Education Along with Self-Defense Is Essential: Students on Tamil Nadu Tour Learn the Traditional Martial Art Silambam
Varanasi/Tamil Nadu. Under Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0, a group of students from Varanasi gained a unique opportunity to closely experience the academic and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. During the visit, the students toured Ganadipathy Tulsi Jain Engineering College, where they participated in special sessions organized under the “Tamil Karkalam” theme, familiarizing themselves with the Tamil language and local traditions.
Through Tamil language learning sessions held on the college campus, students learned basic Tamil words and phrases used in daily life. Alongside language, they witnessed the vibrancy of Tamil culture firsthand. Tasting regional cuisine, the students realized that language, food, and tradition together offer a holistic understanding of any culture.
Enriching this cultural exposure further, the students also received training in Silambam, the traditional martial art of Tamil Nadu. This ancient stick-based martial art imparted lessons of discipline, balance, and self-confidence, while connecting students to Tamil Nadu’s rich physical heritage.
Silambam is one of the oldest traditional weapon-based martial arts of Tamil Nadu, primarily known for the use of a bamboo staff (silambam), but it also includes weapons such as swords, daggers, and the flexible sword urumi. Renowned for its rhythmic movements, agile footwork, and mental focus, Silambam finds mention in Sangam literature and was patronized by the Chola, Chera, and Pandya rulers. It is regarded as one of India’s classical martial arts that contributes significantly to both physical fitness and mental well-being.
As part of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0, another group of students also visited the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, where a special day focused on learning and holistic well-being was organized. The day began with a yoga session that energized students and enhanced their concentration. This was followed by interactive Tamil language classes conducted by CICT resource persons, where students learned conversational Tamil through engaging activities.
This integrated learning environment encouraged curiosity, active participation, and cultural exchange, truly reflecting the spirit of Tamil Karkalam.
In the final phase of the journey, students participated in a Silambam session at Bommayarpalayam beach in Puducherry. Practicing against the backdrop of the open shoreline, the session introduced them to the energy and discipline of Tamil physical traditions. The experience went beyond training, emerging as a powerful confluence of tradition, nature, and culture.
Overall, the journey under Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 became a vibrant platform for students to understand language, culture, and life values, further strengthening the cultural bridge between North and South India.