How Ramayana has served as a cultural and diplomatic bridge between Southeast Asian countries

Fad artist Prakash Joshi.

The South -East Asian nations (ASEAN) countries and the Union of India have shared general cultural and decent relations that return for a very long time. A lot of similarities can be found in his literature, architecture and religious texts as well as folk practices. Ramayana is an epic that has been a connecting factor among Southeast Asian countries, and has influenced his art forms in many ways.

This is keeping in mind that the third edition of ASEAN-India artists camp returns to 10-day residence in Shillong from 29 March to 7 April. The theme of the festival is ‘Echo of Ramayana: Artistic Journey Across ASEAN and India’. It brings together 21 famous and upcoming folk and contemporary visual artists from 10 ASEAN member states including Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Philippines, Myanmar and Cambodia, an artist of Timor Lest as a supervisor country and 10 artists from India. Artists will showcase their interpretation of the Ramayana through paintings.

Camp organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with Sehar, the Act is a symbol of 10 years of pre -policy of India, using art as a medium for cultural dialogue. “Ramayana is not only a religious epic, but also in a cultural form. We want to know the echo and echo who is in the ASEAN region,” said Sanjeev Bhargava, the founder-director of Ser.

During the camp, artists will talk about the various forms of painting directed by the camp bosses – Saimindranath Mazumdar, Tanmoy Samanta and Yogendra Trethi. Each artist will create a task of art, which will represent various styles – modern, traditional and impressive – while still taking the essence of its culture and history.

Cherial scroll painting artist Vinay Kumar.

Cherial scroll painting artist Vinay Kumar feels that the camp gives him a great opportunity to show his understanding of the epic. For Thai Professor Panich Fupratina, this is his first visit to India. His work serves Rama as a powerful and intelligent warrior on Hanuman. “I have seen that Hanuman has portrayed both Indian films and Thai traditional art. Therefore, I decided to compare these two versions, to show that Thai Vishwas and religion share the same origin in India,” he shared.

Thai Professor Panich Fupratana.

In Malaysia, Mohana Kumara Velu was conveyed to the Ramayana through Veng Kulit, a traditional shade puppet theater and other local demonstrations. Although separate from Indian illustration, the essence is familiar to him. “The Ramayana theme provides a powerful place for reflection and rearrows, and I am specially ready for Sita’s story. Her strength, calm flexibility and grace echo with me deeply. While this will be my first task that is inspired by Ramayana, I look at it as a unique opportunity to find it through my own lens.”

The participating artists will also participate in workshops on classical dances, music and handicrafts, and will explore India’s artistic traditions in a collaborative setting. They will also organize interactive sessions with art students at Shillong and will conduct a workshop at a local school, where they will share their skills and experiences with young learners.

Some other Indian artists of the camp include multi-disciplinary artist Sridula Kuntharaju, realistic rhetorical artist Musumi Biswas, Gond artist Japni Shyam Dhurve, realistic contemporary nature and wildlife artist Qazi Nasir, Fad artist Prakhash Joshi, Kali Ghat artist Bappa artist and aspiper.

The first concept in 2017, AIAC emerged as a major platform for cultural connections between India and South East Asia. Unlike traditional diplomatic ceremonies, it offers a more intimate setting, where artists from different fields are removed together, spending techniques, experiences and attitudes in the days of exchanging.

The artifacts made during the camp will be unveiled for the first time in a two -day showcase in New Delhi, which was before making its way on the Malaysia, ASEAN chair for 2025 for a one -week display.

“Art is a powerful bridge -it opens up a place for dialogue, connection and shared understanding. When artists from different countries come together, there is a natural exchange of culture and perspective. These strengthen friendship and cooperation relations, making cultural exchange a quiet yet powerful form.”