India’s architectural heritage found a centre stage during the 18th G20 Summit hosted by the country on September 9 and 10 with Konark temple of Odisha and the ancient Nalanda University in Bihar being the highlight during the events. A replica of the ancient Nalanda University, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Bihar formed the backdrop as President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the guests at a ceremonial dinner for various heads of state and other world leaders and their spouses at the Bharat Mandapam venue on Saturday night.
One of the oldest universities, Nalanda represents an embrace of diversity, meritocracy, freedom of thought, collective governance, autonomy, and knowledge sharing -- all aligning with the core principles of democracy, noted the officials, as per a PTI report.
As PM greeted the guests, he could be seen explaining the importance of the university to some of them including UK PM Rishi Sunak.
Nalanda is a living testament to the enduring spirit of India's advanced educational pursuit and its commitment to building a harmonious world community, aligning with India's G20 Presidency theme, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, said the officials, as per the report.
Earlier in the day, a beautiful image of the Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha formed the backdrop as PM Modi greeted the G20 leaders ahead of the Summit at the Bharat Mandapam.
The Sun Temple, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in the 13th century in the reign of King Narasimhadeva I.
The rotating motion of the Konark Wheel, symbolises time, 'Kalachakra' as well as progress and continuous change. It serves as a powerful symbol of the wheel of democracy that reflects the resilience of democratic ideals, and commitment to progress in society, officials said., stated the PTI report.
The G20 venue, Bharat Mandapam itself bears artwork in its hallway, including a sculptural installation titled 'Surya Dwar' which also depicts mythical horses of the Sun God.