India's unity in diversity hailed abroad, says Sushma Swaraj

New Delhi, Nov 4: Hailing the country's "unity in diversity", Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday said there were high demands for setting up Indian cultural centres in countries across the world.

Speaking at the first edition of 'Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav' here, Swaraj said that there was tremendous "excitement" for Indian cultural traditions abroad and India's unity fascinates people.

"India is one despite so much diversity. The excitement in foreign countries over Indian culture is more than what it is in the country. Recently the PM (Narendra Modi) toured five Central Asian nations. Each and every country demanded that we set up an Indian culture centre there.

"Wherever we go, people request us to set up cultural centres. People are surprised by the fact that India has so much unity despite so much diversity," Swaraj said.

New Delhi BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi, who was also present on the occasion, said that India is known for its culture globally although attempts "being made" and an ambience is being created to "dent that cherished heritage".

India is one despite so much diversity: Swaraj

Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma, whose department organised the ongoing seven-day event, said the unity of Indians amid diversity was its identity and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, which, he said is taking the country to "greater heights".

"Indians do not talk about million-trillion dollars when they go abroad. We talk about our culture which is taking us towards becoming the world leader.

The way India is progressing under Narendra Modi and being taken to greater heights. I also congratulate the PM and Sushma Swaraj for successfully hosting the Indo-Africa Summit," Sharma said.

PTI