Sat Nov 01 05:33:46 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized version of the article and a rewrite as a news report suitable for online publication:
Summary:
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, inaugurated a new lodging facility (satram) built by the Sri Kasi Nattukkottai Nagara Satram Managing Society in Varanasi. Radhakrishnan shared a personal anecdote about his transformation to vegetarianism after visiting Kashi (Varanasi) 25 years ago and bathing in the Ganges. He praised the transformation of Kashi under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Adityanath, highlighting the contributions of the Nagarathar community to social service and their commitment to Tamil culture. The new facility symbolizes the strong cultural and spiritual ties between North and South India, further solidified by initiatives like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam. He noted the spiritual renaissance taking place in Kashi, referencing the return of the Annapurni Devi idol. The facility also boasts green energy initiatives. He visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple and offered prayers for peace.
News Article:
Varanasi, November 1, 2025 – Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today inaugurated a new Dharamshala (lodging facility) in Varanasi, built by the Sri Kasi Nattukkottai Nagara Satram Managing Society. The event underscored the strengthening cultural and spiritual ties between North and South India.
During the inauguration, Vice-President Radhakrishnan shared a personal story about his transformative experience during his first visit to Kashi 25 years ago. “When I first came to Kashi 25 years ago, I was a non-vegetarian. After bathing in the Ganga, my life changed so much that I adopted vegetarianism,” he revealed.
He lauded the significant improvements in Varanasi under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Adityanath, noting a clear difference between Kashi 25 years ago and today. He also praised the Nagarathar community for their commitment to social service, Tamil culture, and their significant contribution of ₹60 crore through donations for the construction of the Satram.
“This building embodies that spirit,” he said, emphasizing the active presence of the Natukottai group in bringing together service, religion, and progress.
The new facility, equipped with 140 rooms on 10 floors and featuring 76 solar lamps, aims to provide comfortable lodging for visiting devotees and encourage younger generations to experience the holy city. Radhakrishnan highlighted the significance of this Satram in strengthening the centuries-old bond between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, a connection fostered by events like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam.
He further referenced the return of the idol of Annapurni Devi to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex, stolen over a century ago and returned from Canada in 2021, as evidence of a spiritual renaissance underway in Kashi. The facility’s use of solar energy is projected to save approximately ₹25 lakh annually, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.
Following the inauguration, the Vice-President visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple and offered prayers. The 10-story satram is the second facility built by the society in Varanasi, reflecting the age-old spiritual and cultural bond between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, in the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India).
First Piper 