Jaipur, July 1 (IANS) The curtain-raiser event for Lokmanthan-2026 was held at the Constitution Club in Jaipur on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said that Rajasthan is a land of Shakti (strength), Bhakti (devotion), intellect, valour, culture and vibrant folk traditions. The state’s rich folk arts, saintly traditions and literary heritage embody India’s cultural diversity.

He said it is a matter of pride that Rajasthan is hosting the fifth edition of Lokmanthan, an initiative that began in 2016 with the theme of liberation from colonialism.

Held this year under the theme “Hum Bharat Ke Log” (We, the People of India), the event also reflects the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).

The Chief Minister was addressing the curtain-raiser event for Lokmanthan-2026 at the Constitution Club in Jaipur on Wednesday.

He said the objective of Lokmanthan is to provide a common platform for thinkers, social practitioners, folk artists, artisans, academicians, policymakers and youth who are inspired by the spirit of ‘Nation First’.

He added that Lokmanthan has evolved into a platform for global dialogue on Indian civilisation, with representatives of Indian culture from across the world participating in this edition. Their participation, he said, will further enhance Rajasthan’s cultural stature on the global stage.

The Chief Minister said that PM Modi has transformed politics into a vehicle for nation-building, guided by the resolve of ‘Nation First’. According to him, Bharat Mata, the people of India and the nation’s future remain at the centre of the Prime Minister’s decisions, schemes and campaigns.

He added that initiatives such as Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Vocal for Local, Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat are rooted in the vision of enabling India to lead the world through its cultural strength, intellectual capabilities and traditional knowledge.

He further said that landmarks such as the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakal Lok in Ujjain and the Somnath Temple stand as symbols of India’s cultural renaissance.

The Chief Minister assured that the Rajasthan government would provide all possible support to ensure the successful organisation of Lokmanthan.

He said the event would further strengthen Rajasthan’s identity as a national centre of culture and intellectual discourse, and called upon people to celebrate it as a festival of India’s cultural consciousness, intellectual heritage and the spirit of ‘Nation First’.

Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that India possesses one of the world’s oldest cultural traditions and that Lokmanthan serves as a platform to reconnect people with this enduring heritage.

He said the event is not merely about reflecting on the past but about drawing inspiration to build the future.

Describing the theme “We, the People of India” as more than just the central idea of Lokmanthan, he called it a collective call representing the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.

J. Nandakumar, Convener of the Pragya Pravah Committee, said that Lokmanthan brings together people from diverse sections of society to engage in meaningful dialogue on the timeless values of ancient India.

He said the discussions held on this platform are intended not only to exchange knowledge but also to inspire a collective commitment to the welfare and well-being of every individual.

He observed that Rajasthan represents one of the richest expressions of India’s cultural diversity.

Recalling that Lokmanthan was launched in Bhopal in 2016 with the theme of ‘Liberation from Colonialism’, he said hosting its fifth edition in Rajasthan, a state renowned for its vibrant folk traditions, would add new dimensions to the event.

Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa also addressed the gathering.

During the programme, the official Lokmanthan website was launched, and J. Nandakumar’s book, Folk Se Pare Lok (Beyond Folk: The Essence of ‘Lok’), was released.

Folk artists from Rajasthan presented cultural performances on the occasion.

Among those present were Dr. Ramesh Chandra Agarwal, Kshetra Sanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh; Padma Shri awardee and Alghoza maestro Tagaram Bhil; Dhrupad vocalist Dr. Madhu Bhatt Tailang; and a large number of distinguished guests and members of the public.

–IANS

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