A HIKE TRIP TO MOUNT ARAGATS: COMMEMORATING 68TH INDEPENDENCE DAY OF INDIA

To commemorate 68^th 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!

Heritage Exhibition on Armenian Graves of Surat!

Exhibition in full operation at Surat Science Centre, Surat, India

Photo Courtesy: Sanjay Choksy

There's a heritage exhibition taking place in Surat, India now 19-25 November, the attached short biography and story of how the Armenian graves of Surat are being translated into English is currently being run in the local Surat newspapers. The exhibition, run by the Surat Science Museum has a photo gallery of the Armenian graves with the translations beside them.

Liz Chater on this project:

"In a way without IAF it wouldn't have happened. Sanjay Choksi and Piyush Dalal took the photos, Arpine posted them to IAF Facebook page, and I happened to see them. Further down the line without help from the fantastically knowledgeable historians such as Sebouh Aslanian and Father Krikor Maksoudian who assisted with the translations this truly international story of working together and co-operation would not have brought such lime-light onto the Armenian graves of Surat. We've all played a part and now the grave photographs and the transcriptions form part of the Surat Science Centre Heritage Programme this week in Surat. Amazing. A truly remarkable example of team work. Well Done Everyone Involved."

Such initiatives are great example of International coordination with greatest level of shared passion for a noble cause. IAF would like to have support from all around to realize our dream of regaining the lost glory of  Indo-Armenian relationship with perfect display of team-work having such initiatives. 

Long live Indo-Armenian Friendship!

Relevant Links:

Relevant Post: Armenian Graves at Surat India, New History Revealed
English Transcription on SURAT GRAVES PAGE of Chater Genealogy
Published Report on YEREVAN Magazine
Published Report on HETQ Online Newspaper

For any inquiry, please contact us: india.armenia@gmail.com

IAF celebrates Independence Day of Armenia in India

By Karen Mkrtchyan

 “For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, 

See if they will not create a new Armenia”

IAF Members gathers to celebrate
Independence Day of Armenia on 21st September

21^st September is a special day for Armenia, as it was on this day 20 years back that the Soviet Socialist Republic of Armenia officially was re-born into the current independent nation.  Like any other year, this year as well, the world witnessed celebrations by the Armenians and their friends and well-wishers across the globe, and New Delhi, the capital city of Incredible India was not left out from it. And neither were we at IAF willing to forget the importance the day had. Hence, in the evening of the same day, at the same time when another IAF group had gathered in Yerevan, a small but dedicated group of IAF members gathered together at Connaught Place to mark the 21^st year of Armenia’s Independence . Even though on a short notice only a few of us could turn up, we at Indo-Armenian Friendship always believe that in the long run, it is Quality and not Quantity that makes a difference. There is a reason why I say this. If you are a member of IAF, then I am pretty sure you are familiar with the name Aman Bhardwaj-an active member in our facebook group. All of us present that evening were amazed at his dedication when this young man turned up , having travelled three hours from Aligarh to Delhi just to celebrate that auspicious day with us. IAF is proud to have such dedicated members who will stop at nothing to see that our NGO succeeds in executing all our plans smoothly. Aman also entertained using his amazing talent by singing  a few songs for us, and was even joined in and followed by a wonderful performance from our founder Mr. Rananjay Anand.

IAF members in discussion!

The get-together consisted of members from both countries, with the majority of us being students. To start the meeting on a good note, Founder & President Mr. Rananjay Anand welcomed everyone in the first ever IAF group member meeting in India and asked everyone to share their experience and then choke out a future plan of action for proper interaction. Lilit Andreas, an Armenian lady who is married to an Indian was also among us, along with her little angel daughter Ani, who, in Lilit’s own words is “a result of Indo-Armenian Friendship”. Lilit shared her experiences in India and also hinted on the various problems an Armenian girl is likely to face after coming to India, followed by useful tips and points as to how the various problems can be either avoided or solved. We also had two doctors amongst us, Dr. Dinesh Chauhan and Dr.Sony Jose,  who had studied in the Medical College of Yerevan and had returned to India after completing their degree. They both spoke Armenian pretty well and it was really heart-warming for us Armenians to see Indians speaking in Armenian-just as heartwarming it may be for them to see  Armenians speaking in Hindi. They both spoke about the years they  spent in Armenia and how close to their hearts Armenia was. After all, it had been their second home, just like India has been my second home for over ten years now.

Dr. Dinesh Chauhan sharing his experiences in Armenia
during his medical study in Yerevan

Interestingly, we had one journalist young lady from Armenia, Ms. Inga, who is studying in IIMC, and is in India on an ICCR scholarship, and another journalist from India, Ms. Nidhi Gupta.  Both these young and talented media representatives gave us their ideas from a journalists point of view, both stressing on the point that lack of information amongst the citizens of both the countries regarding Armenia and India is a major problem to be tackled, a point we all agreed on. Hayarpi and Anoush, both  on ITEC & ICCR  scholarships from India, also shared  their thrilling experiences in India.

