Stretch your feet according to your blanket

The interview below was made by online magazine tert.hraparak.am in Armenian. At the request of our group members we are posting here the English version of the interview.

Indian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia Mr. Achal Kumar Malhotra visited «Galiq» college in Ijevan. This is his second visit to this college.

The director of «Galiq» college Arsen Bayramyan said that this visit is also symbolic, because exactly seven years ago on February 15, 2003 the cooperation between the college and Indian Embassy in Armenia had been established. Mr. Malhotra is the third Indian Ambassador who keeps friendly contact with the college where foreign languages, including English, French, Italian, Spanish, Persian, Ukrainian, Portuguese, etc., are taught along with the number of professional subjects. The Ambassador attended an Indian language open class, where the students showed an Indian dance and a theatre performance in Hindi. Achal Kumar Malhotra mentioned that the Armenian youth can speak Indian quite good. "I am very glad to see that Indian language is taught in Ijevan," said Indian Ambassador to RA. "Every country’s language learning helps people to make good contacts, and I am sure that these people will help Armenian-Indian relations become more closer", said Mr. Malhotra. For those who want to study thoroughly Hindi language will be able to study in India in the frame of educational program.

We had a talk with the Ambassador:

Mr. Ambassador, does the Indian youth show interest towards Armenia?
At this moment there aren’t many opportunities in India to teach Armenian, but there are children from Armenia and other countries who study Armenian language and history in Calcutta.


Financial Analysts point out that not in distant future India will fortify its positions so that together with China's it will turn the geopolitical pole to Asia. What would you say regarding this as the representative of India in our country?
Not only India and China, but Brazil is also taking steps, and yes, it can be said that a few years later Asia due to its economic outgrowth will fix the leading position. I should mention that while the whole world suffered from the economic crisis, India and China managed to maintain their position. In our country the economic growth of 6.5 had been recorded, whereas in other countries financial decrease was registered. Yes, India and China will say their word in the world economy.


Due to what the Indians did manage to sustain economic growth?
Several reasons: The first condition is a very well developed banking system, besides, we have a very large internal market, and one of the reasons to confront the crisis was very well-organized financial policy and management.


Do you want to say that India has stronger banking system than financial system of the United States?
The crisis began in America and spread to other countries while India resisted it because we spend according to our funds, we do not live in the same way as people in America do by taking loans. If we have a hundred dollar income, then we just spend that much and not by taking a thousand dollar loan "Stretch your feet according to your blanket".

Source: tert.hraparak.am

Translated by Nelly Manucharyan

Armenian President's visit to India is planned

In his interview to Mediamax Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Mr Sergey Manasaryan informed about the coming visit of President Serzh Sargsyan to India.

"- We have a proper dialogue with India in terms of foreign policy.
...We support India as to its vital issues of foreign policy. They lead a very balanced policy concerning us. In terms of trade-economic cooperation we of course yield. I believe that we should take up certain measures on order to interest businessmen and familiarize them with the Armenian market. A delegation, consisting of representatives of about 30 Indian pharmaceutical companies, will arrive in Armenia.
The official visit of the Armenian President to India is on the agenda. There are no definite dates yet, but a principle agreement was reached during the visit of the Foreign Minister to India. "

Read the whole interview here.

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.

Secretary of Armenian National Security Council to visit India, UAE

On March 1-8, the Armenian delegation led by Secretary of Armenian National Security Council (NSC) Arthur Baghdasaryan will pay a working visit to India and the United Arab Emirates.
As part of the visit to India the delegation members will hold meetings with Shivshankar Menon, National Security Adviser to Indian Prime Minister, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defense and Interior Affairs, as well as with representatives  of Indian Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses and other high-ranking officials of the country.

The Art and its Aesthetic Journey

By Sona Yeritsyan

Soon after finishing the opening ceremony of her wonderful exhibition, Contemporary Warli folk artist Ms. Babita Biswas wanted to see Yerevan, as well as get informed about Armenian culture. Members of India - Armenia Friendship helped her in this, among those I was also actively participated. She was very active and eager to see every corner of Yerevan. 

