Language and Culture Naturally Complement Each Other: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that language and culture naturally complement each other. Culture enriches language with the seeds of stories that shape both folk and world literature, while language provides culture with an expressive form that preserves traditions across generations. Both language and culture serve as custodians of one another. He stated that literature possesses a single essence, the essence of emotion and joy. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that Hindi is truly the language of the people and is as precious as the adornment worn on our foreheads. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Hindi has become a symbol of India’s identity on the global stage.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav explained that our culture has never been about dominance but about dignity and a sense of universal brotherhood. Indian culture is imbued with the noble spirit of ‘live and let live’, which is why it is unique and recognised worldwide. On Friday, while addressing literary figures at Rabindra Bhawan, he warmly welcomed writers, artists and youth from across the globe to Madhya Pradesh for the grand literary and arts festival ‘Vishwarang 2025 Tagore International Literature and Arts Festival’. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that Madhya Pradesh’s creative and artistic landscape has become a bridge connecting the Hindi language and Indian culture, and Bhopal is now a hub of Indian culture, language consciousness and international literary exchange.

Vishwarang is being attended by delegates from multiple countries, featuring sessions, poetry readings, panel discussions, art exhibitions, and cultural presentations. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was presented with the Vishwarang catalogue, a Hindi guide and a set of books. The Chief Minister described literature as a deep, continuous pursuit and writers as experimental seekers who craft words of lasting impact through their creativity, thought and imagination. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav described literature and the arts as mirrors of society, stating that platforms like Vishwarang help nurture creativity and sensitivity in the younger generation. He recalled that the philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore, with its universal outlook, continues to spread messages of dialogue, harmony and humanity worldwide. He said, “The Vishwarang platform unites literature, arts, music and culture, nurturing indigenous creativity and underscoring unity within diversity.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav observed that many countries have their own cultures, but India’s rise has always been based on a matriarchal foundation and global brotherhood. Since the British era, people of Indian origin—Girmityas, who were sent abroad for agriculture, animal husbandry and other forms of labour, have established their presence across the world. Today, as seen at Vishwarang, representatives from 70 countries have gathered in Bhopal as custodians of literature, art and culture.

During the COVID pandemic, India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, sent a message of brotherhood to the world by extending medical supplies and assistance to countries as far away as Africa. Such gestures have earned heartfelt gratitude, with foreign leaders personally expressing their thanks. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasised that some things are better demonstrated than spoken.

Vishwarang Global Impact and Expansion

Dr. Santosh Choubey, founder of the Vishwarang Foundation and Chancellor of Rabindranath Tagore University, shared that Vishwarang, which began in Bhopal, has expanded from 16 participating countries in 2019 to over 70 countries today. More than 70 authors and journalists from 40 countries, and over a thousand guests, are participating. The festival will witness the release of more than 100 Hindi books and features a special Krishna Leela performance.

Vishwarang now hosts seven diverse exhibitions showcasing newspapers, arts, culture and science, and it actively supports youth through skill development and employment opportunities. Dr. Choubey noted that enthusiastic Hindi authors from around the world are keen to collaborate with the government to further expand the language’s global reach. Over 80 sessions are being held, and more than 100,000 students participated in the International Hindi Olympiad.

Madhya Pradesh is taking steps to officially organise this unique festival, making it a landmark event in the state’s cultural life.

The event was also graced by noted Hindi enthusiast Dr. Siddhant Chaturvedi, Dr. Aditi Chaturvedi, Dr. Arun Joshi, Shri Rahul Kothari and other distinguished guests, scholars and admirers of literature, language and art from around the world.