'Gurukul diplomacy': Indian envoy shares Panchatantra tales with Austrian school children
Vienna, July 2
Indian Ambassador to Austria Shambhu Kumaran read stories from the Panchatantra to school children in Vienna, highlighting the growing cultural connect between the two nations.
The Indian Embassy has also published a German-language translation of the Panchatantra for Austrian school children.
The video shows the children listening to the stories as the Indian Ambassador shared Panchatantra tales with them. Shambhu Kumaran and the children also took pictures together.
In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Vienna stated, "'Gurukul Diplomacy'. Indian Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran reading stories from the Panchatantra to school children in Vienna. The Embassy had recently published a German-language translation of the Panchatantra for Austrian school children."
The German edition introduces young children to selected Panchatantra stories through colourful illustrations by Austrian cartoonist and illustrator Klaus Pitter, according to the publication released by the Embassy of India in Austria.
Earlier in June, the Indian Embassy launched the next chapter of 'Geschichten aus dem Panchatantra' -- a new video podcast series by renowned Austrian podcaster Thomas Brezina narrating Panchatantra stories to children in the German language.
"Bringing the timeless wisdom of the Panchatantra to Austria through digital storytelling. Building on excellent collaboration with Stadt Wien and 'Bounce Back' project in local Schools, the Embassy proudly launched the next chapter of 'Geschichten aus dem Panchatantra' -- a new video podcast series by renowned Austrian podcaster Thomas Brezina narrating timeless Panchatantra stories in German," the Indian Embassy in Austria posted on X.
"The launch brought together over fifty enthusiastic students from a Viennese school. Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran read selected stories and engaged in a lively interaction with the children, who eagerly shared their favourite characters and lessons from the tales," it added.
Earlier in April, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker was on an official visit to India. During his visit, Stocker held a meeting with Christian Stocker, discussing ways to deepen cooperation in areas like innovation, infrastructure and sustainability. PM Modi expressed confidence that the partnership between India and Austria will get even more "innovation-centric and future-ready."
"Held very productive discussions with Chancellor Stocker of Austria. We in India are glad that he selected our nation as his first destination to visit outside Europe after he assumed office. This reflects his vision and commitment to India-Austria relations. Equally special is the fact that this is the first visit by an Austrian Chancellor in four decades. His visit also comes in the wake of the historic India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which has ushered in a new chapter in India-EU ties," PM Modi posted on X.
"Our talks today covered ways to deepen cooperation in areas such as innovation, infrastructure and sustainability. We are committed to adding new energy in trade and investment linkages. Sectors like defence, semiconductors, futuristic technologies and StartUps present immense potential for closer relations. I am confident that the India-Austria partnership will get even more innovation-centric and future-ready," he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone living in Europe, I love seeing this kind of soft power diplomacy. The German translation of Panchatantra with Austrian illustrations is a smart move—makes it accessible and relatable for local kids. Kudos to Ambassador Kumaran!
This is wonderful! Panchatantra stories taught me so much about ethics and cleverness as a child. So heartwarming to see Austrian kids learning from them too. The podcast series by Thomas Brezina sounds great—perfect for modern times.
Nice initiative, but I hope this isn't just a photo-op. Cultural diplomacy needs sustained effort—not just one reading session. That said, the German translation and podcast series show some commitment. Let's see if it leads to deeper ties beyond stories.
Panchatantra at a Viennese school? Absolutely brilliant! Our embassy is doing some real out-of-the-box work. And publishing it in German with a local cartoonist? That's smart localization. Way to go, India! 👏
This is the kind of soft power we need more of. While other countries flex military might, India shares its ancient wisdom. The kids' reactions in the video are precious—they're genuinely engaged. These are the seeds of lifelong cultural appreciation. 🌱
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