By Abhay K.
In a world that thrives on divisiveness, India has embodied the spirit of oneness during its G-20 presidency by upholding the ancient Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and its extension, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.
India’s G20 presidency has provided a one-of-a-kind opportunity to showcase the diversity and richness of Indian culture, heritage, art, and hospitality to the world’s 20 largest economies and other invited guest countries.
Culture acts as a cohesive agent for growth and development in international relations. Two Indian philosophies, viz. Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam and Atithi Devo Bhava, have always been part of Indian traditions and these were evident during multiple successful G20 meetings throughout the year across various Indian states and Union Territories.
India is home to a diverse range of songs, music, dance, theatre, tribal and folk traditions, performing and visual art, rites and rituals, literature, and writings known as the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ of humanity. Each Indian state boasts rich traditions and art forms.
From December 2022 to the present day, over 50 Indian cities have hosted various G20 meetings. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), in collaboration with the respective state governments, has been entrusted with the responsibility to organize cultural events for the invited G20 delegates. So far, more than 300 cultural programmes have been organized in 139 G-20 meetings in which over 17,000 artists from various parts of India have performed.
During India’s G20 presidency, cultural diplomacy fostered better understanding and collaboration among the member countries. Cultural events, exhibitions, and performances organised during G-20 meetings created informal and convivial spaces for discussions and relationship-building.
India is known for its cultural diversity, including languages, traditions, arts, and cuisines. The G-20 presidency served as an opportunity for India to showcase this diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding among the member countries.
India’s G20 presidency has also facilitated collaborations between artists, musicians, writers, and filmmakers from different countries, promoting cross-cultural understanding and creative synergy.
India’s cultural, creative, and tourism industries contribute significantly to its economy. During its G20 presidency, India has emphasized the economic potential of its cultural and tourism sectors and discussed how these sectors can be major forces for economic growth and job creation. By showcasing the cultural landmarks, historical sites, and vibrant cities, India would attract more tourists, promoting its tourism sector.
India, during its G20 presidency, has demonstrated its rich and diverse cultural treasures, which is a matter of pride for every citizen of this country.
Performing Arts
A series of classical, folk, and tribal dances and music reflected the multicultural, and pluralistic society of India. India’s rich cultural tapestry is woven with an array of classical and folk dance forms, each a testament to the nation’s artistic and traditional heritage. Among the illustrious classical dances are Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Sattriya, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, and Kathakali. Recently, during the G20 meetings, these eight classical dance forms took centre stage, presenting India’s cultural potpourri.
The captivating performances underscored the nation’s vibrant artistic legacy, with each dance form emanating its own unique flavour and narrative. Beyond the classical forms, Indian states came alive with a plethora of folk dances, offering a window into the heart of each state’s customs and ethos. For instance, the Lavani of Maharashtra, the spirited Bhangra and graceful Gidda of Punjab, the energetic Garba and Maniyaro of Gujarat, the Dollu Kunita and Veeragase of Karnataka, the Perini Natyam of Telangana, and the vivacious Thira and Pulikali of Kerala collectively painted a vivid picture of regional diversity. The Bihu dance of Assam, including Mishing, Bodo, Dimasa, Karbi, Rabha and Hajong and the myriad indigenous tribal dances of Nagaland, Jharkhand, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh, further contributed to this colourful tapestry.
Every dance form is a living embodiment of the artistic finesse and cultural depth of each region. These artistic expressions collectively weave the fabric of India’s cultural identity, offering a glimpse into the intricate tapestry of traditions and narratives that grace each state.
Amidst the grandeur of the G20 meetings, a symphony of captivating cultural performances tickled the senses of the delegates. The stage came alive with a harmonious blend of traditions as the attendees were enthralled by a medley of traditional and contemporary melodies, folkloric tunes, indigenous rhythms, and innovative fusions, meticulously orchestrated by the well-known musicians.
