RECOLLECTING YEAR 2015: A THANKS NOTE

Dear IAF Members and Supporters,

Greetings to you all! 

One more year loaded with sweet memories and cheerful times has passed and we are sure it will continue to be more vibrant in forthcoming years too. 

Year 2015 is coming to an end today and it's been quite eventful year for IAF. We've tried our best to manifest Indo-Armenian Relationship to newer heights. However, it would not have been possible without your unconditional love & support! Let us recollect a few important events of the year here. 

We started 2015 by organizing Armenian Christmas at different locations in india through our members in that particular city or region. We organized it in New Delhi. IAF's South India coordinator Mrs. Ashkhen Khachatryan coordinated and organized the same in Chennai for whole South India. They visited the historical Armenian Church in Chennai and had Christmas Dinner. Armenian Community from Bangalore, Chennai and Puducherry joined altogether in Chennai. 

On 26th January, Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO in association with Embassy of India, Yerevan, Armenia launched an 84 Page Publication titled "INDIA: NEW VISION, NEW VIGOUR" to commemorate 65th Anniversary of Republic Day Of India.

From 26 to 28 of March, our Armenian friends had the chance to enjoy one more time the magic world of Bollywood on big screen of Moscow cinema. 

We had the pleasure to invite everybody to enjoy Indian films in the framework of “Bollywood back in Armenia” project. The screening was organized in collaboration with the Embassy of India to Armenia and Mr. Davit Bejitashvili from Georgia, and took place at Moscow cinema.

Considering "Chess" as the most loved common sports between Armenia and India, 1st Indo-Armenian Friendship Chess Tournament was organized by Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO on March 29 at Yerevan State Medical University after M.Heratsi, supported by the Embassy of India to Armenia, Medical University and University’s students council of Indian and Armenian students. 

As decided by IAF this tournament will become an annual event of IAF Sports Club.

On May 26th, Medal Felicitation Ceremony to the winners of 1st Indo-Armenian Friendship Chess Tournament (29.03.2015) was organized at Yerevan State Medical University after M.Heratsi.

The awarding ceremony was attended by H.E Ambassador of India to Armenia Dr Suresh Babu, the rector of YSMU Mr. Mikayel Narimanyan, Vice-Rector for External Affairs and International Partnerships Mr. Yervand Sahakyan and the president of Chess Academy of Armenia Mr. Smbat Lputyan.

One of the biggest achievements of the year that everyone cherished. From 31st of August till 6^th of September Indo-Armenian Friendship in collaboration with ICIRLD Armenia and Havana Restaurant Complex with the support of the Embassy of India in Armenia organized  a 7 days long Cultural Festival “Days of India in Armenia”. 

 It became a festival of colors and joy, tastes and beauties, a festival of a real friendship and global understanding, a festival of new discoveries and new perceptions of real India which is beyond Bollywood. The grand opening was attended by more than 20 ambassadors of different countries in Armenia, by many representatives of very different Ministries and just by Indian culture lovers.

In November IAF in association with Yerevan Mall, organized a Bollywood Dance FLASH-MOB in Yerevan and people enjoyed it a lot. In November itself IAF joined the YSMU team and Pharaon Entertainment Complex in support with Embassy of India to celebrate the festival of lights Diwali in the name "Indian Cultural Night". It was one of the most glittering events of the year.

In December, IAF in collaboration with Embassy Of India and Media Focus Organization, organized a huge successful event: "India In Yerevan Metro" exhibition and Indian Movie Dance Flash-Mob in Yerevan Metro. It became a viral event and many people passing through Yeritasardakan Metro in Yerevan enjoyed that. 

Apart from all this, we organized many more small and medium events and programs throughout the year which is not mentioned here. 

On this note, let us take this opportunity to thank our all members for their great support. Special thanks to Embassy of India in Armenia for their continuous support to us to help us realize our all activities. Thanks to our all partner organizations, for making the huge task easier for us with their complete supprt and last but not the least..A heartfelt thanks to our IAF team which is ably and comprehensively coordinated by our Secretary General Ms. Lusine Toroyan in close-coordination with our team members Armine Sargsyan, Anna Hovsepyan, Roza Navoyan and Ani Yeremyan. Without their dedicated hard work, this all would not have been possible. 

On behalf of all IAF team members, we wish everyone a very happy and prosperous New Year 2016! 

Rananjay Anand & Ruzanna Ashughyan

Co-founders

Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO

IAF co-founders meet Hon. Ambassador Designate of Armenia to India Mr. Armen Martirosyan

IAF Press Release

 IAF Co-founders Mr. Rananjay Anand and Mrs. Ruzanna Ashughyan Anand 

with Hon. Ambassador designate of Republic of Armenia to India Mr. Armen Martirosyan

Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO (IAF) co-founders Mr. Rananjay Anand and Mrs. Ruzanna Ashughyan Anand met Hon. Ambassador designate Mr. Armen Martirosyan at the Embassy of Armenia in New Delhi on 21^st May. Both of them  congratulated Amb. Martirosyan for his new responsibility as Hon. Ambassador of Armenia to India and exchanged warm greetings. 