Anush and Dr. Dinesh

The meeting also brought a new addition to our group. Arihant Kumar Vardhan, a Phd student in Persian Language at JNU also joined us, showing great interest in IAF.

Overall, the meeting was productive, and of course, as all good  and bad things come to an end, so did our meeting. Before we could realize, the clock had done its work and it was time for us to depart, promising many more meetings in the future to come. IAF thanks our founders Mr. Rananjay Anand and Ms. Ruzanna Ashughyan for organizing the get-together, and  wishes all Armenians a prosperous year ahead, and may this 21^st independence bring our two countries closer and may we grow from strength to strength. Long live India Armenia. Long live Indo-Armenian Friendship.

Long live Indo-Armenian Friendship!

About Author: 
Mr. Karen Mkrtchyan is a full time student in 
India's premier Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.

IAF: Unleashing Youth Power!

(International Youth Day Special)

By Rananjay Anand

On 17 December 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of the Ministers, responsible for Youth, (Lisbon, 8-12 August, 1998), that 12 August be declared International Youth Day (IYD).

Exactly before two years from now, in August 2009, a group was created on a Social Networking Site Facebook, with a humble name "India-Armenia Friendship" with an intention to gather like-minded people and have a proper interaction between its people to bridge the gap created in the course of history. 

Two years have passed since then. You all have been there. You loved it, you celebrated it, you enjoyed it, you fought for it, you struggled for it, you made new friends, and you showed your anger and complaints too, i.e in a nutshell, a wholesome amalgamation of two different cultures with all colors of emotions and feelings. You have witnessed IAF's great journey so far, by being the part of this Caravan.

Now exactly after two years, I'm proud to announce IAF in its Physical Avatar. A real transformation from Facebook based virtual group to a legally existing NGO in Armenia. My dear friends, let me take this opportunity to congratulate you all by announcing that your virtual IAF has been legally registered as "Indo-Armenian Friendship" NGO in Armenia. From now onward August 12 will be celebrated by us as "IAF Founding Day" every year. This is the real transformation of Youth Power.

The International Youth Day (IYD) is something special this year. "Change Our World" has been chosen as the theme for IYD 2011 as it not only expresses the level of impact that young people strive to achieve, but also reflects the notion of a Global Citizenship. IAF envisages the same Global Perspective of having a Global Platform for Youth from every corner of the world, to come together and change the world. This inspired us to form "Society For Promotion Of Global Understanding"  aka (SPGU), based in India, armed with its country specific chapters through collaborations and creations around Globe. And IAF being the first country specific arm of SPGU, is exactly the "Torch-Bearer" of this theme excellently.

The world is facing myriad of problems: Poverty, Hunger, Unemployment, Natural Calamities, Global Warming, Clash of different cultures, sects & religions, and the list goes endless..Who will be facing this?? Can we afford to sit idle?? As young people we must realize that we are the ones who will be affected tomorrow by today's decision. Do we need to approach Problem to Solution or is it Solution to Problem approach  for all solution?? To my mind we must strive for the later case. 

It is our latent and creative ideas or voices, that will shape the future; We are Young, active and full of energy, we embrace challenges and are open to new and different experiences. With our intense desire for positive change, we have the ability to move beyond the geography and time restrictions and are undoubtedly the dynamic group of people that are the primary enablers of the Social Change. We need to unleash the untapped potential.

We hereby request to all those who can be our stakeholders to realize the theme this year and work together to ensure that policies and processes are in place to provide continuous investments in youth, to encourage youth mind to participate and take the challenge head-on and to improve the Intercultural Understanding among youth. IAF would like to continue with the spirit of IYD forever.

We, the Youth need support and encouragement from all around; be it Government, Corporate Houses, Private sector businesses, National and International Foundations, Philanthropists, Civil Society Organizations or other Stakeholders, we want to see them to work with us for a sustainable future. Youth need to be included at all levels of Decision-making to ensure that their need are met. This will provide the solution.

Let's dream a world, World of Togetherness. Come, join and be the force to reckon with.

To See The Change, Be The Change!

Women are True Source of Inspiration & Solidarity for IAF

By Rananjay Anand

IAF Co-Founder Ms. Ruzanna Ashughyan in a deep discussion with Indian Ambassador in Armenia H.E. Mr. Achal Kumar Malhotra and Armenian Ambassador in India H.E. Mr. Ara Hakobyan

This Women's Day is something special for IAF and its members. When I gave a thought to the management structure of IAF, it was quite pleasant to know that IAF is backed, loved, supported and managed by majority of women. In fact let me confess something to all of our admirers and readers very candidly that the very root of  creation for India-Armenia Friendship is absolutely inspirational. IAF is existing and ever growing strength to strength,  ONLY because of a great lady who inspired me to take this challenge head-on and she is the inspiration to take it to its final destination. I'm sure, IAF will be proved as a milestone between Indo-Armenian People to People connection. It has already created a positive vibe all around in such a manner that people can feel it near them. They can sense the closeness of each other...So far, but so close to each other.

