At Triveni Kala Sangam on 14 November, culture, memory and diplomacy converged as Diplomatist Magazine unveiled Frames of Heritage: A Photo Exhibition and Echoes Beyond Borders – An Artistic Dialogue as part of its Prelude Series to Diplomatic Nite. Among the distinguished voices at the gathering was H.E. Arunkoemar Hardien, Ambassador of the Republic of Suriname to India, who spoke about the enduring power of shared heritage and the historic bond between India and Suriname.
Suriname: A Mosaic of Cultures
Introducing his homeland, the Ambassador painted a vivid picture of Suriname as “a small yet remarkably diverse nation” situated on the northern tip of South America. Despite its rich multicultural fabric, he noted that awareness about the country remains limited. “In a country of 1.4 billion people, perhaps only ten know about Suriname,” he said with humour, adding that “nine of whom work at India’s Ministry of External Affairs.”
He went on to describe Suriname’s unique identity as a land blessed with tropical rainforests, pristine rivers and extraordinary biodiversity—a place “where nature thrives and cultures flourish side by side.”
A Shared Journey Across Oceans
He highlighted the profound and historical connection between India and Suriname—a bond born out of the indenture system that brought tens of thousands of Indians to Suriname between 1873 and 1916.
He shared a striking cultural memory: recruiters once linked the name Suriname with Shri Ram, calling it Shri Ram Desh or Shri Ram Tapu. “If you twist the tongue a little,” he said, “Suriname does become Shri Ram.” This association, he explained, shaped the aspirations of many who undertook the long, uncertain voyage across the oceans.
“These ancestors arrived with little except hope and courage,” he said. “But they also carried something far more valuable—their traditions, their faith, their languages, their values, and their identity.”
Today, 152 years later, their legacy remains vibrant. Nearly one-third of Suriname’s population is of Indian origin. Hindi and Bhojpuri, Ramayan recitations, classical music, and traditional rituals still resonate in Surinamese households. “People of Indian origin in Suriname proudly call themselves Hindustanis,” he added, highlighting a cultural pride that has endured generations.
“This is the Power of Heritage”
Reflecting on the generations of cultural memory preserved across continents, Ambassador Hardien emphasised: “Is it not remarkable that a culture carried across the ocean more than a century and a half ago continues to live, breathe, and evolve in a land so far away? This is the power of heritage. This is the power of human resilience.”
He reiterated that heritage—whether tangible or intangible—forms “the heartbeat of our identity” and plays an essential role in guiding societies through rapid change and digital transformation.
Diplomacy Through Art
Turning to the exhibition itself, Ambassador Hardien commended Diplomatist Magazine’s leadership: “Through their vision, commitment and passion, they have created more than an exhibition—they have created a dialogue.”
Photography, he said, is a form of diplomacy in its own right. “Images travel faster than words,” he noted. “They help us witness, understand, empathise, and act. They remind us that we all share one humanity.” He described how this artistic exchange strengthens India–Suriname relations, a relationship he characterised as “not merely diplomatic—it is familial, emotional, and deeply historical.”
Suriname’s Living Symbols of Unity
Ambassador Hardien also spoke about Suriname’s remarkable cultural landmarks, including its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. He highlighted the Jodensavanne archaeological landscape, one of the photographs displayed at the exhibition: a 17th-century settlement founded by Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution, home to the first purpose-built synagogue in the Americas.
Equally inspiring was his reference to Suriname’s iconic symbol of coexistence: “In Paramaribo, you will find something truly exceptional—a mosque and a synagogue standing side by side. A sight found nowhere else in the world.” These monuments, he said, embody Suriname’s spirit of tolerance and unity.
Before concluding, Ambassador Hardien expressed appreciation for Diplomatist Magazine as it marks a milestone year: “As you step into the celebrations of 30 remarkable years of engagement with the diplomatic and business community, I extend my warmest wishes for continued success.”
He noted that the magazine’s commitment to dialogue, culture, and diplomacy has enriched global understanding and continues to strengthen international partnerships.
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