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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through his popular monthly radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’, has once again drawn the attention of people around the world towards a personality who has given a new strength to the relations between India and Thailand through his art and culture. This time PM Modi has praised Thailand’s famous artist Panthoun Theerkhanon, who is known all over the world for his deep devotion and art towards Lord Ganesha. In a Buddhist-dominated country like Thailand, his artworks dedicated to Lord Ganesha and his dedication to culture have today become a living symbol of the cultural connect between India and South-East Asia. Since his mention in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, people on social media and internet have become extremely curious to know about him, due to which the historical and mythological relations between India and Thailand have once again come to the center of the global stage.
Panthon Theerkhanon is an extremely talented and popular painter and sculptor from Thailand, who has dedicated his entire life to bringing Indian culture, mythology and especially the various postures of Lord Ganesha to life through his art. He has expertise in carving the forms of Indian Gods and Goddesses, especially Vighnaharta Ganesha, in the traditional art style of Thailand. The paintings and sculptures created by him are highly appreciated not only in Thailand but also in international art exhibitions. Pantheon Thirkhanon believes that art has no geographical boundaries and the energy and inspiration of Lord Ganesha inspires them to create something new and creative every day. A very beautiful and unique confluence of Indian and Thai cultures can be seen in his artworks, which reminds of the ancient relations between the two countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through his radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’, often brings to the world such unsung heroes and cultural ambassadors who, without any big publicity, are presenting the example of mutual love and brotherhood between two countries. Referring to Pantheon Theerkhanon, PM Modi told how these artists of Thailand are working as a cultural bridge between the two countries through their unwavering faith in Indian Sanatan culture and Lord Ganesha. Praising his art, the Prime Minister said that the life and work of Panthon ji is a great example of how art and faith can break the barriers of boundaries and weave citizens of two different countries into a cultural thread. This praise given by PM Modi has made this great artist of Thailand popular in every household in India also.
Relations between Thailand and India are centuries old, deeply rooted in Buddhism, the Ramayana (called Ramkeen in Thailand) and Sanatan culture. Buddhism may be the guiding light for the majority of the population in Thailand, but Hindu deities, especially Lord Ganesha, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, are still worshiped with the same reverence there as in India. Indian mythological influences can be clearly seen in the national currency of Thailand, its royal regalia and the architecture of ancient temples. Artists like Pantheon Thirkhanon are working to carry forward this historical and cultural heritage in the modern era through their paintbrushes and art, which further deepens the mutual affinity between the two countries.
In today’s globalized era, ‘Soft Power’ of any country proves to be the strongest weapon of its diplomacy, and India’s cultural heritage is its biggest strength. The global acceptance of Yoga, Ayurveda, Ramayana tradition and Indian Gods and Goddesses is proof that India’s ideas are leaving a positive impact in every corner of the world. The worship and artistic expression of Lord Ganesha by Thai artist Panthoun Theerkhanon is a living example of this soft power. When the Prime Minister of the country recognizes such artists on the global platform, it not only increases the enthusiasm of the art world but also gives a new direction and strength to India’s cultural diplomacy around the world. In the times to come, such cultural exchanges will prove helpful in taking the relations between India and Thailand to new heights on the diplomatic and economic fronts.