Even after its creation, IAF is blessed with the WOMEN POWER as we can observe that it's managed by majority of women, all capable of changing the world. Truly proving the quintessence "To See The Change, Be The Change!". They have become a change and subsequently encouraging their opposite sex to come forward and join them in their JOURNEY to make India-Armenia Relationship to the greatest strength. Especially Women from Armenia has taken the charge in their own hands to make Armenia a great prosperous country and on this occasion let us assure them that their struggle will not go unnoticed. We all are with you. We will build India-Armenia together. Together we can, and together we will!

The Indo-Armenian Women Solidarity

My dear Ladies, my salute and greatest respect to you all on a day which marks your strength, accomplishments, Prosperity and Inspiration for us. Wish you all a great International Women's Day.

Armenia celebrates Republic Day of India with great zeal!!

Each year, 26th January is a day on which every Indian heart fills up with patriotic fervor and immense love for motherland. There are many significant memories as it was this day when the Indian Tricolor was first unfurled in January 1930 at Lahore, by Pt Jawaharlal Nehru and the declaration of an independent Indian National Congress was made.

26th January, 1950 was the day when the Indian republic and its constitution came into force. It was this day in history in 1965 when Hindi was declared as the official language of India.

 PIC 1: Republic Day Parade on 26th January

Republic Day is celebrated every year with much enthusiasm all over the country and to mark the importance of this occasion, a grand parade is held in the capital, New Delhi, from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House), along the Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort.

 

 Not only in India do Indians celebrate the Republic Day but also all over the world wherever they have embassies and communities. Here in Armenia the celebrations began early in the morning at the residence of ambassador of India to Armenia. The ceremony of flag hoisting took place in the cozy backyard garden. While H.E. Mr Achal K. Malhotra was hoisting the Indian Tri-Color showering with rose petals from inside the flag, the Armenian Students of Yerevan Humanitarian Institute studying Hindi were singing "Jana-Gana-Mana" the national anthem of India. After this  Mr Ambassador read the annual speech of the president of India Mrs Pratibha Devisingh Patil to the invited guests: Indians working and studying in Armenia as well as Armenians having good relationship and attachment to India. This was followed by impressive lines from famous patriotic poem by Ram Avatar Tyag read in Hindi by the students of YHI. What impressed me most was that all Indians being present were singing the anthem so wholeheartedly and were exclaiming proudly and solemnly "Jay Hind". 

PIC 2: Flag Hoisting by Ambassador to Armenia H.E. Mr. Achal Kumar Malhotra

But the celebrations didn't end at this. There was a big reception in the evening at Ani Plaza Hotel. Many politicians and artists, businessman and friends of India were invited.

At one corner of the hall the guests could get introduced to photo presentation desk "India-Armenia throughout the eyes of  the lense". A special edition of NAMASTE (Indian monthly magazine being published in Armenia) was prepared on the occasion of 62nd anniversary of the Republic of India. In this edition, Armenians can find Indian tales and stories translated into Armenian.

The chief guest of the evening was the prime minister of Armenia, Mr Tigran Sargsyan. The ceremony began with national anthems of India and Armenia. Then H.E. Mr Achal K. Malhotra had a speech marking the importance of the day. “Currently, India is a democratic state, which takes care of equal development and prosperity of its society,” the Ambassador said. Speaking about the relationship between the India and Armenia also noted for his part that the two countries’ leaders intend to expand the trade and economic ties. He added that India’s economy managed to record 9% growth under conditions of the global crisis.

PIC 3: Prime minister of Armenia Mr Tigran Sargsyan
& H.E. Mr Achal K. Malhotra with his wife

Mr. Tigran Sargsyan congratulated the people of India on behalf of the Armenian government and himself, wishing peace, prosperity and new achievements in all fields. Being a cradle of ancient civilizations India has made spiritual and intellectual contribution to world’s cultural heritage and is contributing to modern processes, he stressed. Mr. Sargsyan said that modern India continues making an important contribution to the cultural development of the world. He added that preservation and development of good traditions between the two peoples is among duties of the Armenian and Indian governments.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Indian government for the programs implemented in Armenia.

“Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s expected visit to Delhi will serve as a new impetus for boosting the bilateral relations,” said Sargsyan.

After official part Mrs Anita Verma, a lecturer of Hindi in Armenia was invited to stage to introduce the cultural part of the reception. As every ceremony or event in India the cultural part also started with Vandana performed by 3 pretty Indian Student of Yerevan State Medical University. Vandana was followed by another magnificent performance: Dance Play for Hanuman Chalisa by Andranik Asatryan, an artist and student of State Institute of Theater and Cinematography. The performances were completed by a Sari show and wedding ceremony. Here we witnessed the perfect combination of Armenian beauty in Indian national dresses. These were students of Yerevan State Linguistic University after V. Bryusov studying Hindi. 

 PIC 4: Dance Play for HANUMAN-CHALISA performed by Andranik

PIC 5: Sari Show by Students of Yerevan State Linguistic University

PIC 6: Indian Wedding Ceremony Show

The event was completed by reception of Indian cuisine: diverse and incredible as India it is.