"India's culture and social structure, its spirituality and ideals, and its philosophy and vision have always nurtured traditions that unite, adopt and embrace." Prime Minister Narendra Modi (during the National celebration of International Day of Yoga, 2023)
With its rich civilisation spanning thousands of years, India has always been considered a cultural and spiritual powerhouse. As Aurobindo Ghosh had envisioned, India is meant to be a spiritual guide to the world. The sacred land has always attracted travellers from all across the globe. Today, with PM Modi at the helm, the country is taking that pride forward with the spirit of 'Vikas bhi Virasat bhi', underlining Bharat's historical significance and civilisational ethos. The PM is reclaiming and reviving what Bharat was, is, and can be—a VishwaMitra.
After decades, there has been a concerted effort to redevelop and revive various sites of civilisational significance under the leadership of PM Modi. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Char Dham project, Somnath Temple reconstruction, Ujjain Mahakal Corridor, and the magnificent Ram Mandir in Ayodhya are exemplary projects that help enhance India's image as the spiritual capital of the world and make it a preferable destination for those seeking to get a taste of heritage and religious harmony.
Initiatives like the Buddhist and the Ramayana Circuits provide an immersive experience for tourists seeking to explore Lord Buddha's teachings or follow Shri Ram's footsteps. The direct bus service between Janakpur (Nepal) and Ayodhya (India) enhances connectivity, and efforts like these foster cultural ties in the South and Southeast Asian regions.
In addition, India has significantly expanded its representation on the UNESCO World Heritage list in the last decade. Adding ten sites in just nine years demonstrates a commitment to preserving and showcasing India's cultural diversity. Furthermore, the successful retrieval of 344 antiquities reflects the government's dedication to safeguarding its cultural treasures amid international cooperation.
Bharat, a living culture, can thrive if we nurture, nourish, and strengthen it, and this is a responsibility we share with the successive generations of the Indian diaspora. PM Modi's government has constructively engaged the diaspora in showcasing India's culture abroad. As PM Modi says, "They embody [the diaspora] the spirit of India across the globe, fostering a sense of unity and diversity."
PM Modi's vision stands for Bharatiyata—where every individual, irrespective of their geographical location, contributes to the progress of Brand India. Strengthening this vision are initiatives like the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, which encourages the young Indian diaspora to delve deeper into their roots and develop a better understanding of the land of their ancestors. Similarly, Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana motivates overseas Indians to experience India's spiritual and religious heritage.
Further, India's hosting of the G20 Summit with the theme 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' not only highlighted the country's centuries-old ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam' but also showcased India's growing credentials as a global consensus builder, as evident in the New Delhi Declaration.
Yoga, on the other hand, has become a global heritage today, thanks to the untiring efforts of the Modi government. In response to PM Modi's passionate call, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga in 2014—showcasing India's cultural influence on a global scale.
In its resolution, the UNGA recognised yoga as a holistic approach to health and well-being and the benefits it carried for the global population. Marking a significant diplomatic achievement for India, yoga has become an international movement ever since, punctuated by diverse activities and programs.
Further, PM Modi actively promotes Indian tribal art and culture during his foreign visits. By presenting gifts such as Gond paintings from Madhya Pradesh, Bidri pots from Telangana, and Warli paintings from Gujarat to global leaders, he not only showcases the diversity of Indian art forms but also celebrates the vibrant cultural heritage of India's tribal communities.
Rabindranath Tagore once wrote:
"India's culture and social structure, its spirituality and ideals, and its philosophy and vision have always nurtured traditions that unite, adopt and embrace." Prime Minister Narendra Modi (during the National celebration of International Day of Yoga, 2023)
With its rich civilisation spanning thousands of years, India has always been considered a cultural and spiritual powerhouse. As Aurobindo Ghosh had envisioned, India is meant to be a spiritual guide to the world. The sacred land has always attracted travellers from all across the globe. Today, with PM Modi at the helm, the country is taking that pride forward with the spirit of 'Vikas bhi Virasat bhi', underlining Bharat's historical significance and civilisational ethos. The PM is reclaiming and reviving what Bharat was, is, and can be—a VishwaMitra.
