New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Indian culture is steadily expanding its global footprint, with people in different parts of the world embracing India’s music, spirituality and ancient traditions.

Citing an example from the Dominican Republic, he spoke about a group of Spanish-speaking locals who have come together to study Vedic literature and learn the chanting of Vedic mantras.

Speaking during the 135th episode of his monthly radio programme, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister said, “Indian culture is reaching various corners of the globe today. People across the world are discovering and embracing our songs, music, and spirituality. Thousands of kilometres away from India, in the Caribbean Sea, lies a country called the Dominican Republic.”

Highlighting the unique initiative, he noted that although the Indian community in the Dominican Republic is extremely small, a remarkable effort to promote Indian spiritual and cultural traditions is taking shape there.

“The Indian population there is around 100, perhaps even fewer. Despite this, a wonderful initiative connected to Indian culture and spirituality is underway there. A team has been formed by some Spanish-speaking locals; this team is named ‘Brahmakamal Dominicana’,” he said.

The Prime Minister explained that members of the group regularly come together to study Vedic scriptures and are making dedicated efforts to master the chanting of ancient Sanskrit mantras despite having no formal instruction in the language or the traditions.

“They have received no formal training on this, but they have learnt the correct pronunciation by listening to audio recordings,” PM Modi said.

He added that the members of the group have now become proficient in chanting several important Vedic hymns and scriptures.

“Today, they chant several mantras — such as the Purusha Suktam, Sri Suktam, Sri Rudram, Durga Suktam, and Devi Mahatmyam, with great proficiency. Their effort to learn our traditions while living so far from India is truly inspiring,” the Prime Minister said.

Appreciating the dedication shown by the members of ‘Brahmakamal Dominicana’, PM Modi said, “I wholeheartedly appreciate all those who are making continuous efforts to popularise Indian culture worldwide.”

–IANS

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