To commemorate 68th Independence Day of India,
Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO (IAF) in collaboration with Embassy of India to
Armenia organized a Hiking Trip to scale Mt. Aragats, which is the highest
Mountain peak of Armenia.
Aragats, the highest mountain in contemporary Armenia, is a
single extinct volcano with a crater, that has become an Ice Basin (About 400 m
deep). This extinct volcano has formed 4 peaks; the northern peak is 4090m
above sea level; the western, eastern and southern peaks are 4080m, 3916m,
3879m high respectively.
Mt. Aragats is also famous for its beautiful mountain lake
KARI. It’s located 3250m above sea level having perimeter of 1150m.
While reaching the base-camp of Lake Kari, one can see the
Tent-Homes of Armenian Yezidis at
different places in mountain range. According to one opinion, Yezidis are
believed to be descendents of Indian Hindus.
It took almost 8 hours to complete the hiking trip from base
camp to mount summit and back.
The whole team felt proud when they captured the victory
moment of the group with respective national flags of both countries.
Indeed it was a different celebration of India’s
Independence Day!
Continuing the tradition of taking the group
photo exhibition “India through the Armenian Lens” to the different cities of
Armenia «Indo-Armenian Friendship» NGO in association with the Embassy of India
organized the exhibition in Ijevan, Tavush marz (region).
The exhibition is a part of “Indian cultural
days in Tavush” program dedicated to the 66th anniversary of Indian
Independence. The opening ceremony started on 9th of August at
“Vernatun” galleri, Ijevan. This time the exhibition was not only including the
photo collection of previous exhibitions but also paintings of two Armenian
artists Vardan Avetyan and Vladimir Soghomonyan under a different group exhibition
titled "Mystic reflections of India".
The distinguished guests of the opening ceremony were
Ambassador of India in Armenia, Dr. Suresh Babu, Vice-Governor of Tavush region
Mr. Levon Sargsyan, Mayor of Ijevan Mr. Vardan Ghalumyan and chief of department
of Culture at the municipality of Ijevan Mrs Lilit Ghalumyan.
The opening
speech was given by Lusine Toroyan genral secretary of «Indo-Armenian
Friendship» NGO. She presented the purpose of organizing the exhibition and
welcomed all guests on behalf of the president and vice-president of the NGO Mr
Rananjay Anand and Mrs Ruzanna Ashughyan. Thanking the organizers for initiating the
project “Indian cultural days in Tavush” the distinguished guests mentioned
especially the necessity of organizing more and frequent events dedicated to
the friendship of the two respective countries.
Afterwards the audiences were
invited to the Cultural House of Ijevan where in the framework of the project Indian
films of various genres will be screened with Russian dubbing.
The events will continue till the 15th of August –
India’s 67th Independence Day.
The program is supported by the Embassy of India
in Armenia, Municipality of Ijevan and Ijevan wine-brandy factory.
On
15thDecember 2012, Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO (IAF) organised an
interactive session between the newly appointed Ambassador of India to Armenia
and Georgia Dr. T. Suresh Babu and members of IAF in India’s premier Jawaharlal
Nehru University, New Delhi. Dignitaries
present in the occasion included Ambassador Achal Kumar Malhotra, outgoing
Ambassador of India to Armenia and Georgia, Mrs. Lusik Tovmasyan, Consul of Armenian
Embassy in India, and Prof. Purushottam Agrawal, Member of Union Public Service
Commission (UPSC).
People
who attended the event included Armenian students studying in India, Indian
students who had graduated from YSMU, businessmen and people from different
walks of life interested to know about Indo-Armenian ties. Most of them were members
of Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO.
IAF Co-founder & President Mr. Rananjay Anand
Mr.
Rananjay Anand, Co-Founder and President of Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO
welcomed everyone and thanked them for taking some time out of their busy
schedules to attend the event. At the onset, he underlined the importance of
such initiatives and need of such organizations like IAF to execute them. He updated the audience with IAF's past activities and future plannings!
Ambassador Achal K Malhotra
Ambassador
Achal K Malhotra, who ended his tenure as the Ambassador of India to Armenia
and Georgia in April this year congratulated IAF on organising the interactive
session. He said, “IAF has done a great job so far, and I am sure that it will
continue to do many more activities that will once again revive the old
tradition of Indo-Armenian cultural and friendly interaction”. Ambassador Malhotra also wished his successor,
Dr. T.S. Babu a very fruitful and productive tenure in Yerevan.
Prof. Purushottam Agrawal
Prof.
