New Delhi, June 05: Arpan Foundation hosted Padharo Mhare Des: Revisiting the Song and the Slogan at the India International Centre, New Delhi, bringing together distinguished cultural leaders, policymakers, diplomats, artists and patrons of the arts to celebrate the enduring legacy of Rajasthan’s iconic cultural anthem, which recently resonated on the global stage during Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands.
The event was graced by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, as Chief Guest. The evening also witnessed the presence of eminent personalities including Grammy Award-winning maestro Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, renowned classical vocalist Dr Soma Ghosh, Dr. Lalit K. Panwar, former Tourism Secretary and Director of Tourism, Rajasthan, Kunvarani Kalpana Kumari, Indian Guitar Player Salil Bhatt, Pandit Sajan Mishra, Chef Nishant Choubey, Ratan Kaul, Sadhna Shrivastava along with leading artists, cultural patrons, diplomats, members of the media and distinguished guests from Delhi‘s art and cultural fraternity.
The event gained special significance in light of the recent visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the Netherlands, where Padharo Mhare Des was performed as part of the cultural welcome presented to him in The Hague. The rendition brought Rajasthan’s vibrant musical traditions to an international diplomatic stage, reinforcing the global resonance of India’s regional cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, said, “Rajasthan’s folk traditions are not merely artistic expressions; they are living repositories of our collective memory, values and identity. The music of the Manganiyars, Langas and countless folk communities has carried the stories, emotions and spirit of Rajasthan across generations. It is heartening to see initiatives like the Arpan Foundation nurturing young talent and ensuring that these invaluable traditions continue to thrive. As India strengthens its cultural presence globally, it is our responsibility to preserve and celebrate the roots that define us.”
Speaking on the occasion, Manesha A Agarwal, singer, philanthropist and Founder Trustee of Arpan Foundation, said, “Padharo Mhare Des has always been much more than a song for me. It is a celebration of Rajasthan’s soul, its warmth, music, traditions and people. Seeing it resonate on an international stage during the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s visit to the Netherlands was deeply emotional and reaffirmed the timeless relevance of our folk heritage. Through the Arpan Foundation, we remain committed to supporting young artists and ensuring that these extraordinary traditions continue to flourish for generations to come.”
Hosted by celebrated singer, philanthropist and Founder Trustee of Arpan Foundation, Manesha A Agarwal, who was also the lead voice behind Padharo Mhare Des, the evening reflected on the song’s remarkable journey from a tourism anthem to a globally recognised symbol of Rajasthan’s warmth, hospitality and artistic excellence.
The event also paid tribute to the contribution of Dr. Lalit K. Panwar, former Tourism Secretary and Director of Tourism, Rajasthan, under whose leadership the iconic Padharo Mhare Des tourism identity emerged as one of the most recognisable cultural symbols of the state.
The programme further acknowledged the contribution of the Gauri R. Yadwadkar, who conceived and conceptualised the landmark musical collaboration that brought together some of India’s most celebrated musicians under a single cultural vision.
A major highlight of the programme was a captivating live performance by young artists from the Manganiyar and Langa communities, nurtured through Arpan Music Lab, an initiative of Arpan Foundation dedicated to preserving Rajasthan’s folk music traditions and empowering the next generation of hereditary musicians.
The evening also featured a special presentation by sixth-generation jeweller, collector and photographer Sudhir Kasliwal, who shared a curated selection of evocative photographs documenting Rajasthan’s people, traditions and landscapes, offering guests a rare visual journey through the state’s cultural heritage.
Originally released in 2011, Padharo Mhare Des brought together some of India’s most revered musical legends. Conceived and conceptualised by Gauri R. Yadwadkar, the song featured Jagjit Singh, Ustad Sultan Khan, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Roop Kumar Rathod, Ustad Ahmad Hussain, Ustad Mohammad Hussain, Salil Bhatt, Mohammad Vakil, Gulabo, Anwar Khan and Ghazi Khan, alongside Manesha A Agarwal, with music by Ravi Pawar.
The evening concluded with a renewed commitment towards cultural preservation, community-led heritage initiatives and the nurturing of young folk artists. Through music, photography and storytelling, Padharo Mhare Des: Revisiting the Song and the Slogan reaffirmed the enduring relevance of Rajasthan’s cultural traditions and their ability to inspire audiences across generations and geographies.