Mera Saansad
Search Search
English language

Ramshe Gujarat, Jeetshe Gujarat! Thoughts on the Khel Mahakumbh

Published By : Admin | January 18, 2013 | 08:24 IST

Dear Friends,

After the results of the 2012 Gujarat Vidhan Sabha were declared and in between the massive preparations of the 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, I attended a very important function in Gandhinagar. The occasion was the flagging off of the Torch Rally for Khel Mahakumbh 2012-2013. Usually we have the Khel Mahakumbh, our annual sports extravaganza, in November but the Model Code of Conduct did not permit us to do the same in 2012. Hence, the Khel Mahakumbh commences today, on 18th January.

In this edition of the Khel Mahakumbh, we expect to see a record participation from athletes cutting across all age groups. Already over 24 lakh athletes including over 1 lakh specially abled athletes have registered for 20 sporting events, which is far higher than the 18-lakh participants we had during Khel Mahakumbh 2011. The Torch Rally itself has moved around the length and breadth of the state for the last 18 days to further popularize the Khel Mahakumbh. Being the 150th birth year of Swami Vivekananda, the Gujarat Government set up Vivekananda Yuva Kendras in the last one year, which will provide a great impetus to the Khel Mahakumbh.

Initiatives such as Khel Mahakumbh are not merely sports meets where players come, play and leave; this is not a one-off event held to fill the calendar of the Government. In reality, the Khel Mahakumbh is an integral part of a larger determination of the Government to promote a culture of sports and sportsmanship among the people of Gujarat.

I have noticed that due to pressures of books, education, classes etc. the sports fields wear a desolate look during the evenings. This is a far cry from our times, when were eagerly awaited an evening game as much as we awaited a stimulating lecture. This is a matter of concern. The wide availability of video games, computer games and television have made the home a much better place of recreation as compared to the field.

This reminds me of a similar situation about which I had read about- in China it was noticed that after coming back from school, little children preferred to watch cartoons instead of going out to play. That is when the authorities decided not to screen any cartoon during a certain time so that the children go on the field.

We must make sports an integral part of our lives. It is a fact that without sport there can be no sportsman spirit. It is also rightly said,
“Jo Khele, Woh Khile” (The person who plays, shines!). We need not be professionals at the sport we play but picking up one sport as a hobby is something that can do wonders for our overall personal development.

We have decided to leave no stone unturned to promote every aspect of sports development. Our efforts are not limited to creating only talented players. There is an immense Human Resource Development potential linked with sports and we want that to grow leaps and bounds. Why cant we think of empowering umpiring skills, refereeing skills, encourage all the youngsters who are part of the proceedings without being on the field? There is scope for immense growth in areas of sports medicine, sports journalism and sports infrastructure. Our Sports Policy looks at all these issues comprehensively. We have also come up with a Sports Academy and are working towards creating Sports Schools in every district. We need to go further ahead and scale new heights of glory and give our youngsters the opportunity to shine on the sports field.

Apart from the Khel Mahakumbh, I invite you to be a part of Kutch Desert Car Rally 2013 that will be held on 25th January 2013. The Desert Car Rally has been a unique inititative to promote tourism and adventure sports in Kutch and in the past few editions it has really grown to spectacular heights.

Gujarat has just witnessed the Kumbh of development during the 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Summit. At the same time the Maha Kumbh is underway at Prayag and today I invite every one of you to extend your participation and support during this Mahakumbh of sports and sportsmanship. Those of you who are not playing should go to the venues and encourage the athletes. Breathe in their passion, their dedication and their determination. Victory and defeat are not the only aspects of sports. What is more important is the healthy atmosphere of sportsman spirit and this is what we seek to do during the Khel Mahakumbh, with the Mantra of
‘Ramshe Gujarat, Jeetshe Gujarat’ (Gujarat will play, Gujarat will win). So, come and be a part of this Mahakumbh of sports development!

Jay Jay Garvi Gujarat

Narendra Modi

Login or Register to add your comment
Explore More
Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya

Popular Speeches

Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya
View All
India's electronics exports cross $47 billion in 2025 on iPhone push

Media Coverage

India's electronics exports cross $47 billion in 2025 on iPhone push
View All
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
Download App
...
Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and a tribute to Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat
January 15, 2026

A few days ago, I was in the sacred land of Somnath to be part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, marking a thousand years since the first attack on Somnath, which took place in 1026. People from all across India had come to be part of this moment of remembrance, united by a shared reverence for history, culture and the enduring spirit of the people of India. During the programme, I met a few people who had previously come to Somnath during the Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam and had been to Kashi during the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. Their words of appreciation for such platforms touched me and so, I thought of sharing a few thoughts on this subject.

