In a spectacular display of India's rich and vibrant historical lineage, the Bharat Mandapam became the nucleus of cultural convergence during the much-anticipated G20 Summit. This monumental event saw the unveiling of significant artifacts that narrate the timeless tale of India's grand civilization, a story encapsulated within the intricate details of the celebrated "Ashtadhyayi" by Panini, the age-old wisdom woven in the verses of the Rig Veda, and the majestic images depicting the prehistoric Bhimbhetka cave paintings in Madhya Pradesh, a breathtaking journey back to almost 30,000 years in time.

In an era that constantly thrives on progression, the event held on the 9th and 10th of September transported leaders from across the globe back to the rich roots of Indian heritage at the heart of New Delhi, a pulsating metropolis that graciously embraced the blend of past and present. Amidst discussions of forging a forward-focused world, the leaders were given a glimpse into the historical narrative that India proudly carries in its essence.

With a resounding theme echoing the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", the revered belief that the world is one family, the Ministry of Culture took a monumental leap in bringing to fruition the 'Culture Corridor- G20 Digital Museum'. This international project, launched fervently on the first day of the summit, stood as a testament to the universal bond that intertwines the rich histories and cultures of the G20 members and invitee nations.

An official statement reverberated the sentiments of unity and shared heritage, emphasizing that the “Culture Corridor” was an emblem of the synergies that exist between different nations, binding them in a thread of mutual respect and appreciation. This campaign, dubbed 'Culture Unites All', was the hallmark initiative of the Culture Working Group (CWG), seeking to forge bonds that transcend borders.

The Bharat Mandapam became a living canvas that portrayed the majestic narratives of cultures in convergence. It was here that visitors witnessed a magnificent display of art objects that held the essence of numerous countries, brilliantly showcased in a harmonious blend of physical and digital realms. This temporary 'art corridor' was more than a mere exhibition; it was a vivid illustration of global unity, a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of diverse cultures coming together for a historic event.

At the centre of it all stood the grand Bharat Mandapam, a beacon of India's glorious past, holding within its confines splendid representations of cultural magnificence, including a towering statue of Natraj - a divine depiction of cosmic dances, the serene Shhank or Conch Shell which resonates with spiritual fervor, the Surya Dwar - a homage to the sun, and the Pragati Chakra or the Wheel of Prosperity, embodying the hopes and dreams of a thriving nation.

Every artifact, every element showcased was not just a piece of art, but a fragment of India's soul, an invitation to delve deeper into the heart of a nation that holds tales of grandeur, resilience, and an everlasting spirit of unity in diversity. This grand occasion was a reminder, a reverberating echo that the world, in all its diversity, is but one family, united in a dance of cultural harmony and mutual appreciation.

In an exhilarating celebration of unity and cultural diversity, the Bharat Mandapam vividly portrayed the universal theme, "Culture Unites All", coming to life with unparalleled splendor. Akin to a pulsating heartbeat of India, the Mandapam embraced and showcased the multifaceted gems of Indian states in a grandiose canvas that left an indelible mark on the hearts of attendees.

Imagine stepping into a realm where the brilliance of Indian craftsmanship shone in full glory: the gleaming Silver filigree artefacts that narrate the skilled artistry of Telangana, the vibrant tapestry of colourful jewellery that echoed the spirit of Nagaland, and the sheer splendour of Eri – the Millennia-old silk from Assam, creating a crafts bazaar that resounded with the echoes of a diverse and rich heritage that India embodies. This was not just a bazaar, but a festive congregation that celebrated the rich tapestry of Indian culture with fervent pride and joy.

Yet, this grand celebration transcended beyond the boundaries of India, offering a heartwarming homage to the cherished democratic values that have been deeply rooted in Bhartiya civilization and echoed across the globe. It was a sight to behold as vital artifacts stood as sentinels of these democratic values, holding within them the spirit of unity and the universal brotherhood. Among them were the profound teachings within the Rig Veda Manuscripts, a revered copy of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen National Assembly from France, a symbolic copy of the charters of freedom from the USA, and a historic poster depicting the first democratic general election of the Republic of Korea. These were not just artifacts, but living testimonies to the democratic essence that binds nations together in a global fraternity.