After decades, there has been a concerted effort to redevelop and revive various sites of civilisational significance under the leadership of PM Modi. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Char Dham project, Somnath Temple reconstruction, Ujjain Mahakal Corridor, and the magnificent Ram Mandir in Ayodhya are exemplary projects that help enhance India's image as the spiritual capital of the world and make it a preferable destination for those seeking to get a taste of heritage and religious harmony.
Initiatives like the Buddhist and the Ramayana Circuits provide an immersive experience for tourists seeking to explore Lord Buddha's teachings or follow Shri Ram's footsteps. The direct bus service between Janakpur (Nepal) and Ayodhya (India) enhances connectivity, and efforts like these foster cultural ties in the South and Southeast Asian regions.
In addition, India has significantly expanded its representation on the UNESCO World Heritage list in the last decade. Adding ten sites in just nine years demonstrates a commitment to preserving and showcasing India's cultural diversity. Furthermore, the successful retrieval of 344 antiquities reflects the government's dedication to safeguarding its cultural treasures amid international cooperation.
Bharat, a living culture, can thrive if we nurture, nourish, and strengthen it, and this is a responsibility we share with the successive generations of the Indian diaspora. PM Modi's government has constructively engaged the diaspora in showcasing India's culture abroad. As PM Modi says, "They embody [the diaspora] the spirit of India across the globe, fostering a sense of unity and diversity."
PM Modi's vision stands for Bharatiyata—where every individual, irrespective of their geographical location, contributes to the progress of Brand India. Strengthening this vision are initiatives like the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, which encourages the young Indian diaspora to delve deeper into their roots and develop a better understanding of the land of their ancestors. Similarly, Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana motivates overseas Indians to experience India's spiritual and religious heritage.
Further, India's hosting of the G20 Summit with the theme 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' not only highlighted the country's centuries-old ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam' but also showcased India's growing credentials as a global consensus builder, as evident in the New Delhi Declaration.
Yoga, on the other hand, has become a global heritage today, thanks to the untiring efforts of the Modi government. In response to PM Modi's passionate call, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga in 2014—showcasing India's cultural influence on a global scale.
In its resolution, the UNGA recognised yoga as a holistic approach to health and well-being and the benefits it carried for the global population. Marking a significant diplomatic achievement for India, yoga has become an international movement ever since, punctuated by diverse activities and programs.
Further, PM Modi actively promotes Indian tribal art and culture during his foreign visits. By presenting gifts such as Gond paintings from Madhya Pradesh, Bidri pots from Telangana, and Warli paintings from Gujarat to global leaders, he not only showcases the diversity of Indian art forms but also celebrates the vibrant cultural heritage of India's tribal communities.
Rabindranath Tagore once wrote: "India represents the wealth of mind which is for all. We acknowledge India's obligation to offer to others the hospitality of her best culture. And India's right to accept from others their best."
Taking a leaf out of such thought and promoting an enduring legacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has established India as a prominent player on the global stage while revitalising its rich traditions. PM Modi has showcased India as a cultural, spiritual, and historical leader through projects, initiatives, and diplomatic engagements. Today, as the nation reembraces its past while charting a path towards the future, Modi's vision of 'Vikas bhi Virasat bhi' resonates deeply, propelling India to reclaim its global status.
Taking a leaf out of such thought and promoting an enduring legacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has established India as a prominent player on the global stage while revitalising its rich traditions. PM Modi has showcased India as a cultural, spiritual, and historical leader through projects, initiatives, and diplomatic engagements. Today, as the nation reembraces its past while charting a path towards the future, Modi's vision of 'Vikas bhi Virasat bhi' resonates deeply, propelling India to reclaim its global status.