During one of the Mann Ki Baat programmes, I had said that not learning Tamil is a major regret of my life. Fortunately, over the last few years, our Government has had several opportunities to further popularise Tamil culture across India and to deepen the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ A prime example of such an effort is the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. In our ethos, Sangam or confluence has a special place. Seen in this light, the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam stands out as a truly distinctive initiative, one that celebrates the living unity of India’s many traditions while honouring their unique identities.

And what can be a better place than Kashi to host such a Sangamam. The same Kashi, which has remained a civilisational anchor from time immemorial… where, for thousands of years, people from all over have come in search of knowledge, meaning and Moksha.

Kashi’s connection with Tamil people and culture is very deep. It is in Kashi that Baba Vishwanath resides, while Tamil Nadu has Rameswaram. Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu is known as Kashi of the south or Dakshin Kashi. Saint Kumaraguruparar Swamigal forged a lasting link between Kashi and Tamil Nadu through his spirituality, scholarship and institution-building. Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, one of Tamil Nadu’s greatest sons, found in Kashi a space of intellectual growth and spiritual awakening. It was here that his nationalism deepened, his poetry sharpened and his vision of a free, united India took clearer shape. There are several such instances that highlight this close bond.

The first edition of Kashi-Tamil Sangamam took place in 2022. I recall attending the inauguration programme. Scholars, artisans, students, farmers, writers, professionals and many others from Tamil Nadu travelled to Kashi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya.

Subsequent editions expanded the scale and depth of this effort. The aim was to keep introducing fresh themes, innovative formats and deeper engagement, thus ensuring that the Sangamam continued to evolve while remaining rooted in its core spirit. In the second edition in 2023, technology was used on a larger scale to ensure that language does not become a barrier for people. In the third edition, the focus was on Indian knowledge systems. At the same time, academic discussions, cultural performances, exhibitions and interactions witnessed greater participation. Thousands of people have taken part in these events.

The fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam commenced on 2nd December 2025. The theme picked was very interesting- Tamil Karkalam - Learn Tamil. It presented a unique opportunity for people in Kashi and other parts to learn the beautiful Tamil language. Teachers came from Tamil Nadu and the students of Kashi had a very memorable experience!

There were many other special events this time.

Tholkappiyam, the ancient Tamil literary classic, was translated into 4 Indian languages and 6 foreign languages.

A unique event, Sage Agasthya Vehicle Expedition (SAVE), was undertaken from Tenkasi to Kashi. On the way, various initiatives such as eye camps, health awareness camps, digital literacy camps, among other things, were held. The expedition paid homage to King Adi Veera Parakrama Pandiyan, the great Pandya ruler who spread the message of cultural oneness. There were exhibitions at Namo Ghat, academic sessions at Banaras Hindu University, as well as cultural programmes.

One of the things that makes me most happy about the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam is the participation of thousands of youngsters. It illustrates the passion among our Yuva Shakti to deepen their connect with our roots. It is a brilliant platform for them to showcase their talent and creativity during the various cultural programmes.

In addition to the Sangamam, efforts have been made to make the journey to Kashi memorable for the participants. The Indian Railways operated special trains to take people from Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh. In many railway stations, particularly in Tamil Nadu, they were cheered, and the train journey was marked by melodious songs and conversations.

Here, I would also like to appreciate my sisters and brothers of Kashi and Uttar Pradesh for their warmth and hospitality shown to the delegates of the various Kashi-Tamil Sangamams. Several people opened the doors of their homes for the guests from Tamil Nadu. The local administration worked round the clock to ensure the guests had a seamless experience. As the MP from Varanasi, I could not be prouder!

This time, the valedictory function of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam was held in Rameswaram and it was graced by the Vice President of India, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji, who is himself a proud son of Tamil Nadu. He delivered a very inspiring address, emphasising India’s spiritual greatness and how such platforms deepen national integration.

The Kashi Tamil Sangamam has delivered meaningful outcomes like strengthening cultural understanding, fostering academic and people-to-people exchanges and creating lasting bonds between parts of the country that share a civilisational ethos. In the coming times, we want to make this platform even more vibrant. Most importantly, it has furthered the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ This spirit has flourished for centuries through our festivals, literature, music, art, cuisine, architecture, systems of knowledge and more.

This time of the year is very auspicious for people across the length and breadth of India. People are enthusiastically marking various festivals like Sankranti, Uttarayan, Pongal, Magh Bihu, which are, among other things, associated with the Sun, nature and farming. These festivals bring people together and deepen the spirit of harmony in our society. I convey my best wishes for these festivals and hope they continue to inspire us to deepen national unity through our shared heritage and collective participation.