We started our trip from the Republic Square, where famous painter paid a big attention at the Art of Armenian architecture. She was mostly impressed by hearing that an ancient city was discovered underground, in the centre of the Republic Square. Continuing through our way, we walked along the Northern Avenue, and reached the musical monument of Yerevan - Opera House. Here Ms. Biswas saw monuments of two big representatives of Armenian Culture: Hovhannes Tumanyan and Aleksandr Spendiaryan. Our third station was Painting's show near famous painter Martiros Saryan's statue in the park after M.Saryan. Our steps slowed down. We were stopping near every painting and she was explaining the meaning of each, in which style it was painted etc. The most impressive thing was that the Indian painter met with Armenian painters and they had a little talk about paintings of both side.
In Cascade she liked sculptures sample of modern art and admired the beautiful scene in top of it. There was Yerevan with Its new and old buildings, and behind of it historical mountain Ararat. The painter was bowled over by its beauty. She saw Matenadaran and was informed a little about invention of Armenian Alphabet. Most of all Ms Babita was eager to see our churches. As you know we have many of them, but we visited the church of St. Gregory the Illuminator. Here we explained her about St.Gregory, Tiridates III and how Armenia became Christian country. In church we witnessed an Armenian wedding ceremony. 

Though we were already tired, but it didn't stop us to continue our trip. Continuing our way we went to Vernisage. Here Ms. Babita liked souvenirs sample of Armenian Culture, wooden handicrafts and Armenian musical instruments. During this whole tour Ms. Babita was trying to keep every moment, everything and everyone, even taxi drivers and shop assistants in her memory. Returning back to hotel our Ms Babita tried to make us feel ourselves a little part of Indian culture and drew Bindis on our foreheads: not simple ones but in Warli style.

At the end of the day she was full of happiness but a bit regretted too, because she had only one day for visiting Yerevan's beautiful sights. Nevertheless it was big honor for us to spend a whole day with Ms. Biswas and show her Yerevan, though the time was not enough to make it complete.

During her five day visit to Armenia, Contemporary Warli folk artist Ms. Babita Biswas contributed to the deepening of Indian - Armenian cultural ties. On the fourth day of her visit, embassy of India in Armenia organized special meeting - presentation for students, among them I was too present. It took place at Yerevan State Medical University. Ms. Babita specially organized a presentation for students. The artist shared some of her professional secrets of Warli art with both Indian and Armenian students. The most interesting fact was that, the Armenian students showed no less activity than Indian ones. 

Ms. Biswas explained in details the significance and importance of Warli art to all those present, as well as gave us information about its origin and further development. Warli art was first discovered in the early seventies. Maharashtrian women were mainly engaged in the creation of these paintings which did not depict mythological characters or images of deities, but depicted social life. There were many pictures shown which were telling us about different manifestations of Warli art. Then Ms. Babita showed us how we could draw animals, plants and humans (men) in Warli style. It was not a big issue for us to perceive that. Everyone was impressed. Though it was simple, it was meaningful and substantial in the same time.

Everything was explained and showed in details, so there was no question left to be asked. Some interesting questions were voiced, among them this one was the most impressive: whether Ms. Biswas could go for sightseeing in Yerevan during this short time, and if it's possible to draw those beautiful sights in Warli style. Famous painter liked this question very much and answered with regret. She told that unfortunately she could stay in Yerevan only for few days, and must leave the next day of presentation. She would be glad to stay a little bit longer, but the lack of time couldn’t stop her to fall in love with Yerevan, and assured us that she would draw Yerevan in Warli style. She was planning to return to Yerevan with her family in near future.

This answer pleased everyone present there, and was the final note for special organized presentation.

A Saga of Immortal Love

Triangle, circle, point and line, trees and animals, people, sun and moon.
Simple and colorful images, which are reported immortal saga of love and glorify Krishna.

Within the framework of the agreement on expansion of the cultural ties signed between Armenia and India in 2010 November, Yerevan is hosting the exhibition of paintings of Indian contemporary artist Babita Biswas.  The inauguration of the exhibition took place in the National Gallery of Armenia on February 10. The exhibition is organized by The Ministry of Culture of Republic of Armenia, the Embassy of India in Armenia and ICCR (Indian Council for Culture Relation). The opening ceremony was attended  by Foreign Deputy Minister Mr Sergey Manasaryan, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture Mr Arthur Poghosyan, the ambasador of Inida to Armenia, H.E. Mr Achal K. Malhotra, the director of the Gallery Mr Pharavon Mirzoyan.

The opening ceremony

In the opening speech the head of the Armenian National Gallery Paravon Mirzoyan mentioned that the Painter has filled the Canvas with Indian contemporary art.

“By the agreement signed between the Foreign Affairs Ministries of the two countries the cultural dialogue will not be limited by exhibitions of paintings, almost all the branches of art are involved in the programs,” the ambassador pointed out. These events are aimed at introducing the Armenians and the Indians the rich heritage of both countries,” A.K. Malhotra noticed.

‘If you watch the paintings attentively you will understand that they depict the outlook of the Indian people about the world, love and friendship,” the Indian painter said.

