Your Excellency State Councilor Madam Liu,
Your Excellency Minister for Culture Mr. Cai
Excellencies
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure and a privilege to be amongst you in Beijing today to inaugurate the Festival of India in China in this very important year marking the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. The Opening Ceremony will witness the enactment of a play based on the life of Emperor Ashoka, who underwent a dramatic change of heart after a major war and converted to Buddhism. Since Buddhism has played a major part in contacts and exchanges between our two nations for thousands of years, it is only befitting that we inaugurate the Festival of lndia in China with such a performance.

The Festival of India will bring to the Chinese people a full spectrum of Indian culture, art and theatre. More than 30 Chinese cities will witness performances of various Indian classical dances, folk dances, classical music, martial arts and contemporary music. A number of Indian exhibitions, covering both antiquities and modern art, will be on display at Chinese museums in different cities. An Indian Film Festival will also take place in three separate locations in China. We hope that the Festival of India will play a major role in increasing awareness about India and its culture among the Chinese people.

This year of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations has got off to a good start. We hope to carry on this momentum throughout the year and into the future. The various activities to be undertaken in the Festival of India will serve as a platform to build stronger bridges between and create more awareness among our two peoples. I am confident that this will aid in the further consolidation of the India – China relationship.

I am confident that you will all enjoy today’s performance. I wish the Festival of India complete success.

Thank you.

Beijing
April 7, 2010