Sitharaman on Dikshitar’s music, Indian culture, Kashi’s legacy; releases commemorative coin

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman released a commemorative coin honouring Carnatic music composer Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar in Kashi. Speaking at the event, she compared his compositions to the travel guide Lonely Planet, explaining how his songs captured the history, geography, temples, sacred sites and traditions of different places. Recalling Dikshitar’s connection with Kashi, Sitharaman highlighted the city’s legacy as a centre of learning and knowledge. She also stressed the importance of exposing students to music from different parts of India to foster appreciation of the country's cultural diversity.