The Indian Council for Cultural Relations organized a special event at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in Delhi on Saturday to felicitate delegates from 188 countries, who participated in the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj joined the 188 delegates for a historic group photo.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said he is happy to meet the delegates who have just returned from the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
He said that until one actually visits the Kumbh Mela, one cannot appreciate completely, what a great heritage it is.
The Kumbh is as much about social reform as it is about spirituality, adding to it, Modi said that the Kumbh has been a forum for discussion among spiritual leaders and social reformers, to chart a roadmap for the future, and monitor progress.
The effort is now to blend modernity and technology, with faith, spirituality, and cultural consciousness, at the Kumbh Mela. He said that the world will recognize India, both for its modernity, and for its rich heritage. He thanked the delegates from across the world and said that their participation has also been an important part of the success of the Kumbh.