Mrs Biswas specializes in Warli style painting, depicting famous image of the Indian mythology – Krishna. Warlis or Varlis are Indian indigenous people, who live mostly in Dahanu and Talasari talukas of the northern Thane district, parts of Nashik and Dhule districts of Maharashtra, Valsad District of Gujarat, and the union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The ritual paintings of the Warli are usually done inside the huts. The walls are made of a mixture of branches, earth and cow dung, making a red ocher background for the wall paintings.

The Warli use only white for their paintings. Their white color is a mixture of rice paste and water with gum as a adhesive. They use a bamboo stick chewed at the end to make it as simple as a paintbrush. The wall paintings are done only for special occasions such as weddings or harvests. The lack of regular artistic activity explains the very crude style of their paintings, which were the preserve of the womenfolk until the late 1970s. But in the 1970s this ritual art took a radical turn, when Jivya Soma Mashe started to paint, not for any special ritual, but because of his artistic pursuits.

        Well, all these news you could read in almost all the news portals in Armenian network. Now I would like to write about a special day. The day when IAF members visited the exhibition and had the pleasure not only to enjoy the Indian exhibition but also to meet Mrs Biswas and watch the paintings along with her descriptions. A cheerful and lovely lady who was always ready to answer every question of the impressed audience. This exhibition is unique both for being the first ever to be opened in Armenia  representing Indian art and also the first one organized abroad for the artist.

As Mrs Biswas introduced the exhibition called "A Saga of Immortal Love", includes 22 paintings of Warli art. Most of them are  picturing love and life of the two gods of Hinduism: Krishna and Radha. Starting with his childhood Krishna is painted with his flute. When he plays his mesmerizing flute, the whole world is filled with love and compassion. Some paintings are of Buddha. Here you can see a painting with Krshna symbolizing love and Buddha  symbolizing peace. 

Peace and Love

Unlike the traditional way of Warli art Mrs Biswas's paintings are full of colors. "In that stage of my life I desperately was eager for light and purity, and I found it in Warli. The white was calling me, attracting me, an I felt it needed me as I needed it- purity and truthfulness. But I wanted to enrich it with lots of colors. And I started studying their culture from a folk artist". Since then she had several solo and group shows and was appreciated for her art with several awards.

Radha resembles to Krishna's shadow

The Rasa-Lila of Krishna (Love game)

  While discussing Warli and Indian culture with Mrs Biswas IAF members also had the opportunity to see who is the artist  Babita Biswas as a woman and mother.  Mrs Biswas has inherited her artist skills from her Grandparents. "My Grandfather was ա sculptօr and my Grandmother was painting too", she said. As a talented artist she is good at dancing and singing as well. She has got 2 children: a daughter and a son and  grows up her children in mixed Indian and western atmosphere.  She doesn't like getting presents but likes making surprises for her dear ones. She cooks very well, especially steamed fish and likes having evening gatherings for her friends in her house.

Lusine: I can hear melody in this painting: very gentle and live.
And I feel great love & tranquility in this blue atmosphere

Mrs Biswas also told us about her future planning. Back home she will prepare for another exhibition at The Nehru Center in London in June 2011.

Mrs Biswas shared her impressions about Armenia too. "Frankly said I had never heard about Armenia before I was told I would have an exhibition of my paintings here. I started surfing the net in search of the mysterious country called Armenia. Then only I fell in love with it. And now when I am here I think I should have planned my trip to be longer". Mrs Biswas ensured us that she will come back with her children to travel all over Armenia.

Next day 3 of IAF members spent the whole day with Mrs Biswas showing her Yerevan....

We are more closer...

Dear IAF Members,

On behalf of IAF members, it is our immense pleasure in informing you all that, finally the government of Armenia has removed India from the list of countries which are granted visas in a strict regime /18 countries/. China is the other country with same news. This is released in the Press Release of  the press service of the government of Armenia.

Finally our struggle and solidarity paid off and we can now proudly embrace the great accessibility for each other in order to create a great People-2-People connection.

SOURCE:

OPEN DOORS TO CHINA AND INDIA

Chinese, Indians free to visit Armenia

Չինացիներն ու հնդիկները Հայաստան կարող են գալ առանց հրավերի

It would not have been possible without our ambassador to Armenia, H.E. Mr. Achal Kumar Malhotra's great effort. He led from the front along with Armenia's Abassador to India, H.E. Mr. Ara Hakobyan, who also became the pillar of strong relationship between these two countries.

Our heartiest thanks to both of them for bringing the much required things in order.

Congratulations to people of both of these countries for their love and support. India-Armenia Friendship will be much anticipating to bring in the utmost level of friendship & relationship between common people and respective governments.

Let's celebrate and cherish our togetherness

God bless you all

Best regards

Rananjay Anand & Ruzanna Ashughyan