Monsoon Conference Highlights Cultural Ties Between India and Southeast Asia

Last week, a big international conference called “Monsoon: The Sphere of Cultural and Trade Influence” took place at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi. People such as scholars, government officials, and cultural experts joined together to talk about how the monsoon has shaped the history, culture, and economy of South and Southeast Asia.

The conference was inaugurated by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, who also introduced a new digital platform called “Monsoon.” This online library tells stories about cultural exchanges, maps important trade routes, and showcases heritage sites.

In his speech, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, who is the Member Secretary of IGNCA, talked about the importance of language and knowledge connections between India and its neighboring countries. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, a senior politician, highlighted the strong cultural ties between India and Southeast Asia and encouraged more focus on India’s historical connections in the region.

Professor Amogh Rai, Research Director of ASIA Research, explained how trade and cultural exchanges have influenced the identities and traditions in these areas. Shekhawat pointed out that the monsoon has always been key to Indian civilization. He mentioned Project Mausam, an initiative aimed at strengthening India’s maritime and cultural heritage.

Sahasrabuddhe stressed the importance of recognizing India’s cultural leadership in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America while working on better cooperation among these regions. He said that this year, celebrating the Constitution’s Amrut Mahotsav, is an excellent time to reflect on the idea of a Cultural Commonwealth, a concept supported by important leaders like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay.

The conference included panel discussions about topics like the influence of Buddhism on culture, the history of maritime trade, and how Sri Lankan settlers impacted cultural landscapes in the region. The Monsoon conference is a crucial part of Project Mausam, which focuses on India’s historical maritime and cultural connections. Through discussions and digital platforms, the conference aims to link historical stories with modern research, promoting a better understanding of shared heritage and cultural exchanges.