The Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with the Shanti Fund, recently hosted an event, called ‘India Calling’, at the Walt Whitman Museum in Huntington, New York. The event paid homage to the legendary American poet, essayist, and philosopher, Walt Whitman, and highlighted his deep spiritual connection with India.
The highlight of the event was the ‘India Calling’ exhibit, housed at the Walt Whitman Birthplace Museum in Long Island. It explored Whitman's profound ties to ancient Indian philosophy, showcasing his poem "A Passage to India," which spans 2300 words and seven pages.
The poem blends Whitman’s visions of India with the railway in the USA and the Suez Canal, all while celebrating India's cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. The other works in the exhibition showcased Whitman’s style was of blending transcendentalism and realism, the art which earned him the title of the pioneer of free verse.
Speaking at the event, Randhir Jaiwal, Consul General of India in New York, highlighted Whitman’s life and lasting influence, emphasizing the historical, philosophical, and spiritual connections between India and the United States.
Arvind Vora of the Shanti Fund expressed gratitude on behalf of the organization, underscoring the significance of the event in fostering cultural understanding and appreciation.
Rakesh Kaul, vice-chair of the Indo-American Arts Council, Cynthia Shor, executive director of the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association (WWBA), Jo-Ann Raia, of the Board of Trustees of WWBA, attended the event.
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