On the 9th of January – Celebrating Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas all over the World.
Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre at Budapest, was opened by H.E Sri Kumar Tuhin Ji – India Ambassador to Hungary, by welcoming in saying “Namaskar … Good Evening” to the invited local distinguished guests and from the Indian Community in Hungary. Thereafter followed his presentation by saying Q.: „Mahatma Gandhi as was one of the greatest human beings of modern times. His love for humanity was dedicated to Bapu who cared and natured the most downtrodden and needy … Gandhi within us in our beliefs and acts. Throughout the world we dedicate this day to the memory of Mahatma Gandhi.” Continued:”When we are far away from home, and decide to work and settle in a different country, what links us to each other is the cultural thread, that binds and nurtures us. We celebrate the festivals together. We lend our shoulders to each other in times of need. We build a harmony with the country that we live in, with the people, their mores, their cultures and their ethos, the importance of Gandhian values and khadi in the modern-day.”
The evening’s entertainment was provided by two esteemed guests … notable singers Jennifer Maga – Hungary and Selma Muhedinovic-Salyajdzi – Bosnia & Herzegovia and Kathak dancer – Sonali Roy and teacher at the India Cultural Centre Budapest.
A talented duo gave a musical fusion on Violin & Piano with Tabla. Kavya Francis – Violin also a professional Bharatnatyam Dancer), Nicole Li – Synth (Both students of British Int School in Budapest, previously studied at the Royal Schools of Music UK) They played in the company of Pandit Rajesh Gangani on Tabla.
Christian missionary – Father Benvin Sebastian can truly be called a social reformer and philanthropist. Hailing from Kerala, Father Sebastian has been living in Hungary since 2003 and is very active in giving social & spiritual discourses and also taking spiritual tours for Hungarians to India.
Dr. Katalin Aklan – well-known veteran Indologist gave a lecture on keeping in mind the importance of Gandhian values and khadi in our modern-day. She is a Global Teaching Fellow at Central European University and besides being an expert in Indian studies has also translated and compiled bilingual essays, aphorisms & quotations of Mahatma Gandhi. Spoked about the Gandhian Values in today’s times, particularly the spirit of Khadi as a thought and not just fabric.
Forming a little India in Hungary is within the Bhartiya Samaj Association. Mr. Sanjay Gupta a proud member of the Indians living in Hungary. He is CEO at one of the largest Organizational Development company in Hungary called the Grow Group. He also works as an executive Coach, Top Management Advisor and as Inspirational Speaker. He talked about the role of the Indian diaspora in Hungary. Sanjay stated that in many countries around the world there is one ambassador representing India, but there is not only one in all, there is 31 million Indians represent their country either as ambassador, CEO’s, top positions in politics, business, art, cinema, sport and other field, deputy managers, directors in High tech fields … etc. … just to mention a few working outside India. The goal is to bring everybody together, build a harmonious relationship with the locals and expats alike. Had an exemplary career spanning 25 years, over 2 continents Asia and Europe and 3 countries India, Germany. He was primarily in leadership roles for the last 18 years leading teams as large as 600 professionals in Engineering & IT companies. He also works as an executive Coach, Top Management Advisor and as Inspirational Speaker.
During the gathering was also carrying forward the mission to celebrate the 150 th anniversary year of Mahatma Gandhi … A Man who inspired India to fight against the colonial rule, make India free and who selflessly worked towards non violence, peace, tolerance and courage and who left an indelible mark on the entire globe, on young and old alike, and who has become a way of living and thought for generations to come.
Gandhi’s philosophy has been aptly depicted in the beautiful words written in the XV.th century by Gujarati poet, Narsinh Mehta song … „Vaishnav Jan to tene kaniye peer parayi jaane re” meaning … „Call those people Vaishnavas (or devotees of God) who Feel the pain of others.” Truly Mahatma’s each and every act of kindness and courage veered towards bringing people closer, helping the poor and the underprivileged and spreading kindness all around. Mahatma Gandhi said Q.: „To give pleasure to a single heart by a single act is better than a thousand heads bowing in prayer”.
As a part of the celebration day, the Indian Embassy’s contributing to Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, or Non-Resident Indian Day, which is celebrated on the 9th of January each year to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community in the development of India. The date was chosen as it was on this day in 1915 that Gandhi returned to his home country from South Africa, led India’s freedom struggle and changed the country for ever. Gandi was the greatest leaders the world has ever known, and his role ended as he became victim to a political assassination in January 1948.
The celebration culminated by an exhibition on Khadi products at the Culture Center’s exhibition hall open by H. E to the guests, There was displaying sustainable & eco-friendly fabric & products sent by the Khadi & Village Commission of India. Sri Atal Bihari Vajpai – former Prime Minister announced the 9th of January – Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas to be celebrated all over the world, to acknowledge the contribution and achievements of the Indian soulful voice. Followed by High Tea reception.
Update, video, snaps by Aggie Reiter
Rolling in Budapest 