Srinagar, September 24, 2025 – In a vibrant celebration of India’s cultural mosaic, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar hosted a two-day Silambam Workshop, seamlessly blending the ancient martial arts heritage of Tamil Nadu with the dynamic campus spirit of Kashmir. Over 80 students from diverse regions of the country participated in the event at the institute’s Common Hall, marking a spirited exchange that highlighted unity in diversity amid the serene Himalayan backdrop.The workshop, organized by the institute’s cultural and extracurricular committees, introduced participants to Silambam – a traditional South Indian martial art originating from Tamil Nadu, known for its rhythmic staff techniques, agility drills, and emphasis on discipline. Held from September 21 to 22, the sessions were led by expert instructors from southern India, drawing enthusiastic crowds of engineering students eager to explore beyond textbooks. As sticks clashed in synchronized patterns and participants absorbed the art’s philosophical roots in self-defense and mindfulness, the event transformed the academic hub into a living canvas of national integration.
Key Highlights of the Silambam Workshop
- Hands-On Training Sessions: Over 80 attendees, including undergraduates from engineering streams, engaged in foundational techniques like basic strikes, footwork, and weapon handling, fostering physical fitness and mental focus in a non-competitive environment.
- Cultural Immersion: The program featured storytelling sessions on Silambam’s historical ties to ancient Tamil warriors and its evolution through colonial eras, encouraging dialogues on how regional arts contribute to India’s shared identity.
- Live Demonstrations and Feedback: The workshop culminated in participant-led demos, where students showcased improvised routines, earning applause from peers and faculty. Certificates were distributed to recognize skill acquisition and participation.
NIT Srinagar Director, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanujia, inaugurated the event and lauded its role in holistic student development. “These workshops not only safeguard cultural heritage but also instill discipline and confidence among our students. The union of Tamil Nadu’s Silambam and Kashmir’s youthful energy reflects India’s unity in diversity,” he remarked during the closing ceremony. Registrar Prof. [name incomplete in sources, but contextually supportive] echoed the sentiment, emphasizing how such initiatives bridge geographical divides on a diverse campus like NIT Srinagar, home to students from all states.
Broader Context: Fostering Unity at NIT Srinagar
Nestled on the banks of Dal Lake, NIT Srinagar – established in 1960 as one of India’s premier Regional Engineering Colleges – has long been a melting pot of cultures, with its student body representing every corner of the nation. Ranked 79th in the NIRF 2024 engineering rankings, the institute prioritizes extracurriculars alongside academics, hosting events from folk music fests to tech symposiums. This Silambam Workshop aligns with ongoing efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage, similar to recent yoga retreats and Kashmiri handicraft expos that have drawn acclaim for promoting inter-regional harmony.The event has sparked buzz on social media, with student-shared videos of fluid staff spins and group formations trending under hashtags like #SilambamAtNIT and #KashmirMeetsTamilNadu. Participants reported heightened camaraderie, with one southern student noting, “Learning Silambam here feels like Kashmir embracing my roots – a true spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.” Officials plan follow-up sessions to expand such cultural bridges, ensuring the campus remains a beacon of inclusive vibrancy in Jammu and Kashmir.
