Indian Ambassador to Austria Shambhu Kumaran on Wednesday read stories from the Panchatantra to school children in Vienna, an activity the Indian Embassy described as 'Gurukul Diplomacy'. The embassy had recently published a German-language translation of the Panchatantra for Austrian school children.
Cultural Bridge Across Continents
Ambassador Kumaran expressed pride over the activity, noting it as an opportunity to create a cultural bridge between India and Austria. He affirmed that the children connected promptly with the Panchatantra tales. 'Heart warming to see Austrian kids connecting so easily with the Panchatantra. Pleased to be part of this cultural bridge that connects continents and generations with a few colourful stories,' he wrote on X.
German Translation and Illustrations
The Indian Embassy in Vienna highlighted that it had recently published a German-language translation of the Panchatantra for Austrian school children. Ambassador Kumaran also thanked Austrian cartoonist Klaus Pitter for his vibrant illustrations in the book. 'Special thanks to Austrian cartoonist Klaus Pitter for his vibrant illustrations,' he added in his post.
Continued Engagement with Panchatantra
The Ambassador has been regularly reading the Panchatantra stories to kids across the nation. Earlier in June, the Indian Embassy in Austria, in collaboration with the city of Vienna and the 'Bounce Back' project at local schools, introduced the next chapter of 'Stories from the Panchatantra', a video podcast series by Austrian podcaster Thomas Brezina, who narrates timeless Panchatantra stories in German.
Student Participation and Feedback
During the launch event, the Embassy noted that over fifty enthusiastic students from a Viennese school took part as Ambassador Kumaran read selected stories and engaged in conversation with the children, who eagerly shared their favourite characters and the lessons from the stories. The Panchatantra is an ancient Indian collection of interconnected animal fables and moral stories, designed to teach young princes the principles of wise conduct, leadership, and practical life.
