International Gita Mahotsav 2025 Held by Indian Embassy in Beirut
IN NEWS: International Gita Mahotsav 2025 Held by Indian Embassy in Beirut
UPSC STYLE ANALYSIS
1. Context
- The Indian Embassy in Beirut organised the International Gita Mahotsav 2025 at the Lebanese National Theatre with participation of over 200 people.
- The event highlighted India’s cultural diplomacy and the global relevance of the Bhagavad Gita.
2. Key Highlights of the Event
- Indian Ambassador to Lebanon, Noor Rahman Sheikh, addressed the gathering and underlined the significance of the Gita Mahotsav.
- The Ambassador noted that the Bhagavad Gita was included in UNESCO’s World Register of Memory in April 2025, recognising its enduring impact on human civilisation and consciousness.
- Members of the Indian community and the Embassy shared reflections on the Gita and recited well-known shlokas.
3. Observations by Other Speakers
- According to the Indian Embassy, Digambar Patra, Professor at the American University of Beirut, and Lebanese Yoga Instructor Donia Nijjar emphasised the contemporary relevance of the Gita for guiding human life.
4. Diplomatic Significance
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that 2025 marks the 71st year of India–Lebanon diplomatic relations, characterised by historical goodwill.
- Approximately 2000 members of the Indian community currently reside in Lebanon, making such cultural engagements important for community outreach and India’s soft-power projection.
STATIC PART (Relevance for Prelims/Mains)
1. Bhagavad Gita – UNESCO Memory of the World Register (April 2025)
- The UNESCO Register recognises documentary heritage of global significance.
- Inclusion highlights the Gita’s universal message of wisdom, compassion, and righteousness.
2. International Gita Mahotsav
- An annual celebration originating from Kurukshetra, Haryana.
- Commemorates the teaching of the Bhagavad Gita delivered during the Kurukshetra war.
3. India–Lebanon Relations
- Diplomatic relations established in 1954 (71 years as of 2025).
- Engagement spans cultural cooperation, community welfare, and bilateral goodwill.