Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed a captivating performance of the Ramayan in Brazil on Tuesday (local time) and lauded the enactment, which was staged in Sanskrit.

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi expressed his admiration for the presentation. He wrote, “Met Jonas Masetti and his team. I had mentioned him during one of the #MannKiBaat programmes for his passion towards Vedanta and the Gita. His team presented glimpses of the Ramayan in Sanskrit. It is commendable how Indian culture is making an impact all over the world.”

The performance was organised by Vishwa Vidya Gurukulam, a Brazilian institution dedicated to the promotion of Vedanta and Sanskrit. The group, led by Jonas Masetti—also known as Acharya Vishwanath—welcomed the Prime Minister by reciting a Sanskrit mantra.

Speaking about the event, Masetti explained the significance of the Ramayan, calling it a tribute to Dharm. “Ram represents Dharm, and performing Ramayan and being in touch with Ram Katha is a way of purifying ourselves and having a better way of living,” he said.

Masetti shared that the production took six years to prepare, acknowledging the emotional journey involved. “In the beginning, we were very nervous and emotional because it meant a lot to us,” he noted.

He also revealed PM Modi’s reaction to the performance. “The Prime Minister was very impacted by the presentation,” Masetti said, adding that the interaction was an encouragement for him and his team.

In a heartfelt message to Indian youth, Masetti urged them to value their cultural heritage. “I get very sad when I hear that the youth in India are not so much interested in the Vedic tradition and all the old ways. I have to tell you that the way of the West, you think is very dry and very poor, so don’t fall for that. You have a very nice culture inside your home,” he advised.

The event was part of PM Modi’s ongoing three-nation visit, during which he also attended the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil and participated in a series of cultural and diplomatic engagements. The Prime Minister’s appreciation for the Ramayan performance highlighted the global resonance of Indian culture and its enduring influence.