Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Friday, 7 August declared that the BRICS grouping is bound together not merely by economic or political ties but by a deeper, shared commitment to culture, peace, mutual respect, and inclusive development. He was speaking at the BRICS Cultural Festival held at Ravindra Bhavan, Bhopal, on the sidelines of the third meeting of the BRICS Culture Ministers under India's BRICS Presidency 2026.

Key Remarks by the Union Minister

Shekhawat described cultural exchanges as a strong and growing pillar of cooperation among BRICS nations and their partner countries. 'BRICS nations are not limited merely to economic or political partnerships. They are united by a deep sense of shared culture, peace, mutual respect and inclusive development,' he said, addressing delegates gathered at the festival.

He invoked two foundational Indian philosophical concepts — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and Atithi Devo Bhava (the guest is akin to God) — to articulate India's approach to international engagement. 'For India, hospitality is not merely a social formality but a profound civilisational value. Though the languages, histories and artistic expressions of BRICS nations may differ, music and art serve as universal languages that unite people through friendship, peace and hope,' the Minister said.

Madhya Pradesh as a Civilisational Canvas

Shekhawat spotlighted Madhya Pradesh as a land where civilisations, faiths, and artistic traditions have flourished for centuries. He cited UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Bhimbetka, Sanchi, and Khajuraho — along with the living traditions of the state's tribal communities, as evidence of India's unbroken civilisational continuity. He welcomed delegates to Bhopal, widely known as the City of Lakes, expressing confidence that the festival would deepen cultural dialogue among BRICS countries.

How the Festival Unfolded

The cultural festival opened with the Vedic prayer Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, followed by a 32-minute musical presentation under the theme 'Colours of Indian Music', showcasing the diversity of Hindustani and Carnatic classical traditions. The event concluded with the 'BRICS Peace Song', in which artists from member and partner nations presented their traditional musical forms, collectively conveying a message of peace, friendship, and global harmony.

Artists from Belarus, Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates participated in the festival.

Madhya Pradesh's Cultural Showcase

The Madhya Pradesh Department of Culture presented a 35-minute dance-drama titled Amritasya Madhya Pradesh, portraying the state's cultural, spiritual, historical, and natural heritage. The production featured UNESCO World Heritage Sites, episodes associated with Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, the legacies of Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Raja Bhoj, the Narmada river, and a preview of preparations for Simhastha-2028.

Broader Significance

The BRICS Cultural Festival is being organised under India's BRICS Presidency 2026 to promote cultural diplomacy, people-to-people exchanges, and international cooperation through music, dance, and the arts. This comes at a moment when BRICS has expanded its membership significantly, making cultural cohesion an increasingly deliberate diplomatic tool alongside trade and security cooperation. The Bhopal meeting marks the third time BRICS Culture Ministers have convened, reflecting the grouping's growing emphasis on soft-power alignment. All eyes will now turn to the outcomes and joint declarations expected from the ministerial meeting itself.