Was the Statue of Maharishi Valmiki, Author of Ramayana, Inaugurated in Italy?

Rome, July 29 (NationPress) A statue of Maharshi Valmiki, the esteemed sage known for composing the epic Ramayana in Sanskrit, was officially inaugurated in Camporotondo, Italy, by the Indian Ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao, alongside Mayor Massimiliano Micucci.

This statue is a generous gift from the Indian government as part of its cultural outreach.

As part of the initiative led by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) called 'Connecting the World through Ramayana', the event was attended by Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) in Italy, Amararam Gurjar, and members of the Indian diaspora, particularly from the Balmiki community.

According to a post by the Embassy of India in Rome on X, "A statue of Maharshi Valmiki, presented by the Indian government, was unveiled by Ambassador Vani Rao and Mayor Massimiliano Micucci at Camporotondo. DCM Amararam Gurjar and the Indian diaspora, including representatives from the Balmiki community, participated. Maharshi Valmiki is recognized for authoring the Ramayana, the revered Indian epic in Sanskrit. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations is supporting this initiative under 'Connecting the World through Ramayana'."

The Ramayana serves as a cultural bridge, uniting people globally and providing valuable inspiration and moral teachings.

Marking the celebration of one of the world's largest epics, the ICCR has launched the "Year of Connecting the World through Ramayana-2024".

This initiative aspires to enhance global collaboration, celebrate shared heritage, and stimulate joint cultural productions, embodying the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family).

Both India and Italy boast ancient civilizations with rich cultural legacies.

Italian port cities played crucial roles as trading hubs along the ancient spice route.

The Venetian merchant Marco Polo, during his explorations in the 13th century, traveled to India and documented his adventures.

Diplomatic ties between India and Italy were formally established in 1947.

The two nations maintain strong interpersonal connections, bolstered by a significant Indian diaspora and a long-standing tradition of Indological studies in Italy.

Highlighting these profound cultural links, an Executive Programme on Cultural Cooperation for the years 2023-27 was signed between India and Italy in 2023.

Earlier this year, an ICCR troupe named 'Panihari Lok Sangeet' showcased Rajasthani folk dances across four cities to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Additionally, a bust of Mahatma Gandhi, presented by the ICCR, was unveiled in Brindisi by Ambassador Vani Rao and Mayor Giuseppe Marchionna on August 7, 2024.

Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated across multiple locations in Italy in October 2024.

Moreover, Tagore Jayanti was also commemorated by the Embassy of India, while Diwali was celebrated in the Senate in 2024 by the Italian Hinduist Union.