ID :
43618
Sun, 02/01/2009 - 20:07
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/43618
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Egypt to showcase ancient heritage in Surajkund Mela
Rajeev Ranjan Dwivedi
Surajkund, Feb 1 (PTI) The world-famous Surajkund Mela is
all set to get an Egyptian touch, with the country geared up
to showcase its 4,000-year-old rich civilisation and the
crowd-favourite belle dance.
Participating for the first time, Egypt will present its
ancient heritage besides mesmerising Indian audience with its
traditional "Ismalia" troupe dance and belle dance.
A varied display of handloom, craft, wooden material and
glass work -- all hand-made -- will be up for grabs at the
15-day international event here.
"We are proud to be a partner country in this event of
international repute. Our participation aims at adding
Egyptian flavour to India," said Dina Elsehy, Counsel at
Egyptian Embassy in New Delhi.
Elsehy said that the country has brought its 'Social
Development Programme' model, which has benefited nearly two
million families in Egypt, at the craft mela to highlight the
importance of mass participation in conserving the country's
tradition.
"The art prepared by these families will be showcased
here. The model has proved to be very successful in Egypt. It
has given employment to many. We will explain this to everyone
visiting our stalls," Aiman Hossam, advisor to Egyptian
Minister of Social Solidarity, told PTI here.
A total of five representatives have come to represent
their country at the Surajkund Mela. Besides, many artistes
from the country will participate in the cultural festivities.
The representatives from Egypt, however, feel that there
should be frequent visits of artistes between the two
countries.
"We look forward to learn Indian experience in arts and
crafts. Even our representatives include two art teachers, who
will grab this opportunity to learn Indian art form from
artistes participating here," Elsehy told PTI.
The government of Egypt is in the process of setting up a
tourism office in New Delhi. The country is currently running
the office in Mumbai, Elsehy said.
"Yes. We are thinking of it. But it will take more time
as more allocation of funds are needed," she said.
The Egyptian delegation, who has come to India for the
first time, wants Indian artists to visit their country but
has expressed concern over the bureaucratic system.
"This is one of the steps in moving towards having more
people-to-people contacts between the two countries. We expect
Indian artists to participate there. But what we have observed
is that bureaucratic system needs to be more simple," Hossam
said.
Foreign countries have been participating in the
Surajkund Mela for the last three years. But in the previous
years, only members of South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC) participated.
This year's mela will have Egypt and Thailand
participating even as Pakistan and Maldives are not attending.
PTI
Surajkund, Feb 1 (PTI) The world-famous Surajkund Mela is
all set to get an Egyptian touch, with the country geared up
to showcase its 4,000-year-old rich civilisation and the
crowd-favourite belle dance.
Participating for the first time, Egypt will present its
ancient heritage besides mesmerising Indian audience with its
traditional "Ismalia" troupe dance and belle dance.
A varied display of handloom, craft, wooden material and
glass work -- all hand-made -- will be up for grabs at the
15-day international event here.
"We are proud to be a partner country in this event of
international repute. Our participation aims at adding
Egyptian flavour to India," said Dina Elsehy, Counsel at
Egyptian Embassy in New Delhi.
Elsehy said that the country has brought its 'Social
Development Programme' model, which has benefited nearly two
million families in Egypt, at the craft mela to highlight the
importance of mass participation in conserving the country's
tradition.
"The art prepared by these families will be showcased
here. The model has proved to be very successful in Egypt. It
has given employment to many. We will explain this to everyone
visiting our stalls," Aiman Hossam, advisor to Egyptian
Minister of Social Solidarity, told PTI here.
A total of five representatives have come to represent
their country at the Surajkund Mela. Besides, many artistes
from the country will participate in the cultural festivities.
The representatives from Egypt, however, feel that there
should be frequent visits of artistes between the two
countries.
"We look forward to learn Indian experience in arts and
crafts. Even our representatives include two art teachers, who
will grab this opportunity to learn Indian art form from
artistes participating here," Elsehy told PTI.
The government of Egypt is in the process of setting up a
tourism office in New Delhi. The country is currently running
the office in Mumbai, Elsehy said.
"Yes. We are thinking of it. But it will take more time
as more allocation of funds are needed," she said.
The Egyptian delegation, who has come to India for the
first time, wants Indian artists to visit their country but
has expressed concern over the bureaucratic system.
"This is one of the steps in moving towards having more
people-to-people contacts between the two countries. We expect
Indian artists to participate there. But what we have observed
is that bureaucratic system needs to be more simple," Hossam
said.
Foreign countries have been participating in the
Surajkund Mela for the last three years. But in the previous
years, only members of South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC) participated.
This year's mela will have Egypt and Thailand
participating even as Pakistan and Maldives are not attending.
PTI
