Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Says Culture is the Strongest Bond Uniting BRICS Nations Beyond Economics and Politics

Bhopal,07 August (H.S.): Culture has the unique power to transcend geographical boundaries, political differences and linguistic diversity, creating lasting bonds of friendship, mutual respect and peace among nations. Reinforcing this message, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the BRICS nations are connected not only through strategic and economic partnerships but also by a shared commitment to cultural cooperation, civilisational dialogue and inclusive development.

Addressing the BRICS Cultural Festival organised at Rabindra Bhavan in Bhopal as part of the Third Meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Culture, Shri Shekhawat observed that culture remains one of humanity's most enduring instruments for promoting understanding, harmony and global peace.

The cultural evening, featuring artists from India and fellow BRICS nations, celebrated the ideals of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The World is One Family), demonstrating how music, dance and artistic traditions can unite people beyond political and geographical boundaries.

Madhya Pradesh: A Living Museum of India's Civilisation

Welcoming delegates from BRICS countries to the City of Lakes, the Union Minister described Madhya Pradesh as the cultural heartland of India, where history, spirituality and artistic traditions have flourished continuously for thousands of years. He noted that the state has served as a meeting point of diverse civilisations, philosophies and faiths since ancient times.

Drawing attention to Madhya Pradesh's globally recognised heritage, Shri Shekhawat referred to the prehistoric rock shelters of Bhimbetka, the timeless Buddhist monuments at Sanchi, the magnificent temples of Khajuraho, and the vibrant traditions preserved by the state's tribal communities.

Together, he said, these remarkable sites reflect the uninterrupted continuity of India's civilisational journey, where ancient knowledge and artistic excellence continue to inspire the modern world.

Culture as a Universal Language

Emphasising India's civilisational ethos, the Union Minister said that the philosophies of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (The Guest is God) remain deeply embedded in Indian society. He remarked that hospitality in India extends far beyond social etiquette and represents a cherished cultural value rooted in centuries of tradition.

Although BRICS countries possess distinct histories, languages and artistic expressions, Shri Shekhawat observed that music and the arts constitute a universal language capable of fostering friendship, trust and hope across diverse cultures. He also highlighted that the evening commenced with the timeless Sanskrit prayer 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah' (May All Be Happy), describing it as a universal message of peace and well-being whose relevance has become even greater in today's complex global environment.

Expressing confidence that the visit of delegates would deepen mutual understanding among BRICS nations, the Union Minister said cultural diplomacy continues to play an increasingly important role in strengthening international cooperation.

Music Becomes the Voice of Global Harmony

The BRICS Cultural Festival transformed Rabindra Bhavan into a vibrant celebration of global unity through a carefully curated series of musical and artistic performances. The 32-minute musical presentation began with an invocation of 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah', setting the tone for an evening dedicated to universal peace and collective harmony.

This was followed by 'Colours of Indian Music', an impressive presentation blending the richness of Hindustani and Carnatic classical traditions, showcasing the diversity and sophistication of India's musical heritage.

The emotional centrepiece of the evening was the 'BRICS Peace Song', during which artists representing participating nations presented melodies rooted in their own cultural traditions while collectively conveying the universal ideals of peace, friendship and coexistence. The programme concluded with inspiring collective performances titled 'Peace to All, Harmony to All' and 'Crescendo of Unity', leaving the audience with a powerful message of shared humanity.

A Remarkable Confluence of Global Musical Traditions

One of the festival's most distinctive features was the extraordinary collaboration among musicians representing Belarus, Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, alongside Indian performers. Adding a uniquely Indian dimension to the presentation, the Indian choir rendered 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah' in the languages of each participating country.

The multilingual performance symbolised the spirit of dialogue, respect and friendship that lies at the heart of BRICS cultural cooperation, illustrating how shared artistic expression can overcome linguistic and cultural barriers.

'Amritasya Madhya Pradesh' Captivates International Audience

The Department of Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh, presented a spectacular 35-minute dance ballet titled 'Amritasya Madhya Pradesh', offering international delegates a visual journey through the state's extraordinary cultural, historical, spiritual and natural heritage.

The production celebrated the state's UNESCO World Heritage Sites while portraying episodes associated with Lord Shri Ram, Lord Shri Krishna, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Raja Bhoj, the city of Bhopal, the sacred River Narmada, and the spiritual significance of Simhastha-2028. Through sophisticated choreography and theatrical storytelling, the ballet reflected the depth and diversity of Madhya Pradesh's civilisational legacy.

More Than 125 Artists Bring India's Cultural Diversity to Life

The grand production featured performances by over 125 artists, presenting an impressive blend of 12 classical, contemporary and traditional dance forms. Classical traditions including Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam and Manipuri were seamlessly integrated with contemporary dance and martial arts, alongside the vibrant folk traditions of Madhya Pradesh such as Gond, Baiga, Gudumbaja, Matki, Badhai and Baredi.

The production was choreographed by noted choreographer Sushri Maitreyi Pahadi, while the visual grandeur of the performances was enhanced by an innovative lighting design created by Anoop Bunty Joshi. Together, the artists delivered a compelling presentation of India's cultural diversity while demonstrating the harmony that exists among its many artistic traditions.

Traditional Textiles Showcase Madhya Pradesh's Craft Heritage

Another major attraction of the evening was a specially curated fashion presentation celebrating the rich textile traditions of Madhya Pradesh. Set to the soulful rendition of 'Chadariya Jheeni Re Jheeni', the presentation featured a spectacular 150-foot-long lehenga, designed to highlight the state's celebrated weaving traditions, indigenous fabrics and traditional prints.

Directed by Shri Mumtaz Khan, the presentation demonstrated how textile heritage continues to remain an important expression of India's living cultural identity.

Cultural Diplomacy Strengthens the BRICS Partnership

Far beyond entertainment, the BRICS Cultural Festival illustrated the growing importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international partnerships. By bringing together musicians, dancers and artists from diverse civilisations, the festival reinforced the values of peace, mutual respect, dialogue and shared heritage that underpin cooperation among BRICS nations.

At a time when the world faces increasing geopolitical uncertainty, the festival demonstrated that culture possesses a unique ability to build bridges where politics often encounters limitations. Rooted in India's enduring philosophies of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and 'Unity in Diversity', the BRICS Cultural Festival 2026 reaffirmed that shared artistic traditions can inspire trust, deepen people-to-people connections and contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of a more peaceful, inclusive and culturally connected world.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Mayank Chaturvedi