DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, Nov 29
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Regional Office, Jammu & Kashmir organised a special cultural event under the 7th India-International Folk Festival in collaboration with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, J&K. The event began with a warm facilitation done by Shri Rajesh Kumar, Regional Director, ICCR, J&K by presenting flower bouquet to the Chief Guest Prof. Pragati Kumar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, Katra and to Guest of Honour, Mr. Evagoras Vryonides, High Commissioner, Republic of Cyprus.
Afterward, welcome speech was presented by Sh. Rajesh Kumar, Regional Director, ICCR and Regional Passport Officer, Jammu & said that ICCR, a cultural wing of MEA mainly aims to develop and strengthen inter-cultural bond, enhance mutual understanding and promote harmonious relationships between India and other countries by bringing nations closer through cultural and educational initiatives/exchanges. Today’s Guest of Honour, Mr. Evagoras Vryonides, High Commissioner, Republic of Cyprus spoken about the vibrant culture of Cyprus and its relationship between India & also wishes good luck to the Cyprus artists for their performances.
In today’s programme, artists from Cyprus demonstrated special kind of music cum dance at Matrika Auditorium, SMVDU, Katra. The music cum dance of Cyprus group was consists of different kind of body moves aligning with music & it was quite evident that such performances requires patience, focus, persistence and each of the artist was professional in his/her own way. It was great learning experience for Cyprus troupe to share their culture in order to continue the good relations with India and such kind of programme will also encourages ICCR’s empanelled artists of J&K to perform outside in coming future. The entire was witnessed by number of music/dance lovers, students/scholars/staff members of the university with a great zeal and enthusiasm. Moreover, it was the second international cultural event hosted in Jammu conducted in the current year & hoping many more in coming days.
At the end, Chief Guest praised the entire event and congratulated Regional Director to host such a programme for experiencing the culture of Cyprus and showed his heartfelt thanks to Mr. Evagoras Vryonides, High Commissioner, Republic of Cyprus for sparing his valuable time for the entire event. Finally, Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and Regional Director, ICCR facilitated each and every artist by presenting memento & traditional J&K shawl. Another striking feature of the programme was the versatile anchoring done by presenter Ms. Boomika Sharma. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Ankush Raina.
