Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with a grand cultural reception as he touched down in Brasilia for his official state visit. The welcome ceremony, blending India’s ancient spiritual traditions with Brazil’s lively cultural heritage, featured a striking performance that fused the powerful Shiva Tandava Stotram with the energetic rhythms of Brazilian Samba Reggae. This unique celebration reflected the broader message of unity in diversity.
Jonas Masetti, a widely respected Vedanta teacher and recipient of the Padma Shri award, shared his thoughts on the occasion. “It was an emotional and profound moment,” he said. “Vedanta has become a guiding force for many of us here in Brazil. It’s reshaping how we live and understand life — not just individually, but across our society.”
The performance also incorporated Amazonian chants, creating an unexpected but meaningful cultural link between India and Brazil’s spiritual traditions. Jyoti Kiran Shukla, Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), commented on this unique blend, calling it a “gift to the Indian community” and adding that the Vivekananda Centre is now exploring the linguistic and spiritual similarities between these chant traditions.
Witnessing the event, yoga practitioner Kenlyn expressed her gratitude. “Though I wasn’t performing, it was powerful to witness. Seeing my peers chant in front of the Prime Minister and feeling his energy in person was truly inspiring.”
A performer and long-time student of Vedanta added, “Studying Vedanta over the past decade has transformed my perspective on life. To stand here and chant in front of the Indian Prime Minister is an unforgettable honor.”
Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Just landed in Brasilia. The warmth and love from the Indian community here is overwhelming. Their connection to their roots is truly heartening.”
After concluding a successful visit to Rio de Janeiro for the BRICS Summit, PM Modi was received in Brasilia by Brazil’s Defence Minister Jose Mucio Monteiro Filho. During his visit, Modi will meet President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation across sectors.
