Nirmala Sitharaman

Honourable Finance Minister, Government of India

On the stage today, we have Pujya Swamiji Mithilesh Nandini Sharan ji, Param Pujaniya Sarsanghchalak ji, Minister Gajendra Shekhawat ji, Kishan Reddy ji, Nandakumar ji, Abhijeet Gokhale ji and Srinivas ji. I am grateful to have been invited to participate in Lokmanthan and I thank you all for this opportunity. I also extend my heartfelt respects to the people who have come from Hyderabad and its surrounding areas.

Sweetness of Swamiji’s Hindi

First, I would like to apologise for any hesitation while speaking in Hindi. Our Swamiji spoke such sweet Hindi that it was a true pleasure to hear. Just as milk and jaggery enhance the flavour of kheer and cardamom and saffron elevate its fragrance, Swamiji’s Hindi has a particular charm and sweetness to it that I deeply admire.
I do not have the courage to speak as fluently as he did, so I will mix both Hindi and English. I hope you will bear with me and forgive me for this. Swamiji has already beautifully defined Lokmanthan, so I do not need to elaborate further. Through Lokmanthan, we bring together diverse ideas for discussion and cultural exchange. This event is a significant effort to familiarise the people of Hyderabad and the surrounding regions with our rich heritage.

Lokamanthan – Context and Purpose

Lokmanthan takes place once every two years and this is the fourth edition. However, in Bharat, this is not a new concept. As Gajendra Shekhawat ji rightly mentioned, we have always lived in harmony— whether as forest dwellers, urban dwellers or villagers. This is simply an effort to bring everyone together, but at the core, we all identify as Indians first.

Kanchi Seer—Towering Knowledge

Today, I wish to highlight a specific point. Recently, I was in Mexico and before my trip, I recalled my childhood memories of Kanchi Mutt, established by the revered Adi Shankaracharya in Kanchipuram. Adi Shankaracharya founded four main mutts across India—in Sringeri, Dwarka, Badrinath and Puri, each set up by his direct disciples. Additionally, he established mutts wherever he travelled, including the Kanchi Mutt. The great Paramacharya of Kanchi Mutt, who lived for over 100 years, delivered extensive lectures on ancient civilisations, languages and philosophies. I had the privilege of hearing some of his lectures in my childhood, but at that time, I could not fully grasp their depth. Later, through his writings, I came to understand them better.

One of his books explores the Inca, Maya and Aztec civilisations. Before my trip to Mexico, I revisited this work and also consulted elders in my family who had deep knowledge of the subject. Upon reaching Mexico City, I visited museums showcasing the archaeological treasures of the Aztecs, Incas and Mayans. The exhibitions were magnificent, displaying stone carvings and artifacts of immense historical value.

How Connectivity to Cultural Heritage Was Lost

However, despite these impressive exhibitions, Mexico still struggles to reconnect with its indigenous civilisations. The Aztecs and other native groups were largely destroyed during the Spanish conquest. Only in the past 100-150 years have archaeologists uncovered and showcased these cultures. In North America, indigenous peoples are now placed in protected reserves. Yet, these reserves are often mere symbolic gestures following the destruction of their communities. In Canada, the indigenous population suffered deeply, with children taken from their families and placed in schools under the guise of “civilised education” Today, every government  that comes to power feels compelled to apologise for these past atrocities.

In Europe, the Roma people have faced centuries of discrimination. Although they are scattered across Italy, Austria and other nations, they have no permanent homeland and are not fully accepted by any country.
In Egypt, remnants of pre-Islamic traditions still exist, though in a faint form. In Australia and New Zealand, the Maori people are gaining political representation, with their protests in the New Zealand Parliament recently going viral. Similarly, the history of Australia’s Aboriginal population remains a topic of ongoing discussion.

Tradition: A Living Reality for Over Centuries

Why do I mention all of this? Because in India, our tribal communities (Vanvasis) have always been an integral part of our society. Unlike other countries where indigenous populations were wiped out or marginalised, India has preserved its tribal communities as part of our civilisation for over 5000 years.

In India, we have both recorded and oral history that includes our tribal communities. You will never find examples of systemic discrimination against them. They have always lived alongside us, contributing to and enriching our villages and cities in harmony.

Unfortunately, today, some political narratives seek to divide us. Some claim that they are the “original inhabitants,” while others are seen as outsiders. But as Swami ji rightly pointed out, division was never part of our culture. We have always treated every individual with equality and respect. For instance: Lord Shiva married Meenakshi, a Pandya princess. Lord Kartikeya (Subramanya) had two wives one from a royal family and another from a tribal community, Valli. This marriage continues to be celebrated and their worship still reflects tribal roots.
Krishna’s marriage to Rukmini is celebrated in Madhavpur (Gujarat), Arunachal Pradesh and Vidarbha (Maharashtra). The Mishmi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh regards Rukmini as one of their own. No one disputes this. Our ancient texts and history reflect how tribal and non-tribal communities have always been connected through marriage, culture and traditions. Discrimination was never part of our heritage.

Inclusivity—The DNA of Our Civilisation

This is why Lokmanthan is so important—it highlights the inclusivity that has always been a hallmark of India. In Brazil, people dress as indigenous tribes and participate in massive parades. In the UK, people gather at Stonehenge to observe ancient astronomical sites during the Solstice, much like we do at Jantar Mantar in India. Across the world, there is a growing interest in ancient traditions, often revived in the form of cults. But in India, these traditions never disappeared. We have never lost touch with them. We do not need a “revival” because our traditions have remained alive in our daily lives.
Through Lokmanthan, we present this unique aspect of India to the world. I know that delegates from Indonesia, the Yezidis from Syria and many others are part of this event. This inclusivity is part of India’s identity. When people lecture us about inclusivity, we should remind them that India has practised inclusivity for over 5000 years, not just preached it.

End Remarks

I congratulate the organisers of Lokmanthan for this monumental effort and I am truly honoured to be part of it. Let us continue this great tradition and take immense pride in it.
I bow to you all. Thank you!

“India has preserved its tribal communities as part of our civilisation for over 5000 years.”

-Nirmala Sitharaman
Honourable Finance Minister, Government of India