Jakarta: The Indian Ambassador to Indonesia on Wednesday launched the ‘Festival of India in Indonesia’ with the slogan ‘Sahabat India’ to strengthen the cultural engagement between the two countries.
Flagging off the event, Ambassador of India to Indonesia, Gurjit Singh alongwith his Indonesian counterpart launched the logo, video and music of the festival.
Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Singh said: “India and Indonesia are civilizational friends who were brought together not merely by geography but commonality of cultural heritage and harmonious linkages over centuries. ‘Sahabat India’ is a humble tribute to our steadfast partnership.â€
Ambassador Singh emphasised that one of the core motives of the festival was exchange of ideas and initiatives between the two nations.
“The government of India has come up with initiatives like the Clean India campaign, International Yoga Day and Digital India. The Festival of India will bring these experiences to Indonesia where similar trends are emerging,” he said.
Chief guest at the festival Ms. Esti Andayani, Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy, MEA of the Republic of Indonesia congratulated the Government of India and Embassy for bringing the Festival of India to Indonesia and expressed hope that the festival will improve bilateral relations.Â
“We plan to take this festival to 15 cities of Indonesia to enhance the appreciation of India in Indonesia. Both the countries share a common culture and work towards peace and stability for all,” she said.
Several prominent Indonesian personalities, including celebrity chef Farah Quinn and notable actor Ringgo Agus Rahman, were present at the launch of the festival and spoke fondly about India, Bollywood films and the country’s culture and food.
The festival will showcase Indian folk dances, dance-dramas, puppet shows and Bollywood films will be screened at prestigious locations in Jakarta.Â
The festival will run from January to May 2015.Â
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