In a grand gesture of international camaraderie, the special museum extended its embrace to honor the distinct cultural heritages of other G20 nations and invitee countries. It was here that the global community witnessed an eclectic display of the world's wonders - the intricate Batik Sarong Textiles from Indonesia that tell tales of ancient craftsmanship, a miniature yet imposing model of Brazil's National Parliament that stood as a symbol of democratic spirit, the traditional Poncho from Argentina that embodied the vibrant culture of the land, and an exquisite replica of the iconic Volkswagen Old Beetle from Germany, a testament to innovation and engineering excellence.

The audience also marveled at the presence of Italy's contribution, a bronze statue of Apollo Belvedere, which stood as a beacon of artistry and classical elegance. Further adding a touch of contemporary artistry was Japan's Nendoroid Hastune Miku, a vibrant representation of modern culture amalgamated with traditional nuances. These international contributions intertwined gracefully with India's high civilizational legacy, a vivid representation of which was clearly reflected through the grand showcase of Panini's 'Ashtadhyayi' and the Rig Veda inscriptions, alongside the entrancing digital images of the Bhimbhetka cave paintings in Madhya Pradesh, a portal that takes one 30,000 years back, narrating tales of an ancient civilization steeped in art and culture.

Thus, the Bharat Mandapam became a global stage where the past met the present, where cultures intertwined, and where the world united to celebrate a legacy of diversity and unity, standing together as one, bound by the shared love for art, culture, and the undying spirit of unity in diversity. It was a celebration that echoed the proud and high civilizational legacy of India, a nation that embodies the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" - The World is One Family.

Panini’s Ashtadhyayi

In the electrifying ambiance of the Bharat Mandapam, one could not ignore the profound echo of the illustrious past that resonated with the vibrancy and intellectual prowess that India has fostered for millennia. Central to this grand celebration was the awe-inspiring showcase of Panini's Ashtadhyayi, a masterwork that stands as a testament to the country's ancient scholarship and intellectual grandeur.

Picture this: a sacred document composed in the 5th-6th century BCE, meticulously crafted by the revered scholar Panini, unfolding over eight chapters and housing an expansive treasure of 4000 sutras. This isn't just a manuscript, but a fascinating journey through the realms of Vedic phonetics and grammar, a testament to India's golden era of knowledge and wisdom. The depth of this treatise has often been paralleled to the complexities of the modern Turing machine, a beacon of mathematical and computational excellence, embodying the essence of any computational device to its core.

Envisage the genius of Panini, a luminary who ventured far beyond his time, crafting a linguistic masterpiece that seemingly anticipated the intricacies of modern computer programs by a staggering 2500 years. As per the official testament, this beacon of ancient wisdom laid down rules with a recursive flair, echoing the patterns seen in contemporary programming languages. A monumental achievement that resonated deeply in the words of the famed historian A.L. Basham, who aptly exclaimed, “Panini's grammar is one of the greatest intellectual achievements of any ancient civilisation, and the most detailed and scientific grammar composed before the 19th century in any part of the world.”

This grand summit served not just as a platform for diplomatic dialogues but emerged as a grand stage where India's rich architectural heritage dazzled under the global spotlight. Visitors were transported to a land where history met grandeur through the imposing replicas that graced the venue - the majestic Konark Wheel, a symbol of time's eternal journey and the ancient Nalanda University in Bihar, a bastion of knowledge and learning that stood in a time where knowledge was revered above all.

As the crimson hues of the evening sky adorned the Bharat Mandapam, the anticipation and excitement reached a crescendo. On the illustrious evening of 9th September, the air was thick with pride and reverence as President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to various heads of state and distinguished world leaders, along with their spouses, at this grand venue. One could feel a sense of unity, a bond that transcended borders as leaders converged under the grand replica of the ancient Nalanda University, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in Bihar, standing as a proud background where the President greeted the esteemed guests.

And as the Konark Wheel replica stood majestically, serving as a monumental backdrop, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the arriving leaders with warmth and camaraderie, marking the auspicious beginning of the G20 Summit. This was not just an event; it was a grand spectacle that celebrated the spirit of unity, heritage, and the undying flame of knowledge and culture that India has nurtured through the sands of time, echoing the vibrant ethos of a nation that stands united, proud, and steeped in rich heritage and intellectual grandeur.