Chandresh Kumari Katoch,Union Minister of Culture inaugrates…
by staff reporter
New Delhi
Chandresh Kumari Katoch,Union Minister of Culture inaugrates “CHINESE SPRING FESTIVAL 2013”
CHINESE SPRING FESTIVAL 2013 CELEBRATED WITH FUN AND FERVOR
New Delhi, February 25, 2013: The Chinese Ambassador to India Mr. Wei Wei expressed confidence in the bright future of India-China relationship during his speech at the “Chinese Spring Festival 2013” organised by the India China Economic and Cultural Council (ICEC) at the FICCI auditorium on February 25 (Monday).
“A number of exchanges in political, economic and cultural fields are going to be organised throughout the year of 2013,” Mr Wei Wei said at the event. He expressed confidence that with continuous bilateral exchanges, the seeds of peace will reward the countries with friendship. India marked it’s first step towards such cultural exchange by having Garima Arora, associate of ICEC studying in China who hosted the event in both English and Chinese Language beautifully flaunting the Chinese Qibao.
The Festival was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture, Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch. The other dignitaries who graced this occasion include Mr. Jawhar Sircar, CEO, Prasar Bharti; Smt. Amrit Raj, Director, Ministry of Commerce and Secretary-General of ICEC Council, Mohd. Saqib, among others.
The Chinese New Year commonly referred to as the ‘Lunar New Year’, also celebrated as the ‘Spring Festival’, is the most important traditional Chinese festival. On the lunar calendar, 2013 is a year of snake that symbolizes longevity.
Speaking at the occasion, Ms. Chandresh Kumari Katoch said, “We hope that this celebration will serve as a platform to build stronger bridges and bonds between our two societies and in further consolidating our relationship. Both India and China have made efforts to preserve their ancient culture and we should do more to protect and value our art and heritage. Culture has served as the basis for our shared history since ancient times and we should use this capital to further enhance mutual understanding.”
Making a reference to the long tradition of exchanges in cultural and historical contacts, she said of the relationship: “the momentum has been set and the pace can only increase in the 21st century. If we have good cultural exchange and communication, the two societies will have a better understanding and appreciation of each other’s culture.”
The ambassador extended his best wishes to his Chinese compatriots in India as well as Indian people while thanking ICEC for jointly organizing the celebrations. “The ICEC’s longstanding and fruitful effort in promoting China-India ecomomic and cultural exchange is highly appreciated.”
The evening was filled with stellar performances by Chinese artists in dance, music and martial arts. The evening started with the Dance performance on the ‘Fragrance of India performed by Sihong Zhou and Yanbian song and dance troupe. It was followed by Female solo on Happy Festival Song, India song which is also the song of Latz performed by Chunliu Wang & Guzheng solo’The red flowers bloom’ whici is the song of the homebound fishermen by Mingming Zhao of world recognized Jilin Symphony Orchestra.
The highlight of the festival was acrobatics performed by Peng Li & Guang Zhang & from Changchun acrobatic troupe. Acrobatics continues to be an important part of modern Chinese variety art. .The performance was liked by the entire audience and audience were spellbound with such an art
The evening started with the Dance performance on the ‘Fragrance of India performed by Sihong Zhou and Yanbian song and dance troupe.
The highlight of the festival was acrobatics performed by Peng Li & Guang Zhang & from Changchun acrobatic troupe. Acrobatics continues to be an important part of modern Chinese variety art. The performance was liked by the entire audience and audience were spellbound with such an art.
It was an evening to remember with gracious performance by the Chinese artistes. There was performance by Sihong Zho, Erhu solo ‘Horse Racing’ performed by Yanwei Li in Jilin Symphony Orchestra, Duet ‘You and Me’ by Jian Zhou, Chunliu Wang of Jilin Symphony Orchestra, Dance performance by Zhexue Meng, An excerpts of Peking Opera performed by Xuebin Yang、 Lijin Sha of Jilin peking opera troupe Solo dance performance by Jinli Yuan in Yanbian song and dance troupe. This was followed by Female solo ‘Beautiful Mood’ India song performed by Bo Wang in Jilin Symphony Orchestra
The ensemble of traditional instruments ‘Blossoms on a Spring Moonlit Night’ performed by Yanwei Li、Mingming Zhao、 Jian Zhou, Long-drum Dance by Sihong Zhou was the performance which stole the heart of people in the auditorium.
The evening also saw spectacular Indian performances of Indian martial Arts (gatka) by Baba Deep Singh Ranjeet Akhara and Bhangra performance by Bhangra Nights from Maharaja Agrasen Technical Education Society.
About ICEC- Council
ICEC was set up in 2003 with the primary goal of strengthening bilateral relationship on business and culture. The Council operates through eleven offices. India offices are located in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Ahmedabad, whereas in China, the offices are in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Nantong and Chengdu. The organization enjoys the support of and works in close cooperation with diplomats, government officials and industry leaders from both the countries. The Council’s core areas of work are: business development, research and advocacy, educational activities and cultural exchanges.
The council publishes a bi-monthly magazine, India-China Chronicle , which contains useful industry oriented research and information for companies having business interest in India and China. It also mirrors the socio-economic and cultural indices of both nations.
