Shared Values Unite BRICS Nations, Says Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat At Bhopal Cultural Festival

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said BRICS nations were not limited to economic or political partnerships alone but were deeply united by shared culture, peace, mutual respect and a spirit of inclusive growth.

Shekhawat was speaking at the BRICS Cultural Festival at Ravindra Bhavan here on Friday evening during the 3rd BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting.

He said that while BRICS nations differ in language, history and artistic expression, music and art serve as the universal language of the human soul, binding diverse civilisations through friendship, peace and hope.

The 32-minute musical programme began with the universal prayer for well-being, Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah. It was followed by 'Colours of Indian Music', which presented a seamless blend of Hindustani and Carnatic classical traditions.

The highlight of the event was BRICS Peace Song, in which artistes from 11 participating nations conveyed messages of peace, friendship and international goodwill through their respective musical traditions.

The programme concluded with a collective presentation titled, Peace to All, Harmony to All and Crescendo of Unity.

Directed by choreographer Maitreyi Pahari, with lighting design by Anoop 'Bunty' Joshi, the dance-drama, Amritasya Madhya Pradesh featured more than 125 artistes.

Ministers from 9 countries to attend talks today

Ministers and senior representatives from nine countries will participate in the BRICS Culture Ministerial Talks at Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre (Minto Hall) on Saturday.

They include Fadli Zon (culture minister, Indonesia), Sheikh Salem Bin Khalid Al Qassimi (culture minister, UAE), Mohsen Javadi (Deputy Minister for Cultural Affairs, Iran), HE Shewit Shanka Shashago (Minister of Culture and Sport, Ethiopia), Gayton McKenzie (Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, South Africa), KONG Lun (Deputy Director General, Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation and Head of Delegation, China), Zhanna Alekseeva (Deputy Minister of Culture, Russian Federation), Siarhei Sarakach (Deputy Minister of Culture, Belarus) and Juan Carlos Mars n Aguilera (Ambassador of Cuba).