Culture ministers and delegates gather in Bhopal to deepen BRICS cultural cooperation through heritage, museums, creative industries and exchanges…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Bhopal will become the centre of international cultural diplomacy from Wednesday as India hosts the third BRICS Culture Working Group (CWG) meeting and the BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting, bringing together representatives from BRICS member and partner countries to strengthen cooperation in heritage conservation, museums, cultural industries and people-to-people exchanges.
The four-day event, organised by the Union Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh government under India’s BRICS Presidency, will conclude on August 8 with the adoption of the BRICS Culture Ministers’ Declaration. The document is expected to outline a shared roadmap for future collaboration among member nations in preserving cultural heritage and promoting creative partnerships.
Union Culture Secretary Vivek Agrawal said delegates would begin arriving in Bhopal on Wednesday. The opening day has been reserved for registration, accreditation, bilateral meetings and visits to exhibitions before the formal deliberations commence.
As part of the inaugural programme, international delegates will visit the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, where they will witness demonstrations of India’s traditional crafts and tribal culture. A cultural performance showcasing the country’s artistic diversity will also be organised for the visiting dignitaries.
Three major exhibitions—Gyan Bharatam, Project Mausam and Project Brihattar Bharat—will open at the Kushabhau Thakre Convention Centre, popularly known as Minto Hall. The exhibitions will remain open to the public throughout the conference and highlight India’s rich manuscript traditions, maritime heritage and historical civilisational links with other regions of the world.
The BRICS Culture Working Group will meet on August 6 to examine the draft ministerial declaration and discuss cooperation across key sectors, including cultural heritage preservation, museums, cultural and creative industries, capacity building and institutional exchanges. The group’s recommendations will subsequently be presented to the Culture Ministers for consideration during the ministerial meeting on August 8.
The conference will also feature the BRICS Cultural Festival, celebrating the artistic traditions of participating countries. Highlights include the presentation of the BRICS Peace Song – Peace is the Language of the Land and Amritasya Madhya Pradesh, a large-scale cultural performance involving more than 125 artists showcasing the state’s history, folk traditions and cultural heritage.
Madhya Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary (Culture) Shiv Shekhar Shukla said all logistical and security arrangements had been completed for the high-level gathering. He added that the event provides an opportunity to present Madhya Pradesh’s cultural heritage and tourism potential before an international audience.
Following the ministerial meeting, delegates will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sanchi on August 8 to experience one of India’s most significant Buddhist monuments. An optional excursion to the prehistoric Bhimbetka Rock Shelters has also been planned for August 9, offering participants a glimpse into India’s ancient rock art and archaeological heritage.
