During the concluding session of the two-day international seminar ‘Monsoon: The Sphere of Cultural and Trade Influence’, organised by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) under ‘Project Mausam’ in collaboration with the Advanced Study Institute of Asia (ASIA), SGT University, Shri Suresh Soni, former Sah-Sarkaryavah of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, highlighted that unlike European influence, Indian culture enriched local traditions without causing destruction. He noted that this is why respect for India endures in these regions. Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA; Dr. Ajith Kumar, Director, Project Mausam; and Prof. Amogh Rai, Research Director, ASIA, SGT University, were also present at the session.

During his address, Shri Suresh Soni further recounted Nobel Prize winner V. S. Naipaul's first visit to India while journeying through South Asia, an experience that left an indelible mark on him. Deeply moved by what he witnessed, Naipaul shared his reflections during a meeting in Delhi. He observed that the world’s perception of India is largely shaped by narratives crafted over the last 250 years. However, he noted that much of this portrayal fails to capture the true essence of India. He argued that if the writings from the past 2500 years were brought to the forefront, they would reveal a more authentic and nuanced image of India, reflecting its rich cultural and philosophical heritage.

He emphasised that Bharat's interrelations and influences are deeply rooted in a philosophy that has been practised since Vedic times. Despite the diversity in lifestyles since the Vedic age, a holistic perspective reveals an underlying unity. He elaborated that Vedic prayers embody the philosophy of world welfare, accentuating a vision that extends beyond temporal boundaries. When considering Bharat's influence, especially in South East Asia, one must acknowledge the cultural impact it has had on the region and beyond. Shri Soni advocated for an integrated approach to understanding Bharat's history and philosophy, highlighting the interconnectedness of various aspects of life. For instance, he illustrated how commerce is intertwined with divinity, reflecting a worldview where all elements are interlinked. He elaborated on temple architecture as an embodiment to this integration, explaining how it symbolically represents the evolution of humanity-from primal instincts to art, aesthetics, spirituality, and ultimately to Nirguna (the formless absolute).

He concluded by urging that the missing links in Bharat's historical narrative should be unearthed, as they hold the potential to reveal the depth of its philosophy. This, he argued, would offer a new dimension to the historiography of Bharat. Shri Soni also emphasised the importance of preserving the poetic language of native regions, as it embodies a cultural resonance that must be maintained.  He remarked that this conference is a step in the right direction, as it facilitates the exploration and understanding of Bharat's profound cultural and philosophical heritage.

During the concluding session, awards were presented to the paper presenters. The Honorary Mention Award was given to Dr. Saheli Chataraj for her paper titled ‘Zheng He’s Voyages across the Seas: Connecting Trade Routes in Asia and Africa.’ The Best Paper Presentation Award was awarded to Keerthana Girish for her paper titled ‘Harmonies of Hybrid Cultures: The Role of South Indian Music in Shaping South East Asian Cultural Landscapes.’ The Best Paper Award was presented to Juhi Mathur for her paper titled ‘Multifaceted Ramayana in South East Asian History of Masks in Ramayana Plays.’ At the end, Dr. Ajith Kumar, Director of Project Mausam, delivered the vote of thanks. He remarked on the insightful exchange of ideas on the diverse theme of maritime trade in South East Asia, emphasising the cultural and economic connections that have shaped the region for centuries.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2102534

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

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