Annapolis witnessed a cultural milestone on January 23 as an exclusive exhibition tracing the Ramayana’s journey from Asia to global shores captivated visitors at the Maryland State House. State delegates, envoys, and prominent figures gathered, underscoring the epic’s role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue within the corridors of power.
Delegate Wu Chao praised the initiative for demonstrating culture’s unifying force. In her view, such endeavors enhance mutual comprehension, mitigating political rifts and celebrating diversity. ‘It truly bridges backgrounds, promoting a deeper understanding,’ she affirmed.
Turning to ethics, Delegate Harry Bhandari portrayed the Ramayana as a life guide beyond religion, imparting lessons in integrity, selflessness, familial bonds, modesty, and pride avoidance. These values, he stressed, are crucial in an era grappling with ethical dilemmas and social fragmentation.
Delegate Mike Rogers, seasoned by military service and Asian sojourns, reflected on shared human threads. ‘Differences pale against our common heritage,’ he observed. ‘Appreciating these traditions cultivates respect and improves global relations.’
Nepal’s Aruna Ghising shared nostalgic recollections of Ramayana TV episodes, amazed by its reach to places like Guyana. Labeling it a splendid festivity, she pledged ongoing support.
By design, the exhibit was placed inside the legislature for lawmakers and staff to grasp the Ramayana’s expansive civilizational footprint. HinduAction’s Festival Chakravarti pointed to Maryland’s diverse Asian communities, including sizable Hindu, Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Filipino groups. He lamented legislators’ scant awareness of Hindu legacies in non-majority nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Key figure Dr. Vidya Sathyamurti, who facilitated the Maryland showing after DC and Ohio, lauded the epic’s perennial relevance. With artifacts from 11 countries, it spotlighted the Ramayana’s observance in over 16 lands, emphasizing unity, responsibility, renunciation, and family centrality—ideals that motivate younger generations profoundly.
As cultural exchanges gain momentum, this exhibition exemplifies how timeless narratives can illuminate paths to unity in diverse societies.