In the 115th episode of his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the global resonance of Indian art and culture, emphasising how people around the world are increasingly drawn to India's heritage and traditions.
He shared examples from Kashmir to Chhattisgarh, illustrating how India's cultural essence is being celebrated both domestically and internationally.
PM Modi mentioned calligraphy, a cherished art form in Jammu and Kashmir, with local artists like Firdousa Bashir from Anantnag using it to showcase and preserve regional culture.
He also praised Gorinath from Udhampur, who preserves Dogra culture through the tunes of a century-old sarangi, narrating historical tales and cultural heritage.
"In different parts of the country, you will find many extraordinary people preserving cultural heritage," he said, pointing to Telangana's D. Vaikuntham, who has promoted Cheriyal folk art for decades, and Butluram Mathra from Chhattisgarh, who has spent 40 years preserving the art of the Abujhmadia tribe.
"These artistic efforts are spreading the fragrance of Indian culture across the world," PM Modi noted.
He recounted his experience in Russia's Yakutsk, where audiences braved the freezing winter to enjoy Kalidasa's Abhijnana Shakuntalam. He also recalled watching Phalak Phalam, the Laotian version of the Ramayana, during a recent visit to Laos, marvelling at the shared devotion between the two nations.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the cross-cultural efforts of Abdullah Al-Barun, who translated the Ramayana and Mahabharata into Arabic, bridging Indian and Arab cultures.
In Peru, Erlinda Garcia and Maria Valdes are popularising Bharatanatyam and Odissi dance, respectively, showing how "Indian classical dance is creating waves of popularity in South America."
"Wherever there is art, there is India. Wherever there is culture, there is India," PM Modi remarked, inviting people to share cultural initiatives using the hashtag #CulturalBridges, which he said would be a regular feature in future episodes of Mann Ki Baat.
Patanjali boosts Oil Palm expansion in Tripura
In a strategic push to enhance oil palm cultivation in Tripura, Patanjali Foods has announced its plan to cultivate approximately 10,000 hectares of oil palm over the next two years. The initiative aims to strengthen the region’s agricultural economy and make Tripura a key player in India’s oil palm production.
Rs 14 Crore sanctioned for Brahmakunda Mela Development: CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that the present state government has been working for the protection of the culture and tradition of the indigenous people of the state.
Young biker dies in road accident near Tripura University
In a heart-wrenching road accident, a young biker lost his life after colliding with a lorry on the Agartala-Sabroom National Highway in front of the main gate of Tripura University under Amtali police station jurisdiction today.
Centre approves Vibrant Villages Programme-II for Tripura
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved the Vibrant Villages Programme -II (VVP-II) for Tripura and rest of the North Eastern states.
Assam farmers visit Tripura to learn advanced onion farming techniques
A group of 18 farmers from Assam has arrived in Tripura to study the state’s successful onion farming initiatives. Organized by the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture in collaboration with Tripura Agricultural College and NABARD, this exposure visit aims to highlight modern agricultural techniques that have contributed to Tripura’s impressive onion yields.
Manipur Police arrest 11 militants, recover large cache of arms, ammunition
The Manipur Police arrested 11 militants belonging to various banned outfits and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during the past 24 hours, officials said here on Friday.
PM Modi unveils 21-point action plan at 6th BIMSTEC Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday presented a comprehensive 21-point action plan during the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, laying out an ambitious road map for cooperation across diverse sectors.
ED raids multiple premises of 'Empuraan' producer Gokulam Gopalan
Amid the controversy surrounding Malayalam film ‘Empuraan’ starring superstar Mohanlal, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted raids at multiple premises linked to film’s producer Gokulam Gopalan.