Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has said that at a time when the world is witnessing growing divisions, shrinking attention spans and declining spaces for dialogue, Auroville stands as a living example of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. He was interacting with students during a special plenary session of the Auroville Literature Festival, currently in progress at the international township of Auroville near Puducherry.

 

Dr. Mandaviya said that Auroville has the rare potential to emerge as a global space where the literature of the world comes together through translation, dialogue and mutual respect. He noted that the support extended by the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Auroville reflects the spirit of Viksit Bharat, where development is not measured only in economic indicators or physical infrastructure, but also in cultural depth, intellectual vitality and inner growth.

 

Highlighting the importance of translation, the Minister said that translation is not merely a literary act but a civilisational bridge, requiring humility, empathy and a willingness to listen. Emphasising the role of literature in connecting nations, Dr. Mandaviya said that civilisations understand one another not through borders or conflicts, but through ideas, stories, philosophy and shared reflection. He added that literature enables people to see the world through another’s eyes and instils patience in an age of haste and depth in an age of noise.

 

Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Secretary Sharat Chauhan, and Auroville Foundation Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Gujarat, Jayanti S. Ravi, were also present. The multilingual Auroville Literature Festival, organised by the Auroville Foundation in association with the Union Ministry of Culture and the Puducherry Government, will conclude tomorrow.