Purushottam Agrawal, who recently launched his new Book titled “Hindi Sarai: Astrakhan
via Yerevan” spoke about his experiences in Yerevan which was his penultimate
destination before his journey to Astrakhan in Russia. His journey inspired him
to author this book, which he mentions not only as “Travelogue” but a well
researched “Thoughtlogue”. He especially mentioned the great contribution of
Armenian patriotic poet Yeghishe Charents in the cultural historicity of
Armenia. “Armenian people are quite efficient, quite energetic and very helpful”,
said the professor, recalling his days in Armenia. “I was aware of the
importance of Armenia in world history, and also of the long standing cultural
relations between Armenia and India”, continued the author, and went ahead to
speak about the immense contribution the Armenians had on Indian culture and
society.
Ambassador Designate of India to Armenia & Georgia Dr. T. Suresh Babu
Ambassador
Designate Dr. T. Suresh Babu works in the Eurasian division of Ministry of
External Affairs, Government of India and is in charge of CIS countries, among which
Armenia is one as well. While speaking of his next assignment as Ambassador of
Armenia & Georgia, he recalled how he got to know about Armenia for the
first time when his father took him to Armenian Bazar in Chennai. He underlined
the great mutual goodwill existing between both countries and was happy to
state that there is already a great existing foundation to take his work
further very easily. He thanked IAF for organizing the event, which is his
first official interaction with relevant group of people after being appointed
as the Ambassador of India to Armenia & Georgia. “I will try my best to
carry ahead the good work which Ambassador Malhotra had put up during his
tenure in Armenia”, assured the newly appointed Ambassador, adding, “I will not
let you down Amb Malhotra”, referring to his new responsibility in Armenia.
Consul of Embassy of Armenia to India Ms. Lusik Tovmasyan
Mrs.
Lusik Tovmasyan, Consul of Armenian Embassy in India addressed the audience and
spoke about the centuries old Indo-Armenian ties. She especially underlined the
striking similarities between people of both countries. “As most Armenians in
India will agree, it is very difficult for one to part away from India after
staying in this country for some time”, she said, speaking about the love
Armenians have for India. She also spoke about the long-standing Indo-Armenians
ties, making a special mention about Mariam Zamani Begum, the Christian Armenian
wife of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The Armenian Consul further wished the new
Ambassador to Armenia immense success in his new task in Yerevan.
Warli Folk Art Painter Ms. Babita Biswas
Renowned
Warli Folk artist Mrs. Babita Biswas who was also present at the event was
sharing her own memories about Armenia which she experienced during her visit
to this beautiful country for her Painting Exhibition jointly organized by the
Ministry of Culture of Armenia and ICCR.
Audience
were invited to ask questions regarding Indo-Armenian relationship or any
relevant topics. Questions were asked to both the Ambassadors, which they were
more than happy to answer, making it a completely interactive event.
Mane Mkrtchyan, who is studying Hindi in India had some questions for the speakers
The
session ended with High Tea, where the event participants got a chance to meet
each other and make new friends, further tightening the Indo-Armenian
Connection.
Indo-Armenian
Friendship NGO wished Dr. T.Suresh Babu immense success during his tenure as
Ambassador of India in Armenia.
Within the framework of celebrating 20th anniversary of Indo-Armenian diplomatic relationship, Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO, in association with Embassy of India in Armenia organized a special event on 18th May 2012 at Hotel Ani Plaza, Yerevan, Armenia. The event was dedicated to create awareness about "Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation" scholarship program (popularly known as ITEC Program) among Armenian citizens.
IAF Secretary General Ms. Lusine Toroyan addressing the audience
IAF Secretary General, Ms. Lusine Toroyan warmly welcomed all the guests on behalf of IAF Co-founders and President Mr. Rananjay Anand and Vice-President Mrs. Ruzanna Ashughyan Anand. She gave an introductory note and overview of event details. According to her words, all the events organized this year by Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO are dedicated to the celebration of 20th Anniversary of Indo-Armenian bilateral relations. Thereafter, Mr. Pankaj Saxena, Charghe de' Affaires of Embassy of India in Armenia gave a full presentation of "ITEC" scholarship program, which was launched on 15th September, 1964 as bilateral program of assistance of the Government of India. It is the flagship program of the Indian Govt's technical cooperation effort, not only because of its wide geographical coverage but also for innovative forms of technical cooperation. Being essentially bilateral in nature, ITEC is about cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit. It is demand-driven response-oriented. It is focused on addressing the needs of developing countries. It's relevance has grown manifold in contemporary world, when India is world's leading economy with giant leaps in technology and economy. Sharing this expertise is promoting the very concept of Global Partnership.
