Pravasi Bharatiyas Are Torchbearers of India's Rise: Shekhawat

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Indian Diaspora: Pioneers of India’s Global Rise, Says Minister Shekhawat at Rajasthani Carnival 2025 in Dubai

TRH News Desk

New Delhi, April 27, 2025: Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, while addressing the vibrant Rajasthani Carnival 2025 in Dubai, passionately praised the Indian diaspora for their pivotal role in elevating India as a global powerhouse. Highlighting their unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting Indian culture and traditions, Shekhawat emphasized that their efforts are key to positioning India as a “Vishwaguru” (world leader).

Speaking at the Rajasthani Carnival 2025 in Dubai on Sunday, where he was the chief guest, Shekhawat said that the devotion with which Indians abroad have preserved and promoted their culture and traditions will ensure that India attains the status of a “Vishwaguru” (world leader).

Highlighting the event, Shekhawat noted that the carnival was not just a cultural festival but a vibrant portrayal of thousands of years of traditions, folk arts, and lifestyle. He described it as a symbol of the love and deep connection expatriate Rajasthanis maintain with their roots, no matter where they are in the world.

Celebrating Rajasthan’s rich and colourful heritage, the Minister lauded the global popularity of traditional arts like Ghoomar, Kalbelia, and Mand. He also praised initiatives such as the India Pavilion, Handloom Exhibitions, and the Indian Ethnic Expo in Dubai, calling them reflections of India’s cultural vitality.

Shekhawat applauded the diaspora’s role in building a cultural bridge with local communities and emphasized the importance of passing down traditional values to future generations, particularly through the influence of women.

He highlighted the diaspora’s spirit of service as the true essence of CSR and specifically acknowledged their contributions to the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Reaffirming his commitment to securing official language status for the Rajasthani language, Shekhawat assured the diaspora that the government stands firmly with them.

Tourism and Culture: Gateways to India’s Inclusive and Sustainable Growth

Later in the day, at an event organized by the ICAI Dubai Chapter on the theme ‘Year of Growth 2025-26’, Shekhawat stressed that tourism and culture are becoming key pillars of India’s inclusive and sustainable development.

He noted that tourism contributes nearly 9% to India’s GDP and provides employment to 80 million people. “Tourism is not just about travel; it is about transformation. It connects the world with the soul of India,” Shekhawat said.

Proudly recalling India’s G20 Presidency, he highlighted how India successfully showcased its diverse tourism offerings — from the peaks of the Himalayas to the shores of the Andaman Islands, and from the Ramayana and Buddhist trails to medical and adventure tourism.

Shekhawat shared that India welcomed around 20 million foreign tourists in 2024, generating over $30 billion in revenue. Domestic tourism too received a major boost through initiatives like Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and Dekho Apna Desh.

Describing culture as a “soft power of development”, he said that India’s traditions — yoga, Ayurveda, dance, and textiles — have become part of global consciousness. Highlighting 2025 as a decisive year for cultural diplomacy, he cited global celebrations like the International Day of Yoga and the Ramayana Festival as efforts to strengthen India’s cultural outreach.

The Minister revealed that the government is investing heavily in cultural infrastructure — museums, digital archives, cultural centers, and artist welfare programs — as part of the “Year of Growth”. Initiatives like the PM Vishwakarma Yojana and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat are transforming culture from merely an identity to a means of prosperity, he added. Shekhawat expressed confidence that this decade would mark India’s global leadership in culture and development.

Shekhawat Meets UAE Economy Minister

On the sidelines of the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development — Mondiacult 2025 in Dubai, Shekhawat met UAE Economy Minister Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri. Their discussions focused on strengthening strategic dialogue around the India-UAE Tourism Corridor and exploring mutual opportunities in tourism and hospitality sectors.

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