Lok Sabha Question No. 1261 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-28
Subject: IGNCA at World Expo, Osaka, Japan
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Eatala Rajender, Smt. D K Aruna, Shri Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1261

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025

## IGNCA at World Expo, Osaka, Japan

1261.  Smt. D. K. Aruna:

Shri Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy:

Shri Eatala Rajender:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a)      Whether  it  is  a  fact  that  India  has  focused  on  its  soft  power  and  showcased  a  cultural renaissance  which  carries  theme  'Designing  future  society  for  our  lives'  while  nations across globe are displaying their modern night at World Expo, Osaka, Japan and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)   Whether it is a fact that the said international event held every five years for six months, focuses on showcasing innovations and fostering exchange between nations and cultures to address global challenges and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)    Whether the said Expo aims to create a 'Living Lab' where diverse participants    come together  to  co-create  and  implement  solutions  for  global  issues,  including  Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the current year and if so, the details thereof;
- (d)      Whether  the  Indian  pavilion  curated  by  the  Indira  Gandhi  national  Centre  for  the  Arts (IGNCA) is described as an 'immersive civilisational experience, rooting  India's  global identity in compassion and flowing wisdom of Bodhi stream and if so, the details thereof,
- (e)      Whether  the  IGNCA  has  played  role  of  a  modern-day  Sutradhar  (narrator)  from conceptualization  to  storytelling stringing  together India's  ancient  philosophies  and contemporary ambition; and
- (f)     if so, the details thereof, along with and funds utilized?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) India has highlighted its rich cultural heritage and soft power at the ongoing World Expo, Osaka, Japan under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives". India's participation contributes  significantly  to  showcase  cultural  renaissance  and  promote  international  cultural dialogue. The Indian Pavilion emphasizes civilizational strengths and India's unique vision for a sustainable and harmonious global future based on international peace and cooperation.

(b) The  World  Expo  is  held  every  five  years  for  a  duration  of  six  months.  The  World  Expo serves  as  a  platform  for  nations  to  present  innovations  and  collaborative  solutions  to  global challenges. India's representation reflects this spirit through a balance of tradition  and technological innovation and provides a global platform to foster innovation, cultural exchange, and  collaborative  responses  to  pressing  global  challenges.  The  2025  Osaka  Expo  focuses  on building a future society and sustainable development.

(c) The  Expo  2025  aims  to  function  as  a  "Living  Lab  "where  international  participants, including India, engage in co-creation of solutions for global issues, especially in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India's contributions in this regard include themes such as health, well-being, sustainability, and cultural heritage.

(d) The Indian Pavilion curated by the IGNCA offers an immersive civilizational experience, at the  Indian  Pavilion.  Rooted  in  the  Bodhi  stream,  the  installation  highlights  narratives  of compassion, interconnectedness, and ancient wisdom using storytelling, digital interaction, and soundscape,  showcasing  India  as  a  knowledge  society.  It  combines  traditional  narratives  with modern technology to create an engaging experience.

(e)  &  (f) IGNCA's  participation  reflects  its  role  as  a  modern-day  Sutradhaar  (narrator), presenting  India's  philosophical  heritage  in  a  contemporary  context  through  multimedia.  The funding for the Bharat Pavilion at World Expo, Osaka was provided by India Trade Promotion Organisation  (ITPO).  The  IGNCA  executed  the  project  in  alignment  with  the  assigned responsibility. IGNCA has been successful in seamlessly weaving India's ancient wisdom with its contemporary aspirations through storytelling, visuals, and multimedia exhibits. The Pavilion illustrates India's timeless values and their relevance in addressing future global challenges.

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