Cultural Ties Strengthened During PM Modi's Visit to Uzbekistan
Cultural Highlights from Tashkent
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Uzbekistan, a significant cultural event unfolded, showcasing the deepening ties between India and Uzbekistan. At the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Uzbek students recited poems written by Modi in both Hindi and Uzbek, captivating the audience and highlighting the growing cultural and educational connections between the two nations.
Students Recite Poems in Hindi and Uzbek
The students presented three of Modi's poems during the event, including ‘Abhi to Suraj Uga Hai’, ‘Naye Bharat ke Naye Sankalp’, and ‘Manavta ko Kahin na Lag Jaye Daag’. Notably, these poems were delivered first in Hindi and then translated into Uzbek.
The Hindi rendition of ‘Abhi to Suraj Uga Hai’ was performed by fourth-year student Keldiyorov Dilshuhbek, while Dilshoda Juraboeva provided the Uzbek translation. Similarly, ‘Naye Bharat ke Naye Sankalp’ was presented in Hindi by Otabek Amirov and in Uzbek by Ikromkhuzha Sadillayev. The poem ‘Manavta ko Kahin na Lag Jaye Daag’ was recited in Hindi by Orju Kuldosheva and translated into Uzbek by Fayoz Abdurashulova.
PM Modi Moved by the Students' Performance
Prime Minister Modi described the students' presentation as an emotional experience. He expressed that it was special to see the youth reciting poems he had written long ago.
He particularly appreciated that despite Hindi not being the students' mother tongue, they conveyed the emotions of the poems just as he had felt while writing them.
Special Musical Presentation of ‘Abhi to Suraj Uga Hai’
Another memorable moment during Modi's visit was a special musical presentation of ‘Abhi to Suraj Uga Hai’ at an informal dinner hosted by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This performance showcased the cultural connection between India and Uzbekistan in a unique manner.
Growing Interest in Indian Culture in Uzbekistan
During his visit, Modi also toured the Mahatma Gandhi Center at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, where he praised the students' and indologists' interest in studying India, its languages, and culture. He noted the growing fascination with Tamil culture and the work being done on Mahatma Gandhi's life and thoughts.
Cultural exchanges between India and Uzbekistan are not new, as Indian cinema and music have long been popular in Uzbekistan. The recitation of Modi's poems in Hindi by Uzbek students is seen as a significant example of the increasing closeness between the two nations at the levels of language, literature, and culture.
Cultural Exchange Alongside Diplomatic Efforts
While Modi's visit emphasized strengthening strategic and economic cooperation between the two countries, the students' poetry presentation highlighted the importance of relationships and cultural exchange.
The Prime Minister commended the enthusiasm of the students, stating that understanding the emotions behind a language is just as important as speaking it. The event in Tashkent beautifully illustrated this cultural connection.
Thus, PM Modi's trip to Uzbekistan was marked not only by diplomatic meetings and agreements but also by an emotional moment when Uzbek students recited his poems in Hindi, showcasing the friendship and cultural closeness between India and Uzbekistan.