Gandhi Jayanthi

The Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi falls on 2nd October . It assumed greater significance this year as the United Nations has declared  2nd October as the “International Day of Peace and Non-Violence”.

In observance of the occasion, HE Mr. Ashok Sajjanhar, Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan  offered floral tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi Statue at Zhambul Park (Zharokov Street, Crossing Zhambul Street) on 2nd October, 2007 at 10.00 a.m. Indian Nationals were  present at the venue  to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE

India, the land of the magnificent Taj Mahal, is known for its ancient civilization and rich culture, with an unbroken continuum going back five thousand years. It is a country of great history and valour, spirituality and philosophy, sages and statesmen, traditions and customs, architecture and sculpture, dance and music, classical and folk arts, fairs and festivals, besides its regional variety of landscape, languages, literature, cuisines, costumes and folklore. Its pluralistic culture is a living example of unity in diversity, both spiritual and mystical, both historical and contemporary.

It is the world’s most ancient surviving civilization, ever evolving, where the ancient and modern co-exist side by side.

A dynamic democracy, India has recently elected its first woman President. In her inaugural address, President Pratibha Patil, referred to India as an ancient civilization but a “young nation”. 15 August, 2007 marks 60 years of India’s independence, a great occasion to celebrate a country of cultural treasures.

India is a nuclear power and a rapidly developing economy, taking giant strides in various spheres making it a leading player in the world arena.

Several programs have been planned by the Embassy to commemorate this special anniversary year, which coincides with the 15th anniversary year of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Kazakhstan.

Independence Day, Wednesday, 15 August, 2007,was marked with flag hoisting by HE Mr Ashok Sajjanhar, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Kazakhstan, at a formal ceremony at the Embassy followed by a short cultural program . 

A cultural program of Indian dances by the students and teachers of Indian Cultural Centre, Embassy of India was held at the prestigious Presidential Cultural Centre in Astana on Thursday, 16 August, 2007 at 1900 hours to celebrate and to reemphasize the strong bonds of friendship between India and Kazakhstan. Young Kazakh nationals, India’s cultural ambassadors, will be performing “Kathak”, north India’s classical dance style and lively folk dances of India showcasing glimpses of India’s rich culture.

On Tuesday, 21 August, 2007, the Embassy unravelled an “Open House” in the Embassy. This exposition took the attenders  on a journey through India, unraveling a picture of India, with its mosaic of vibrant colours as beautiful as those of the peacock’s feathers, where each colour exquisitely weaves itself like magic into the other. This was accompanied by a cultural program of Indian classical and folk dances by the teachers and talented students of the Indian Cultural Centre.

A special 60th anniversary event was planned for September, 2007. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi sponsored an 8 member Martial Arts Dance group from the state of Manipur in India to Kazakhstan on a performance tour to delight local audiences.

Their performances took place in Almaty on Sunday, 2 September 2007 at 1830 hours at Kazakhconcert Hall and in Astana on Tuesday, 4 September, 2007 at 1900 hours at the grand venue of the Presidential Cultural Centre.

The Embassy acknowledged the generous support of the co-sponsors of the Manipuri Martial Arts Dance group’s visit to Kazakhstan – Chaini Dwor LLP and AO “Kazakh Auenderi” in Almaty and M/S Tata Consultancy Services and Arcelor – Mittal Steel in Astana. Described as “a land of wonders”, India is poised to take centre stage in the world polity of nations. Come and join us in this cultural dialogue and celebrate “Friendship through Culture”.

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Almaty
14.9.2007

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