It was an introductory "Focus Meeting" about IAF's cooperation with Embassy of Armenia in India. During their meeting, which lasted approx. one hour, IAF co-founders introduced IAF and its activities so far in Armenia and in India to Mr. Ambassador designate and shared their future plans in respective countries. They emphasized the need of being more active in India in close cooperation with Embassy of Armenia through different activities which are considered to be a long due. Amb. Armen Martirosyan welcomed the initiatives taken by IAF and assured team IAF to work together with full cooperation from Embassy of Armenia. Lots of relevant issues were touched upon from People-to-People (P2P) connection to Business-to-Business (B2B) connection in order to prioritize the list of activities in near future. 

Both parties agreed to work in close cooperation in future by involving the existing Indo-Armenian community and other relevant stakeholders in India. IAF is sincerely hopeful to see lots of activities about Armenia in India in near future.

IAF would like to extend heartiest congratulations to Mr. Armen Martirosyan on being appointed as Hon. Ambassador of Republic of Armenia to India and also wishes him a very fruitful and defining tenure in India!

IAF meets Critically Acclaimed Filmmaker Mr. Sourabh Sarangi

IAF Press Release

IAF meets critically acclaimed Filmmaker Mr. Sourabh Sarangi in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by IAF's President Mr. Rananjay Anand, Vice President Mrs. Ruzanna Ashughyan Anand and IAF's National Coordinator, India Mr. Karen Mkrtchyan. The team discussed many topics related to India & Armenia and emphasis was given on how film making can be part of this noble cause in possible future considering Films as strong medium of people-to-people connection in respective countries.

Mr. Sarangi's films have participated in many International Film Festivals across globe and have garnered great applause and winning awards in documentary category. His Film ""CHAR...No Man's Land"" has won "Dubai International Film Festival 2012 " and Film "BILAL" has won "Yamagata International Documentary Festival Japan 2009". Recently Mr. Sarangi participated in "GOLDEN APRICOT Yerevan International Film Festival 2013" in Yerevan.

Both sides underlined the importance of films in mutual development of people-to-people relationship in understanding respective cultures and discussed the possible partnership towards collaborative works.

About Mr. Sourabh Sarangi

"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.

"Indo-Armenian Relations: Challenges & Prospects" – A Round-Table Conference

IAF PRESS RELEASE

On 17^th June 2013, Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO (IAF) organized a Round-Table Conference dedicated to the theme “Indo-Armenian Relations: Challenges & Prospects” at Best Western Congress Hotel in Yerevan, Armenia. The Keynote address of the conference was delivered by H.E. Dr. Suresh Babu, Hon. Ambassador of India to Republic of Armenia. 

The goal of the conference was to discuss different prospects and their corresponding challenges between India and Armenia in culture, trade, education, S&T, Sports and other relevant fields in order to canvass a conductive environment for future relation developments accordingly. The list of invitation included Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Diaspora, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Industry Associations, Businessmen, YSMU and YSLU University Representatives, UNESCO Chair in Armenia, NGOs and other relevant serious stakeholders. 

The conference was sponsored by Esculap LLC from Armenia and Druck & Bindung Machinery Corp. from India.

During the round-table discussion, which was meant to be quite interactive, Indo-Armenian bilateral relations was discussed in different perspectives by different participants and stakeholders who are interested in the development of these relations.

Before starting the discussion, Mr. Rananjay Anand, Co-Founder & President of Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO gave a presentation about IAF with its brief history and activities so far. He emphasized that there is a strong need to tap the hidden potential of Indo-Armenian bilateral relations, and IAF could be one of the strong multiplying forces to facilitate the same, provided they have strong support from respective Governments and industry associations from both respective countries. According to him, the business exchange between India and Armenia is not encouraging, which could be translated as strong opportunities for interested businessmen. 

Time to Look Towards East

While delivering the Keynote Address of the conference, the Indian Ambassador Dr. Suresh Babu reiterated that after the collapse of Soviet Union, Armenia entered into a new phase and India was among the first nations that recognized Armenia’s Independence and established diplomatic relations with Republic of Armenia. He said, “Indo-Armenian diplomatic understanding on world platform is excellent at different levels and we’re now working to take this special relationship to advance level. Recently we’ve concluded 20^th anniversary of establishment of Indo-Armenian diplomatic relationship.” 

Dr. Babu highlighted the need of sending cultural troupe from Armenia to India, as the main obstacle is lack of awareness among Indians about Armenia.

 He said, for Armenia, it’s time to look towards east, especially towards natural friend like India, which is currently playing a leading role in world economy. India has many things to offer to Armenia as her partner, be it knowledge sharing, IT contribution, Business exchange, Education collaboration or even sports. India offers ITEC scholarship for its developing friendly countries, out of which 40 seats are offered to Armenia in a year, which is a great initiative for knowledge sharing with friend countries. The scholarship is completely borne by Govt. of India. Apart from that India has signed MoUs with Govt. of Armenia for Scientific research exchange. He said they are planning to bring in all these activities and information on website, so that Armenian participants could benefit from the same. He emphasized that Armenians have one of the best brains in the world for IT and S&T, with which even India could be benefited.

