"India Through the Armenian Lens" in Gyumri

Our readers might remember in January 2012 IAF organized a Group Photo Exhibition titled “India through the Armenian lens” which took place at Naregatsi Art Institute and lasted 10 days instead of planned 3 days due to many requests.

Taking into consideration the great success and response that had the exhibition as well as realizing the importance to keep the population of other parts of Armenia too informed about the activities our NGO is trying to realize, we decided to take the same Photo-Exhibition to other parts of Armenia and in that series IAF decided to take it to Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia.

The exhibition was organized in collaboration with Gyumri branch of Kasa Foundation. The opening ceremony of the exhibition took place at the Kasa Community and Training Centre Gyumri on June 15^th, 2013.

Honourable Ambassador of India to the Republic of Armenia Dr Suresh Babu and Mayor of Gyumri Mr Samvel Balasanyan were invited to grace the event as eminent guests.

The ceremony started with national anthems of both the countries which were followed by Indian tradition of lamp lighting.

The president of Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO welcomed the guests and the visitors and introduced them the aim and significance of organizing the exhibition. The distinguished guests greeted the organizers and expressed their gratitude for organizing such events especially out of Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia.  The representative of Kasa Foundation Ms Susanna Grigoryan in her welcome speech to the visitors and the guests ensured everyone that in future also there will be collaborations with IAF.

Welcome speeches were followed by wonderful performance of traditional Armenian dances by “Sasun” folk dance group and a surprise performance of a Hindi song by an IAF member Felix Gharibyan.

The goal of this Photo Exhibition was to represent the cultural and historical marvels of India shot by common travellers from Armenia to India. Every year many travellers visit India in different capacity, be it as tourists, as students or as businessmen. They visit India and bring memories back to Armenia. It’s their view of India which they see through their camera lens and share with their loved ones. And through these images India enters into the heart of Armenian people. This way we are emphasizing the very quintessence of people-to-people connection between two great ancient civilizations of the world.

This time the collection of the photographs was supplemented by collages made by Ms Marine Papyan which she made in India while organizing a visit of four Armenian artists to India in November 2012 by the invitation of Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of External Affairs.

The show continued till yesterday 22nd June, 2013 and is planned to take place in other cities and towns of Armenia to spread the message they are carrying to the entire population of the country.