Every year the Ministry of External Affairs of India (MEA), organizes educational courses within the framework of ITEC Programs. The Embassy of India in Yerevan implements the selection of Armenian citizens for different courses within ITEC Programs. Then the course offered by ITEC as well as useful advice to program participants about the application procedures were presented by Mr. Saxena. Mr. Saxena answered to questions asked by inquisitive and enthusiastic participants of the event. He introduced Ms. Suman Latha Abrol from Indian Embassy, as the main responsible person for any ITEC application from Armenia.
Mr. Pankaj Saxena Charghe de' Affaires of Embassy of India in Armenia
ITEC alumni Ms. Inga Petrosyan and Luiza Ayvazyan were invited to share their own ITEC experiences and impressions to potential future participants. After all Q&A session, IAF introduced its Annual Membership Announcement to the present audience. A separate posting would be published regarding this announcement. The Program ended with High Tea.
As IAF Co-Founders and President are based out in New Delhi, so we recommend our all future ITEC participants to contact them immediately after they land in India. They can be reached through email "india.armenia@gmail.com". It would be our great pleasure to assist our friends from Armenia in India.
Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO wishes all the future participants of ITEC a great success in the programs of selection.
This world is kaleidoscopic with different cultures and traditions with different types of lifestyles across globe. When these
kaleidoscopic colours get converged through the prism of friendship, it takes
the strongest shape of Unity and Peace which symbolizes Unity in Diversity. Traditional
costumes are identity of any nation as they are representatives of any
particular culture. India and Armenia represent world’s two great civilizations
with many shared values and it’s quite obvious that their traditional costumes have
a very rich history with great relevant connections.
IAF members with the Chief Guest of the event H.E. Mr. Achal K. Malhotra, Hon. Ambassador of India to Armenia
In the series of celebrations, Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO
aka IAF in collaboration with Embassy of India to Armenia organized an event
with the theme “Cultural
Crossroad-Relationship Inspired” at Naregatsi Art Institute, Yerevan,
Armenia on 10th April 2012. The event was graced by H.E Mr. Achal
Kumar Malhotra as Chief Guest!
The program commenced formally with National Anthems of
Armenia and India.
To begin with, IAF Founder and President Mr. Rananjay Anand
introduced the theme of the event to the large audience present in the Jam-packed
hall. He emphasized how this group emerged out of love, and how it is important
to consider love and respect as a great medium to bridge two different
cultures. He welcomed the audience, the Chief Guest and
all other representatives from different media and institutes. He emphasized,
how important it is to continue with these kinds of initiatives for a lively
relationship among nations. It's need of hour to create a very active environment for people-to-people connection in order to achieve better Global Understanding.
IAF Founder & President Mr. Rananjay Anand addressing the event audience
Hon. Ambassador H.E Mr. Achal Kumar Malhotra addressed the
audience in a very nostalgic atmosphere, as his very successful tenure is
coming to an end this month. He thanked people of Armenia for great love and
support and said he is never away from their heart. He had all praise for
Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO for making his job easier by holding such events.
He recalled how medieval emperor Akbar from India married an Armenian woman Mariam
and started a cross-cultural relationship between these two great nations with
lots of shared values. He correlated that historical marriage with contemporary Indo-Armenian relationship and
emphasized how this relationship will revisit the lost routes of Indo-Armenian
relationship again, as IAF is a flourishing example. He wished a great future for Indo-Armenian Friendship.
Chief Guest of the event H.E. Mr. Achal K. Malhotra, Hon. Ambassador of India to Armenia addressing the event audience
After Ambassador’s speech, Mr. Nareg Haroutunian the
director of Naregatsi Art Institute thanked Mr. Ambassador for his great
contribution towards Indo-Armenian bilateral relationship building and bid him
adieu by offering him POMEGRANATE SOUVENIR as symbol of fertility and
prosperity from Armenia. Afterwards he thanked IAF co-founders for their great
effort to build this relationship further and said it’s really challenging and
his all best wishes are with IAF.
Naregatsi Art Institute Director Mr. Nareg Haroutunian presenting a Souvenir to H.E. Mr. Achal K. Malhotra
IAF co-founders having all praises and wish for IAF from Mr. Nareg Haroutunian
Afterwards the Film Screening of “Six Yards of Grace”
started which explained how gracefully Saree has been the most loved attire of
Indian women since antiquity. It explained different types of Sarees to be worn
in different ways as per diverse cultures of India. After the film screening,
Mrs. Ambassador Ms. Anita K. Malhotra demonstrated to the audience live, how to
wear a Saree. It was one of the most interesting parts of the show.
