Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the ‘Bharat Literature Festival’ at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi on friday. During the event, he was interviewed by Bharat Express News Network Chairman, CMD, and Editor-in-Chief, Upendrra Rai. The candid conversation touched upon a variety of topics, including the rise in India’s global stature under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the significance of Kumbh, and the restoration of Nalanda University.
Upendra Rai began the discussion by asking the Union Minister about his perspective on the growing status of India under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, especially in relation to tourism. Shekhawat acknowledged the massive transformation, noting that while India was once associated solely with Mahatma Gandhi internationally, Prime Minister Modi has successfully redefined the nation’s global identity.
“India has covered a great distance in the last 10 years,” Shekhawat said. “Earlier, when an Indian traveled abroad, people would recognize us only by our association with Gandhiji. Today, however, when we mention we are from India, people smile and respond with ‘Mr. Modi’—this is the change Prime Minister Modi has brought about in a decade.”
Shekhawat emphasized the importance of understanding the sacrifices that led to India’s independence. He stressed that the country’s progress over the past decade is a result of the collective efforts of its people. “India is now moving forward, bringing 140 crore people out of the darkness of despair. Most of the country believes in this progress.”
Kumbh: A Symbol Of India’s Cultural Identity
The interviewer also asked the Union Minister about his daily articles highlighting the significance of Kumbh, especially in light of the recent global discussions surrounding Maha Kumbh. Shekhawat responded passionately, explaining that the Kumbh represents a slap in the face of those who have tried to erase India’s ancient civilization and culture.
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“Kumbh is a response to those who claim India did not exist as a nation before the British or Mughal rule,” he declared. “This is our civilization, and we are working hard to bring it to the world stage, using technology and artificial intelligence to highlight our ancient manuscripts.”
Shekhawat further explained why the 2025 Maha Kumbh event has garnered global attention. “India has made tremendous progress over the past decade. The world is now watching India’s Kumbh, which presents an opportunity to showcase the unity and integrity of our nation,” he stated.
Drawing a parallel to the Mahabharata, he explained that, just as Arjun needed divine intervention to understand the truth, a visit to the Kumbh offers a profound insight into India’s spirit.
Changing Perceptions Of Kumbh
The Union Minister also pointed out that the global narrative surrounding Kumbh has shifted. What once revere religious gathering reduce to superficial portrayals. “The grandeur and divinity of Kumbh are now often misrepresented, transforming into a garland-selling ‘Monalisa’ narrative,” Shekhawat noted.
To counter this, he committed to writing daily articles to emphasize Kumbh’s religious, cultural, and social significance, ensuring its true essence reaches the world.
Restoration Of Nalanda University And India’s Cultural Renaissance
In another key part of the conversation, Upendra Rai inquired about the government’s efforts to restore and preserve Nalanda University. Shekhawat spoke about the importance of Nalanda as the intellectual and cultural hub of ancient India. “Nalanda University was once the center of knowledge, science, and architecture. It was a symbol of India’s cultural and intellectual prowess,” he said.
He express regret that after India’s independence, the focus on such landmarks of India’s intellectual heritage neglect. However, he highlighted that under Prime Minister Modi, India has undergone a cultural renaissance.
“India’s power and intellectual potential had been overlooked for years, but now, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the world is beginning to view India with respect and pride,” Shekhawat concluded.
The Road Ahead
Minister Shekhawat’s remarks highlighted a broader narrative of India’s rise as a global leader in various fields, particularly tourism, culture, and intellectual heritage. As the world watches India’s progress, the nation continues to reclaim and redefine its cultural identity on the global stage.
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