Indian cultural fest ‘Passage to India’ in Doha inaugurated by FS

Doha/New Delhi, March 25 : Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Thursday inaugurated ‘Passage to India’ an Indian comm ty festival in the Qatari capital. The festival is being organized by the Indian Cultural Centre in coordination with Qatar Museums, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and the Indian Embassy in Qatar. The festival is being held at the MIA Park from March 24-26. The festival is being organized as part of the Qatar MENASA year of culture 2022 and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrating 75 years of India’s independence. MENASA refers to the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia region. It consists mostly of Islamic regions of MENA and South Asia. The festival is a que event showcasing and promoting the diverse Indian cultural richness, achievements of modern India and boosting India-Qatar friendship. The fiesta showcases a variety of cultural programmes from Qatar and different states of India. A lifesize historical monument of India is also displayed. Stalls have been put up displaying various items like handicrafts, clothes, jewellery etc, depicting a variety of Indian culture. Food stalls operated by licensed vendors in Doha will be serving various Indian delicacies. The mega event is organized with the full support and active involvement of various socio cultural organisations associated with the Indian Cultural Centre representing the Indian comm ty residing in Qatar, said a statement. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan in a video message for the inauguration, appreciated the Indian comm ty for being a living cultural bridge between India and Qatar and expressed his confidence that the festival will be a huge success, said a tweet by the Indian embassy in Doha. RN