Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31 August shared a video of his interaction with students and Indologists at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies in Uzbekistan, describing the encounter as a vivid demonstration of the deep and growing interest in Indian culture, languages, and literature among Uzbek youth.

The Visit to the Mahatma Gandhi Centre

On Sunday, Modi visited the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, where he met students and Indologists associated with the centre and signed the visitors' book. He spoke at length about the longstanding cultural and educational bonds between India and Uzbekistan, underscoring the role of academic institutions in reinforcing people-to-people ties between the two nations.

A particularly moving moment came when students recited verses and poems originally written by the Prime Minister. Modi praised them for their dedication and for capturing the precise emotional register of the lines he had composed — a feat he described as possible only when one truly immerses oneself in a language.

What Modi Said on X

Sharing a video on X, Modi described the visit as 'interesting for quite a few reasons.' He wrote: 'Got to see a vibrant Indology ecosystem. Saw great passion towards studying about India. Immense work on Gandhi Ji's life. Growing interest in Tamil culture. Students also recited a few lines from poems written by me.'

In the video, Modi reflected on the emotional weight of the moment: 'Today, I had the opportunity to hear the poems, written by me a long time ago, recited by these young people. Although Hindi is not their native language, the emotions they expressed during the recitation were exactly the same as they were in my heart when I was writing those poems.' He added, 'This happens only when one lives that particular language and immerses themselves completely in it.'

Indologist Highlights Uzbekistan's Affection for India

An Indologist present at the interaction spoke warmly of the bond between the two countries. 'Maybe you will not find many nations in the world where people love India as much as they do in Uzbekistan. Everyone here knows Namaste,' she said. She further noted the considerable interest among Uzbek people in Indian art and culture, and said she often advises those seeking to understand India to read the Ramayan and Mahabharat.

Tirukkural Translation Proposed

Modi drew attention to the significance of Tamil literature during the session, specifically highlighting the ancient text Tirukkural. He suggested translating it into the Uzbek language as a further avenue for deepening cultural understanding. The speaker on the podium responded positively: 'Yes, we will make every effort.' Modi noted that such a translation would help Uzbek readers appreciate India's philosophical traditions and the intellectual heritage of one of the world's oldest languages.

Broader Bilateral Agenda

The university visit was part of Modi's two-day state visit to Uzbekistan, during which he held wide-ranging talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace. Discussions covered trade and investment, critical minerals, defence and security, innovation and start-ups, digital public infrastructure and UPI, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, education, tourism, space, and people-to-people ties. The cultural diplomacy dimension — anchored by the Mahatma Gandhi Centre visit — complemented the strategic and economic threads of the bilateral agenda.