INDIA through the ARMENIAN lens

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!

Armenia Celebrates India’s 65th Independence Day

PRESS RELEASE

The Celebration of India’s 65th Independence Day in Armenia took place on August 15, at 10 o’clock in the morning at the India House- the official residence of Indian ambassador in Armenia.

Armenian Hindi Students singing 

India's National Anthem "Jana Gana Mana"

The Independence Day of India is celebrated on the 15th of August to commemorate its independence from British rule and its birth as a sovereign nation in 1947. The day is a National Holiday in India. The celebrations take place all over the country as well as outside its borders.

 

Here in Armenia there became a tradition for Indian embassy to celebrate this national holiday far from India. Yesterday on August 15 at 10 o’clock in the morning the Embassy of India in Armenia cordially invited IAF executive team members and other guests to India House-his official residence in Yerevan.

IAF Executive Team Members 

with Hon Indian Ambassador

The ceremony of flag hoisting took place in the green and sunny backyard garden. While H.E. Mr Achal K. Malhotra was hoisting the Indian Tri-Color flag bursting with rose petals, the Amenian Students of Yerevan Humanitarian Institute studying Hindi were singing the national anthem of India "Jana-Gana-Mana" followed by another Hindi song performed by the students of Galik College in Ijevan.

Hon. Ambassador of India H.E. Achal K. Malhotra 

hoisting Indian National Tricolor

Mr. Ambassador read the speech of the President of India H.E. Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil on the eve of the 65^th Independence Day at New Dehli on August 14, 2011.

Hon Ambassador presenting 

India President's Speech

Among the invited guests there were all IAF executive team members,  Indians working and studying in Armenia as well as Armenians having social and cultural relationship with India.

After the official part of the Day guests were invited to have light refreshments, discussing different news both from India and Armenia, exchanging the impressions and experiences of different spheres of intercultural life.

The IAF Solidarity

India marks Republic Day

Interview given by the Ambassador of India to Armenia  H.E. Achal Kumar Malhotra to A1+

On January 26, 1950, the Indian constitution was put into force proclaiming India as a republic country.

Every year, on January 26, Indians in Armenia mark the Republic Day of India. Today they gathered outside the residence of Indian Ambassador to Armenia Achal Kumar Malhotra. Ambassador Malhotra read out the message of the Indian President.

Festive events will continue throughout the day.

Talking to A1+, Ambassador Malhotra said that democracy has overcome all challenges and hardships in India.

Mr. Ambassador, how will you assess Armenian-Indian relations?

I would say they are perfect. Armenia and India hold unanimous opinion on issues of bilateral interest. We uphold the tradition of reciprocal visits. Armenian Foreign Minister visited India in November 2010 and discussed a wide range of issues with his Indian counterpart, starting form regional to international issues.

In 2010, we commenced Yerevan-Delhi flights, which further contributed to tourism. With the Armenian Ministry of Economy, we organized a seminar on tourism that enabled tour operators of the two countries to reach agreement on numerous issues. As result, the number of Armenian tourists has increased in India over the last two months. The countries also continue implementing educational programs. In 2010, 35 Armenians studied in India in the framework of Technical and Economic Cooperation program.

Which are the priorities of the two countries in the spheres of economy and culture?

 India has always expressed readiness to support Armenia in its endeavours. India is a reliable partner. India supports developing countries without preconditions. Priorities are determined by the receiving party. Armenia and India implemented two programs in 2010. We aim to implement another two programs in 2011. India will technically assist Armenia in the preparation for the 2011 census. To this effect, a group of specialists of Armenian National Statistical Service will leave for India in February. Restrictions on entry visa are likely to be lifted in the nearest future. The issue is under consideration. I hope that it will soon find a positive solution and contribute to the flow of Indian tourists to Armenia.

 The countries have established a good tradition of organizing exhibition-sale of Indian goods in Armenia. However, for some unknown reasons, the exhibition set for autumn, 2010, was canceled.  Does it mean that the countries encounter problems in economic cooperation?

 Besides intergovernmental cooperation, the countries also cooperate with the private sector. The exhibition-sale is initiated by private entrepreneurs. Last time the exhibition was held in May 2010.  It is not easy to organize a similar exhibition every six months. I think that another exhibition will be organized in Armenia this year. I am also hopeful that Armenian-Indian collaboration will continue intensively in different spheres.

Achal Kumar Malhotra wished the Armenian people peace, prosperity and happiness in the new decade.

Source: A1plus.am