The majestic rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora became the stage for a unique celebration marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, where art, heritage, diplomacy and sustainability converged to create a three-day cultural extravaganza dubbed AIKYAM 2025. Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of ancient Indian architecture and sculpture, the festival brought together diplomats, artists, historians, scholars and cultural custodians from more than 30 countries, all gathered to honour India’s civilizational legacy and its enduring message of global harmony.

The event opened on a deeply evocative note at the forecourt of the monolithic Kailasa Temple in Ellora, an architectural marvel carved from a single rock in homage to Lord Shiva. As evening descended over the site, the temple courtyard transformed into an ethereal open-air amphitheatre. The atmosphere was charged as Maharani Raseshwari Rajya Laxmi of Jaisalmer, accompanied by Nick Booker, offered a stirring Shiva invocation. Their Sanskrit chants—invoking Aikyam, the cosmic principle of oneness—resonated through the stone, setting the spiritual tone for a night where ancient tradition met contemporary artistry. International performers interpreting Omkara through Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Odissi further deepened the mystique of the evening.

A major highlight was historian William Dalrymple’s keynote address on how ancient India shaped global civilization. His reflections on the “golden road” of India’s civilizational ethos and its deep alignment with the United Nations’ vision of global peace and cooperation captivated the audience. Complementing his insights, UNESCO Director Dr Timothy Curtis spoke about Ajanta and Ellora’s immense historical value. As the earliest Indian sites to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, they stand as enduring symbols of India’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

AIKYAM 2025 itself was designed as a powerful expression of global cultural unity. Held amid the monumental caves of Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district, the festival highlighted the continuity of India’s living traditions and their relevance in the modern world. Embedded within its programming was the core theme of global togetherness—mirroring the UN’s guiding principles—and the urgent need to promote responsible cultural tourism.

One of the most memorable artistic experiences came through a musical tribute to the historic 1967 UN General Assembly concert performed by Pandit Ravi Shankar and Yehudi Menuhin. This iconic collaboration—a symbol of East-West artistic dialogue—was recreated by celebrated sitarist Pandit Shubhendra Rao and Dutch cellist Saskia Rao-de Haas. Their seamless interplay of Indian and Western classical music reminded listeners that dialogue between cultures is not only a diplomatic ideal but an audible harmony.

Adding a vibrant contemporary dimension to the festival, Brazilian muralist Sergio Cordeiro created a live painting that reinterpreted Ajanta’s ancient frescoes in a modern idiom. His work symbolized both continuity and innovation, reflecting how historic forms continue to inspire global artistic expression. Complementing this were curated heritage tours to Daulatabad Fort and Bibi ka Maqbara, textile exhibitions showcasing Paithani and Himroo weaving traditions, and immersive culinary journeys celebrating Maharashtrian cuisine.

As delegates explored the Ajanta caves—renowned for their exquisite Buddhist murals and rock-cut artistry—they found themselves in the company of distinguished diplomats: the High Commissioners of the United Kingdom and New Zealand; the Ambassadors of France, China, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain and Thailand, among others. Their participation reinforced AIKYAM’s mission of global engagement through culture, demonstrating how heritage can be a diplomatic bridge as much as an artistic treasure.

The festival’s overarching philosophy drew inspiration from the ancient Indian ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. This message found resonance not only in the programme’s artistic elements but also in Maharashtra’s broader cultural legacy. The state, known for centuries as a melting pot of faiths, art forms and intellectual traditions, recorded India’s highest foreign tourist inflow in 2024 with 3.71 million international visitors, underscoring its enduring global appeal.

AIKYAM 2025 is a cultural initiative by Sopaan, an organization noted for curating sophisticated cross-cultural experiences. Co-founded by Ambassador Monika Kapil Mohta and Siddhaant Mohta, Sopaan has a track record of working with royal families such as those of Jaisalmer and Gwalior, as well as with governmental institutions including the Delhi Government. The founders envision AIKYAM not merely as a cultural festival but as a strategic platform that reimagines how performance, heritage and dialogue can collectively nurture global understanding.

As Siddhaant Mohta eloquently put it, “AIKYAM is a strategic initiative that reimagines how heritage, performance and dialogue can come together to build global understanding.” Sopaan’s approach blends India’s ancient cultural heritage with contemporary sensibilities to craft rich, immersive experiences. By integrating music, dance, fashion, painting, sculpture, textiles, cinema, architecture and cuisine, the organization brings historical sites to life in deeply engaging ways.

The message emerging from AIKYAM 2025 was clear: culture, when shared across borders, becomes a bridge between people and nations. It serves as a universal language capable of fostering trust, nurturing empathy and shaping a collective future grounded in unity and peace. As the UN celebrates its 80th year, the event at Ajanta and Ellora stood as a powerful reminder that humanity’s most profound connections often arise from its oldest traditions. Through AIKYAM, India once again demonstrated that its timeless wisdom continues to illuminate pathways toward global harmony.