Why in News?

• The month-long Kashi Tamil Sangamam displayed Tamil culture and heralded a new era of intermingling and revitalizing ancient Indian traditions with the help of modern practices. This also contributes to the cultural and economic growth of the country. 
• The event further carried forward the tradition of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

Highlights:

• Kashi is one of the oldest living cities in the world, and Tamil Nadu is the state where people speak the world’s oldest language. 
• Both regions have old and rich traditions of arts, music, craftsmanship, philosophy, spirituality, and literature. 
• There is little knowledge among the general public about the linkage between the two traditional centres of India.
• The recently developed Kashi Vishwanath corridor, which connects the Jyotirling with the Ganga, enriches traditions with modernity for the benefit of the residents as well as visitors. Similarly, the Sangamam provided a unique platform to rediscover and integrate India’s ancient heritage and knowledge with modern philosophy, thought, craftsmanship, and technology. 

Textile Conclave:

• The textile conclave was also organized during the Sangamam, where several experts from the textile industry (both from Tamil Nadu and Kashi) shared their knowledge and experiences. 
• The Indian government has a vision of raising textiles exports to $100 billion by 2030 and creating new opportunities in the sector. It is a key sector of India’s mission to become a developed country by 2047.
• The sector has great potential to create jobs. Moreover, the textiles market of India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12-13% and reach approximately $2 trillion by 2047. 
• The 5F formula that is, ‘farm, fibre, fabric, fashion, and foreign’, proposed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will accelerate growth and transform the lives of farmers and weavers. 
• The Indian government is also encouraging technical textiles that are used in protective clothing, bulletproof vests, vehicles, and construction. 
• Kashi and Tamil Nadu will play an important role in the vision. The Sanagamam was thus crucial in accelerating development and focusing on the welfare of the poor, promoting local industries and handicrafts, and eventually reflecting the love for Indian culture.
• Apart from the textile industry, traditional wooden toys were also promoted. 
• The One District One product scheme is also a step by the government of India to take Indian products to the global markets.
• Traditional products will also get a boost from initiatives like the Open Network for Digital Commerce and the Government e-Marketplace.

Conclusion:

• The Sangamam concluded on 16th December 2022. It has ignited a new cultural zeal in India.
• Home Minister Shri Amit Shah exclaimed that the Sangamam is the beginning of India’s cultural renaissance that is not just limited to Tamil Nadu and Kashi and will further extend to all cultures of India.