Varanasi,
23 Feb (HS): External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said India is a country
of diversity, which often leaves people wondering how the country holds
together despite so many languages, traditions and beliefs. This diversity and
the underlying unity in it is what keeps all Indians united as one nation. The
External Affairs Minister was interacting with delegates from Tamil Nadu and
foreign diplomats at the third edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam on Sunday.
In
the academic session organized on the topic of 'Tradition, Technology and
World' at the Omkar Nath Thakur Auditorium of Banaras Hindu University (BHU),
the External Affairs Minister welcomed the delegates by saying Vanakkam Kashi
in Tamil language. Referring to the antiquity and spirituality of Kashi, the
External Affairs Minister said that Kashi-Tamil Sangamam is a celebration of
the special centuries-old connection between Kashi and Tamil Nadu. The ancient
city of Kashi is one of the oldest cities in the world. Kashi is like a
cultural magnet for the whole of India. People from all parts of the country
connect deeply with it.
He
said that the people of Tamil Nadu have a special attachment to Kashi and Kashi
Tamil Sangamam is a celebration of this unique bond. When Prime Minister
Narendra Modi decided to organize Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, its objective was to
make India a confluence of cultures, languages and traditions. While
interacting with foreign diplomats, he said that Kashi Tamil Sangamam presents
a perfect example of the celebration of unity in diversity, as envisioned by
our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The External Affairs Minister said that it is
important to celebrate India's glorious heritage, because this is how we take
it to the coming generations. Also, we tell the world about India's golden past
and the greatness of its roots. Praising the efforts in this regard, he said
that celebrating cultures refreshes them and the Government of India is taking
important steps in this direction.
Answered
the delegates' questions: The External Affairs Minister also responded to a
question from Tamil representative Rajagopalan. The representative asked what
key aspects the External Affairs Minister would like to highlight on the
occasion of this special festival in Kashi. Dr Jaishankar said that tradition helps
advance technology and this is where the Indian knowledge system comes to the
fore. He said Indian universities are carrying out advanced scientific studies
in drone technology, space technology and other important areas and hoped that
the institutions would come up with many more promising ventures in the future.
The Minister was responding to a question from a Tamil representative Ruthran,
who mentioned that India has been a technology leader in the past and many of
these technologies were shared with the world from India.
He
sought to know if there were any plans to study in this regard. Another Tamil
representative Rajesh Kumar asked how the ambassadors viewed India in view of
its immense diversity in language, faith and traditions. The Somalia ambassador
replied that uniformity was not the solution. He said India presents a unique
example of how a billion people with different ways of looking at things can
co-exist in harmony. Referring to the conflicts in Africa, he said India's rich
and diverse culture unites the country as a nation where people share values
while respecting and caring for each other with humility. It is worth noting
that ambassadors and diplomats from 45 countries also participated in this
academic session of Kashi Tamil Sangamam.
India
shows the world the path of co-existence and unity: The dialogue gave the
message that India shows the world the path of coexistence and solidarity.
Foreign diplomats also expressed happiness at attending the Tamil Sangamam. An
enlightening interaction took place between External Affairs Minister Dr. S.
Jaishankar and Tamil delegates along with 45 ambassadors from across the world.
The session as part of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 provided the global delegates a
unique opportunity to not only witness the confluence of two great cultures of
Kashi and Kanchi up close but also deepened their understanding of India beyond
the geography of New Delhi. The Eritrean diplomat appreciated the special
opportunity to visit Kashi and witness the integration of two great cultures.
He recalled his Indian teachers who used to tell him about India's culture, its
people and its heritage. He acknowledged the bond between people from different
parts of the country that makes them one.
Similarly,
the Deputy High Commissioner of Rwanda said that the solidarity felt by Indians
is something that people across the world should take a cue from. Expressing
concern about the wars and conflicts taking place in various parts of the
world, he said that the goodwill embraced by Indians is exemplary. The
Ambassador of Iceland emphasised that India’s diversity is its strength which
is reflected in its shared values and culture. The High Commissioner of
Jamaica, noting that this year marks the 108th year of the arrival
of Indians in Jamaica, said that there are many untold stories about the people
of India and Jamaica. He said that both countries should work together to
highlight these stories of struggle and success.
Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi
