New Delhi: The Kala Nidhi Division of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), under the Ministry of Culture, hosted an event for the launch of a cultural trilogy written by Dr. Vinod Kumar Tiwari. The books—‘Ramayana Katha ki Vishva-Yatra’, ‘Hamari Sanskritik Rashtriyata’, and ‘Purvajon ki Punya-Bhoomi’—were unveiled in the presence of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avadheshanand Giri, who described the Ramayana as “the passport of Indian culture.” The event underscored the crucial place of the Ramayana in India’s spiritual consciousness, cultural continuity, and global influence.
Ramayana: Foundation and Influence on Indian Culture
Speakers and scholars emphasized that the Ramayana is not merely a myth, but history, embodying Indian tradition, values, and the Sanatan (eternal) roots of knowledge. The epic paints ideal models for individuals—king, son, brother, wife—whose virtues have molded Indian social and moral standards for centuries. It continues to serve as a storehouse of knowledge, shaping family life, literature, art, music, and regional subcultures across India.
The Ramayana’s teachings influence society’s understanding of dharma (righteousness), sacrifice, truth, and devotion, while its themes of justice, dialogue, and unity permeate India’s democratic and philosophical outlook. Valmiki’s original work and adaptations like the Ramcharitmanas have become moral and spiritual compasses for generations.
Nationalism, Social Unity, and the Ramayana’s Global Spread
Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, President of IGNCA Trust, lauded the trilogy’s potential to bridge India’s diverse cultures, religions, and languages, echoing the notion of “cultural nationality.” Citing deep historical ties between Southeast Asia and India, speakers noted that the Ramayana has traveled globally—shaping cultural traditions in Indonesia (Ayodhyakarta/Jakarta), the Caribbean, and beyond. The epic’s narrative and symbolism unite disparate communities in a shared spiritual and cultural heritage.
Scholarly Perspectives and Call for Inclusion
Scholars stressed the need for Indian texts like the Ramayana to be translated into all major Indian languages to foster cultural unity and accessibility. The Ramayana Katha ki Vishva-Yatra was praised for its innovative documentation of the epic’s journey through South and Southeast Asia, as well as its role among Girmitiyas in propagating culture under adversity.
Conclusion
The IGNCA’s event reinforced the Ramayana’s status as the “passport” to Indian culture and identity—transcending time, region, and language. The trilogy authored by Dr. Tiwari stands as a notable contribution to the preservation and understanding of Indian heritage, cultural unity, and the ongoing influence of the Ramayana as India’s signature imprint on world civilization.
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Source: PIB
