architectural brilliance.
- Climate change and environmental degradation pose significant threats to these heritage sites.
- The Government of India, through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other bodies, is actively working on conservation and protection efforts.
Relevance : GS 1(Culture Heritage) , GS 2(Governance)
Role of ASI in Monument Protection
- Established in 1861, ASI is responsible for 3,698 monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.
- Governed under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act (1904) and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (1958).
- ASI’s conservation programs focus on minimal intervention to maintain authenticity.
- Factors contributing to monument decay:
- Climate change
- Encroachments and pollution
- Structural instability
- Quarrying and natural disasters
- ASI operates through 37 Circle offices and 1 Mini Circle for conservation and environmental development.
Increased Funding for Conservation
- Budget allocation for ASI increased by 70% from ₹260.90 crores (2020–21) to ₹443.53 crores (2023–24).
- Funds are used for:
- Conservation projects
- Climate resilience strategies
- Security enhancements
- Monitoring and research initiatives
Measures to Counter Environmental Threats
- Regular Monitoring:
- Heritage sites are continuously monitored to assess climate change impacts.
- Climate-Resilient Solutions:
- Adoption of scientific treatments for monument preservation.
- Automated Weather Stations (AWS):
- Set up in collaboration with ISRO to monitor weather patterns affecting monuments.
- Air Pollution Monitoring:
- Air Pollution Laboratories at sites like the Taj Mahal and Bibi Ka Maqbara.
- Inter-Agency Coordination:
- ASI collaborates with other government agencies to ensure cohesive heritage conservation.
- International Collaboration:
- Participation in global workshops on “Disaster Management of Cultural Heritage Sites” with NDMA and UNESCO.
- Disaster Management Guidelines:
- National Disaster Management Guidelines include risk assessment and recovery plans.
Legal and Security Measures for Heritage Protection
- Legal Protection:
- Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 ensures legal safeguards.
- Encroachment Control:
- Superintending Archaeologists authorized to issue eviction notices under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.
- Security Measures:
- Deployment of CISF and private security personnel for protection.
- Conservation Policy:
- National Conservation Policy (2014) guides ASI’s efforts.
- Penalties for Damage:
- Section 30 of the 1958 Act imposes fines and legal action for damage to protected sites.
Conclusion
- The preservation of India’s cultural heritage is a multi-faceted effort requiring sustained funding, strategic planning, and climate resilience.
- ASI’s proactive approach, in collaboration with other agencies, ensures the protection of India’s historical legacy.
- With legal frameworks, monitoring, and conservation efforts, India’s heritage will remain safeguarded for future generations
