In an increasingly interconnected world, cultural identity is no longer confined by borders. Bharat, with its vast and timeless spiritual heritage, is today finding resonance across continents — often brought to the fore through the global engagements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A recent example came during PM Modi’s visit to Thailand today, where he witnessed a stunning presentation of Ramakien — the Thai national epic that draws deeply from the Indian Ramayana. Adapted over centuries through local traditions, Ramakien is an example to the enduring impact of Bharatiya culture in Southeast Asia. Sharing his thoughts on social media, PM Modi said, “Witnessed a captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. It was a truly enriching experience that beautifully showcased the shared cultural and civilisational ties between India and Thailand.”
However, this is not the only time that PM Modi’s visit has not only strengthened diplomatic ties but also turned the global spotlight onto Bharat’s rich religious and civilisational legacy.
In March 2025, during his trip to Mauritius, PM Modi visited Ganga Talao, a sacred lake for the island’s Sanatani community. There, he offered gangajal brought from Triveni Sangam — the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. It came as a powerful gesture proclaiming that Bharat’s spiritual traditions transcend geography.
Similarly, during his December 2024 visit to Kuwait, PM Modi met two Kuwaiti nationals who have translated and published Arabic versions of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Their work reflects a growing global curiosity about epic narratives and philosophies. PM Modi’s acknowledgment of their efforts was both diplomatic and deeply symbolic, encouraging cross-cultural appreciation through literature.
The cultural connection continued in Brazil in November 2024, where PM Modi was welcomed with Vedic mantras and attended a theatrical enactment of the Ramayana in Rio de Janeiro. Such moments underscore how epics have become part of cultural expressions even in Latin America, often carried there by centuries-old Bharatiya diaspora communities.
In Guyana, also in November, PM Modi witnessed children chanting Vedic hymns and performing Ram Bhajans, showcasing how devotional traditions have been lovingly preserved by generations of the diaspora.
The warmth of Bharatiya spiritual influence was also on display in Russia in October 2024, where Russian citizens sang Krishna Bhajans during PM Modi’s welcome at Kazan. The fusion of Indian devotional music with Russian enthusiasm was a poignant reminder of how Bhakti traditions transcend language and culture.
Earlier, in Laos, PM Modi was greeted with chants of the Gayatri Mantra, and he witnessed a mesmerising performance of the Lao version of the Ramayana. Such cultural events are more than courtesies — they are acknowledgments of shared spiritual roots between India and its civilisational neighbours.
Even in the heart of Europe, during his 2021 visit to Italy, PM Modi was received with the chanting of Shiva Mantras by Indian community members in Rome. These spontaneous expressions of devotion speak to how Indian traditions thrive even thousands of miles away from home.
Across continents — from Southeast Asia to South America, from Eastern Europe to the Middle East — PM Modi’s visits have become a recurring platform for showcasing Bharatiya religious and spiritual heritage. His engagements have not only reinvigorated interest in ancient texts, mantras, and epics but have also inspired pride among diaspora communities, many of whom preserve these traditions as a vital link to their roots.
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