PM Modi praises Dominican group learning Vedic traditions, says world embracing Indian culture
New Delhi, June 28
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Indian culture is steadily expanding its global footprint, with people in different parts of the world embracing India's music, spirituality and ancient traditions.
Citing an example from the Dominican Republic, he spoke about a group of Spanish-speaking locals who have come together to study Vedic literature and learn the chanting of Vedic mantras.
Speaking during the 135th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister said, "Indian culture is reaching various corners of the globe today. People across the world are discovering and embracing our songs, music, and spirituality. Thousands of kilometres away from India, in the Caribbean Sea, lies a country called the Dominican Republic."
Highlighting the unique initiative, he noted that although the Indian community in the Dominican Republic is extremely small, a remarkable effort to promote Indian spiritual and cultural traditions is taking shape there.
"The Indian population there is around 100, perhaps even fewer. Despite this, a wonderful initiative connected to Indian culture and spirituality is underway there. A team has been formed by some Spanish-speaking locals; this team is named 'Brahmakamal Dominicana'," he said.
The Prime Minister explained that members of the group regularly come together to study Vedic scriptures and are making dedicated efforts to master the chanting of ancient Sanskrit mantras despite having no formal instruction in the language or the traditions.
"They have received no formal training on this, but they have learnt the correct pronunciation by listening to audio recordings," PM Modi said.
He added that the members of the group have now become proficient in chanting several important Vedic hymns and scriptures.
"Today, they chant several mantras -- such as the Purusha Suktam, Sri Suktam, Sri Rudram, Durga Suktam, and Devi Mahatmyam, with great proficiency. Their effort to learn our traditions while living so far from India is truly inspiring," the Prime Minister said.
Appreciating the dedication shown by the members of 'Brahmakamal Dominicana', PM Modi said, "I wholeheartedly appreciate all those who are making continuous efforts to popularise Indian culture worldwide."
— IANS
Reader Comments
While it's great that people abroad are appreciating our culture, I hope we don't lose sight of the fact that many Indians themselves are moving away from these traditions. We need to ensure our own youth are equally inspired to learn about our heritage before exporting it globally. Just a thought.
Incredible dedication by the Brahmakamal Dominicana team! Learning correct Sanskrit pronunciation just by listening to audio recordings is no small feat. The Purusha Suktam and Sri Rudram are complex hymns. This is the true essence of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - the world as one family. 🌍✨
This is nice, but let's also acknowledge the work of Indian diaspora communities in the Caribbean, like in Trinidad and Guyana, who have preserved these traditions for over a century. The PM could have connected this to their efforts too. Still, a positive story overall. 🇮🇳
As someone who has visited India and studied yoga philosophy, this doesn't surprise me at all. The depth of Vedic knowledge is immense, and it resonates with people seeking spiritual meaning worldwide. So beautiful to see this cross-cultural exchange happening organically. 🕉️
Fantastic! But let's not forget that while we celebrate global interest in our culture, our government should also invest more in preserving ancient texts and supporting traditional gurukuls in India. The roots need to be strong for the tree to spread its branches. 🌳
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