Mr. Artyom Khachatryan, MFA

He underlined the fact that the weakest link between Indo-Armenian relationships is Trade-Deficit. The need of the hour is to encourage mutual development of business. He said both of the countries are looking for the ways to develop the same on higher scale. But the biggest challenge is spreading awareness and showing the real prospects of investments in respective countries.  He said if Govt. of Armenia could work out soon on a direct flight from Delhi to Yerevan, it would sort out few business-related issues.

He said Armenia is already contributing to India in medical field with many of Indian students studying in YSMU. However, it’s time to look beyond allopath and take forward the benefits of Ayurveda and Yunani (Greek) methodology offered by India. He said Govt. of India is already offering scholarship programs in both courses, which is fully paid by Indian side. Armenian students should be encouraged to pursue the same, so that they come back to Armenia, open their clinic and practice with recognition from Govt. of Armenia.

Mr. Mikael Narimanyan, Rector, YSMU

The rector of YSMU, Mr. Michael Narimanyan complemented this proposal from hon. Ambassador by saying that YSMU is ready to collaborate in any research offered by India and they would like to know more about traditional  and conventional medical system of India.

Ms. Lusine Fldjyan

Ms. Lusine Fldjyan, the Vice Rector for International Affairs, YSLU after Brusov came up with few suggestions in field of education collaborations between Indian and Armenia universities, which was well taken by the participants.

“We will continue to show our support to Armenia in a very humble way”, said Dr. Babu.

Mr. Eduard Kirakosyan, Executive Director of the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen (Employers) of Armenia said that union members have already partnership with few Indian businessmen but it’s time to develop more. 

Mr. H. Sarafian from Esculap LLC said that since 1996 Esculap is in business with Indian Pharma Manufacturers. This conference may bring the confidence in Armenian consumers, as they have a certain apprehension about Indian medicines, but company’s experience shows that it’s in par with European standard.

Bollywood Shooting in Armenia

Mr. Rananjay Anand, the President of IAF and moderator of the conference highlighted in his presentation with special mention of Tourism Development, which is considered to be one of the the main strengths of Armenian Economy. He cited the UNWTO report, which predicts, India will supply about 50 Million Outbound Tourists by 2020, which will be the largest outbound tourism market. 

He suggested if Govt. of Armenia could attract the “Bollywood Industry”, the Hindi Movie Industry, it would change the complete scenario of Armenian Tourism Market. The idea was strongly endorsed by Dr. Suresh Babu, Hon. Ambassador of India, who said it’s not only about Bollywood, but India’s Southern parts too are very rich in movie making and they vouch for beautiful foreign locations across globe, provided they get excellent support and subsidies from host country. So even if that part could be tapped, it will solve the purpose. It’s not only about destination promotion, but directly it will increase employment opportunities for local Armenians too. But for all this Govt. of Armenia should come out with a strong and concrete plan to woo Bollywood Industry of India.

Mr. Mekhak Apresyan,  
 Head of Tourism & Territorial Economic
 Development Department 
 Ministry of Economy

Responding with enthusiasm, Mr. Mekhak Apresyan, the Head of Tourism & Territorial Economic Development Department from Ministry of Economy stated that they would like to look into this matter seriously and would like to discuss it further with all stakeholders to explore how Govt. of Armenia could approach this in right direction. 

Mr. Pankaj Saxena, HOC, Embassy of India informed that Armenia’s neighboring countries Turkey and Georgia are doing this excellently and they are already reaping out the results. He said if a country like Afghanistan, could attract Indian Movie-Makers, then Armenia is far ahead of them. 

Ice-breaking conference

Mr. Rananjay Anand urged all participants of the conference to speak and participate frankly in order to address the real issues. The participants responded well and asked questions related to business problems in Armenia, education opportunities in India and many relevant issues to the representatives from both sides, i.e Indian Embassy and Ministries of Govt. of Armenia. In an answer to the question from a science enthusiast, Ms. Lilit Vardanyan, from UNESCO Chair in Armenia and also in-charge of IAF’s Science & Technology Club, said that she got scholarship from Govt. of India in her scientific researches and she could do her researches in such a manner, which she couldn’t find in even European Institutes and that helped her to contribute back to Armenia in her research with Lake Sevan’s water project.

While concluding the conference Mr. Rananjay Anand thanked all participants and stakeholders and announced that this is just beginning. If they have support from all stakeholders, IAF could come up with more events like this. 

The event was concluded on a very positive note!

 

 

MEDIA REPORTS: AZG by Inga Perosyan

Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO hosts Ambassador designate of India to Armenia and Georgia in New Delhi, India

IAF Press Release
December 16,2012
New Delhi



The Speakers of the event



On 15^thDecember 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.


Picture Perfect



 

MEDIA REPORTS:
 

Hetq Report

AZG Newspaper Report

Azad-Hye Report
C.A.R. News and Views Report