Live Sari draping demonstration by Mrs. Anita K. Malhotra
Ms. Liana
Khachaturyan, an Armenian Puppet artist also participated in the event by
showcasing different types of traditional costumes of different regions of
Armenia through her different puppets.
IAF General Secretary MS. Lusine Toroyan explained its each and every
aspect in detail.
Ms. Liana Khachaturyan, with her different traditional Puppets showcasing different traditional costumes of Armenia
Lastly, to conclude the program on a very musical note, the
very famous Armenian Folk Dance Group “Karin Ethnographic Song & Dance Group”thrilled the
audience with their scintillating dancing performances. The group is dedicated
to spread Armenian Folk Art among its Armenian youth. The audience applauded
the performers with great zeal, as the group presented their performances in traditional
Armenian costumes.
Mesmerizing Performance by "Karin Ethnographic Song & Dance Group"
Within the framework of celebrations of 63rd Republic Day of India (26th January) Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Armenia organized a Photo Exhibition. The theme of the Photo Exhibition is “India through the Armenian lens”.
The
opening ceremony was held at Naregatsi Art Institute at 15:00 pm, 20th
January. The chief guest of the event was the Ambassador of India to
Armenia H.E. Mr Achal Kumar Malhotra. Representatives of the Ministry of
culture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs were among the distinguished
guest.
According to the Indian tradition Mr Ambassador lit the auspicious lamp and inaugurated the event with his welcome words. Congratulating IAF for their initiative Mr Ambassador also emphasized the great significance of such initiatives by stating that India and Armenia enjoy good relations at diplomatic level, but what is very heartening to see is having great relationship at grass-root level which is well realized by this group exhibition.
The president of Naregatsi Art Institute also welcomed the visitors and the guests stressing the importance of the two oldest cultures - Armenian and Indian to be well interacted. Mr Harutyunyan also presented Mr Ambassador with the symbol of Armenians - a pomegranate souvenir and a book titled "Mashtots. Sacred pearls".
Lighting the auspicious lamp
The Vice president of IAF Ruzanna Ashughyan introduced the guests and visitors the significance of organizing the exhibition.
The goal of this Photo Exhibition was to represent the cultural and historical marvels of India shot by common travelers from Armenia to India. Every year many travelers 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.
The opening Ceremony was followed by a dance performance by the students of Yerevan State Medical University. Their Vandana made the guests feel the atmosphere of India before they were invited to view the photographs. The exhibition was well supported by musical compositions of the great Indian santoor maestro Shiv Kumar Sharma providing an impeccable environment.
Students of YSMU performing Vandana
Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO conceptualized this Photo exhibition in collaboration with Embassy of India. It would not have been possible without their support. Our heartiest thanks to H.E Mr. Achal Kumar Malhotra, the Hon. Ambassador of India for continuously being our guiding force. The whole embassy staff extended their great support to us for realizing this to happen. Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO is committed to strengthen the people-to-people connection between India and Armenia through different initiatives.
We also thank Naregatsi Art Institute for their cooperation who generously has enabled us to use these rooms for the exhibition.
Special thanks to IAF volunteers for their great support and dedication.
Apparently this event brought together all those who like the Indian culture and don’t want to miss the opportunity to communicate with Indian culture.
Besides this was another reason for all Indo-Armenian community in Armenia to gather and share common thoughts and interests.
H. E. Mr Malhotra, Mr Nareg Harutyunyan, Mrs Malhotra, Ms Ashughyan
It would not have been a better timing than this, when India celebrates its 63rd Republic Day. This way we are celebrating the great spirit of India, being world’s largest democracy. And when we have Armenian people as main participant for this exhibition, what can be better to show India that Armenia and its people love India from the very core of their heart. It’s our warm heartedness which keeps our friendship and partnership intact for a very strong bonding.
Mr Saxena (1st secretary at the Embassy of India),
Felix Gharibyan (participant), Mr Ambassador
The opening ceremony was attended by not only IAF members but common citizens as well who were excited to see a piece of India in Yerevan. There were so many visitors in the group exhibition who were not aware of IAF because their non-use of Internet. They came to know about the event through different media channels like TV, Radio and News Papers. Those who had already visited India once were so excited to revisit their India through these images.
The following two days of the exhibition were also eventful by having a big number of admirers. Due to the unbelievable popularity over the weekend the photo exhibition has been extended for 7 more days and will now show until the 29th January.
Mrs Saxena & Mrs Zirekyants (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
The show will go along between 10am and 7pm any day next week. Take a look at the photographs that have captured everyone's hearts and imaginations during their showing this weekend!
IAF team is wishing our all members, friends and supporters a very happy Republic Day of India. Long live Indo-Armenian Friendship!
