Learning each other's languages crucial for national unity, says TN Guv Arlekar

Chennai, Jul 10 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Friday advocated that people across different regions should learn each other’s languages. "Individuals in North India should learn at least one South Indian language, such as Tamil, while those in South India should learn a North Indian language," the governor suggested. Presiding over the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 – 2025 felicitation ceremony at Bharathiar Mandapam in Lok Bhavan, Arlekar questioned what difficulty could arise from such learning, underscoring that language serves as an essential bridge in deepening cultural bonds. During the event, the governor felicitated prize winners, jury members, and organisers of the competition. He remarked that the Kashi Tamil Sangamam reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of national integration and cultural unity. Highlighting the massive reach of the initiative, the governor noted that more than 7,000 participants have visited Kashi through this programme, experiencing firsthand the profound spiritual and cultural connection between Kashi Vishwanath and Rameswaram. Drawing from his personal experiences during his tenure as the governor of Himachal Pradesh, Arlekar recalled meeting Tamil families who had been residing in Kashi for generations. He noted that their ability to speak Hindi fluently while fully preserving their Tamil identity serves as a stellar reflection of deep-rooted regional integration. The event saw the participation of several prominent dignitaries, including Sajjansingh R Chavan, Secretary to the Governor and Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT-Madras. PTI JR JR KH