Content:

1. Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0
2. 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

1. Regular Monitoring:
   1. 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