Lokmanthan, a colloquium celebrating the vibrant and diverse yet unified culture of Bharat, was organised in Bhagyanagar (Hyderabad) from November 21 to 24, hosted at the iconic Shilpakala Vedika. This event seeks to transcend artificial divisions, fostering unity across varied traditions, thought processes, and systems of Bharatiya civilization. It aims to bring the essence of “Lok” (the people) of Bharat back into the mainstream narrative.
The event was inaugurated by President Draupadi Murmu, with the concluding ceremony graced by Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of the RSS, alongside Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy. Participants included tribals, artists, authors, writers, researchers, and more, embodying the diversity of Bharat.
Lokmanthan in numbers
The exhibition at the event drew approximately 210,063 visitors, reflecting immense public interest. The event featured 1,502 registered participants and 40 distinguished guests (Vishisht Atithis). Additionally, 1,568 artists showcased 150 art forms in 226 performances, creating a vibrant cultural mosaic. With representation from 13 countries, the festival welcomed 24 speakers who contributed to the vision of Viksit Bharat and saw the attendance of 514 invited guests. The venue boasted 87 pavilions, 40 open stalls, and participation from six states. Six state ministers, 12 university chancellors, and 11 Padma awardees further enhanced the event’s stature.
Exclusive Conversation with Author Shefali Vaidya
Renowned author and speaker Shefali Vaidya shared her insights on Lokmanthan with Organiser.
What does Lokmanthan mean to you?
Lokmanthan is a festival of Bharat, celebrating its culture in all dimensions—literature, music, dance, arts, and crafts. It’s not limited to any single aspect but showcases the composite heritage of Bharat. It represents the Bharatiya way of life and what our civilization offers to the world.
Why would you encourage the younger generation to attend Lokmanthan?
Yesterday, I witnessed a performance that portrayed folk traditions through the perspective of a young girl, and it was captivating. I observed dances and music from various states, thinking to myself how beautiful, vibrant, and colourful it all was. More importantly, this cultural heritage is not just surviving; it’s thriving. This legacy we have inherited is unique; no other country boasts such an array of colour, joy, festivities, and diversity. We often use the term ‘unity in diversity,’ but perhaps it’s more accurate to say ‘unity of diversities’—many distinct elements forming a cohesive whole, which is the essence of India. Lokmanya provides a panoramic view of this rich tapestry.
Foreign delegates are performing traditional rituals like fire and sun ceremonies, which are unfortunately fading from our own culture. While some people in Bharat label themselves as “woke” and distance themselves from these practices, it seems foreigners are now embracing them. What are your thoughts on this trend?
Globally, the buzzwords now are sustainability, mind-body balance, meditation, and tranquillity. Our culture has embodied these concepts for millennia, yet we are letting them slip away, which is a pity. Even AI, like ChatGPT, when asked about achieving a happy, fulfilling life, suggests practices like meditation, yoga, and spending time in the sun—practices we have known as Surya Namaskar, offering arghya to the sun, etc. However, when these practices are endorsed by celebrities or judges, the younger generation listens, but when our sages speak of them, they are often ignored. This is disheartening, yet it underscores a truth about our future: no matter how advanced technology becomes, to achieve true fulfilment and balance, we must return to the Bharatiya way of life.
