Credit to PM for India discussing its culture with pride: Harivansh

NEW DELHI: Reflecting on India's rich heritage, Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh on Friday said that even after India emerged from the shadows of colonial rule after Independence, it was only "post-2014 that India has begun to speak about its culture and ancient heritage with pride, and this credit goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ."

He was speaking at the release of a compilation of PM Modi's speeches and thoughts on culture, titled 'Sanskriti ka Panchva Adhyay', released at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) on ' World Heritage Day ' observed each year on April 18.

After releasing the book, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri, the head of Juna Akhara, said "Since Narendra Modi became PM in 2014, a definite change has occurred. People now discuss cultural subjects with greater depth and pride."

Citing an example, he said, "In 2008, an Indian guru residing in Europe made great efforts to institute International Yoga Day and sought help from Indian govt. In 2016, Modi made it a reality. Today, 21st June is celebrated worldwide as International Yoga Day-a proof to his commitment to India's cultural heritage."