Prime Minister Narendra Modi watched a spellbinding performance of Ramakien, the Thai version of the Indian epic Ramayana, during his Thailand visit on Thursday. The performance, conducted by Ekkalak Nu-ngoen and a team of students from the Faculty of Music and Drama at the Bunditpatanasilpa Institute, reflected the strong cultural connection between the two countries.
The performance was a fusion of two traditional dance traditions—India’s Bharatanatyam and Thailand’s Khon—bringing forth a distinctive portrayal of the epic. Though Ramayana speaks of the life of Lord Rama, the Indian Prince of Ayodhya, the Thai version has Phra Ram as the hero. In spite of this variation, both versions adhere to universal concepts of duty, devotion, sacrifice, and the victory of good over evil, consonant with a common heritage.
PM Modi Gifted with “The World Tipitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition”
In a moment of cultural and spiritual diplomacy, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra gifted PM Modi with The World Tipitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition.
The Tipitaka (Pali) or Tripitaka (Sanskrit) is a Buddhist holy book that comprises the teachings of Lord Buddha. This unique 108-volume edition, translated in both Pali and Thai scripts, maintains accurate pronunciation of its nine million syllables. The 2016 publication of the World Tipitaka Project honors the 70th anniversary of the reign of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit.
Presenting the Tipitaka to PM Modi reflects India’s spiritual leadership and its long-standing relationship with Buddhist countries.
Warm Welcome by Thai Officials & Indian Diaspora in Thailand
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Thailand, Lalivan Karnchanachari, was thrilled to see PM Modi visit. “We welcome PM Modi to our lovely country as he comes to attend the meeting of BIMSTEC. The performance was a fusion of Indian and Thai culture, and we hope the Prime Minister will enjoy his stay here,” she stated.
One of the performers also shared their excitement about showcasing Ramakien before the Indian leader. “We are very happy to perform Ramayana and Ramakien, combining Thai classical dance with Bharatanatyam, in front of the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests,” the artist remarked.
PM Modi’s Enthusiasm for the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand
Earlier in the day, PM Modi was given a grand welcome on his arrival in Bangkok. There was a welcoming ceremony at his hotel where he was received with a bright Garba dance and warm welcome from the Indian expatriates and the Thai Indian community.
As he landed at Bangkok airport, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit personally received him. PM Modi subsequently posted pictures from the airport, where he was pictured exchanging greetings with members of the Indian community, who were visibly excited at his visit.
In the future, PM Modi will be attending the BIMSTEC Leaders’ Summit in Bangkok, where he will hold official talks for bolstering regional cooperation between Bay of Bengal countries.