The musical panorama presented a kaleidoscope of acoustic wonders, a testament to the vastness of India’s musical heritage. These performances were not just harmonies; they were stories told through melodies, a cultural bridge connecting past and present. Among these renditions, the audience was treated to ethereal and rare instrumental music, transporting them to realms of sonic novelty. In this aural I celebration, the delegates were given a taste of India’s musical legacy, each note resonating with the essence of a thousand tales. The performances stood as a vibrant mosaic of cultural narratives, uniting tradition with innovation and leaving an indelible imprint on the collective memory of the G-20 guests.
Visual Art
Visual arts and artistic interpretation, inclusive of paintings, sculptures, art installations, and literature, considered valuable treasures of India, constitute a salient part of Indian culture. During the meetings of the G20 presidency, India presented art exhibitions of great masters, as well as folk traditions. The exhibits were not merely limited to the visual arts but also included other artistic forms such as handloom, rangoli, and handicrafts of various states. Jal Sanjhi presented at Rajasthan and Hyderabad was an epic example of art forms in water. Sand art and mandala art exhibited in Karnataka, Gujarat, and Ladakh were highly praised by the delegates of the G-20 member countries.
Contemporary and great artworks comprising paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations were exhibited at some of the venues of the meetings. Artworks of some foremost Indian artists like Jamini Roy, Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Subodh Gupta, M. F. Hussain, S. H. Raza, Jayashree Burman were presented and exhibited.
Folk and tribal art like Madhubani, Warli, Phad, Kalamkari, etc. were also presented, featuring a diverse range of Indian traditional artworks exploring the vibrant range of colours, textures, and cultural symbolism unique to the country.
Heritage Sites
India is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The G20 presidency organised visits to some of these iconic sites, offering delegates the opportunity to experience India’s rich architectural wonders firsthand. Cultural diplomacy is a unique way to further economic benefits for the state and boost tourism. In the excursions curated for the delegates, India was able to showcase both its architectural heritage as well as its diversity in landscapes.
The sites included the Shikara ride in the iconic Dal Lake in Kashmir, the Loktak Lake in Manipur, the backwaters in Kerala, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, the Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan, the Sandbar Brahmaputra Islands in Assam, and the river cruise in Babughat in Kolkata, to name a few. Delegates even witnessed Ganga Aarti in Varanasi and Chapchar Kut (the Harvest festival) in Mizoram.
The broad spectrum of heritage experiences included staying in Kutch’s Tent City in Gujarat and visits to the temples at Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, and Konark in Odisha. The attendees witnessed a wide range of native flora and fauna from various parts of India, from the red panda and orchids in Sikkim to the coconut trees in the south. Even the majestic Himalayas, Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea served as backdrops to numerous cultural events that highlighted the magnificence of our nation.
Gastronomy and Culture
Culinary experience is unquestionably an excellent navigator in understanding one’s culture. The G20 events offered a culinary treat to the delegates with a wide range of mouthwatering regional dishes, taking them on a tour of India’s diverse food culture. G20 delegates had the opportunity to relish Indian cuisine from various regions, like Daal Baati and Churma from the deserts of Rajasthan, Makki di Roti and Sarson da saag from Punjab, fish-based curries from the coastal regions of the country and fermented bamboo dishes from Arunachal Pradesh.
The Year of the Millet was inculcated in the regional dishes showing its importance in Indian culinary traditions. Various cooking demonstrations and cultural evenings featuring traditional dishes of various seasons gave the delegates a taste of the Indian culinary delights.
Conclusion
India’s presidency of the G-20 provided it with a platform to showcase a whole spectrum of Indian culture and India as a premium destination for tourism. It was for the first time G-20 events were hosted in each and every state and union territory of India, providing each of them with the opportunity to showcase the best of their culture. India’s G20 presidency has emerged as a source of national pride, with India demonstrating the richness and diversity of its culture to an international audience and thus projecting its soft power globally.
He is author of a dozen collections of poetry and the editor of The Book of Bihari Literature. His poem-song ‘Earth Anthem’ has been translated into over 150 languages. He received the SAARC Literature Award 2013.
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.