People Of India, Egypt Share Very Old Bond Of Love: Envoy

Cairo: People of India and Egypt share a very old bond of love and affection and they will celebrate this relation during a two-week long cultural programme in the country, India's Ambassador to Egypt has said.

The fourth edition of 'India by the Nile' cultural programme, organised by India, will take place in five cities -- Cairo, Alexandria, Ismaila, Port Saeed and Bani Suef.

"India by the Nile is a connection between the people of India and the people of Egypt, who share a very old bond of love and affection, a bond which stretches across various areas. Through two weeks, the people of the two countries will celebrate this bond," Ambassador Sanjay Bhattacharyya said yesterday.

The event has been a great attraction for Egyptians as it brings different contemporary and classical music concerts, dance, theatre, visual arts, film, food and literature. Bhattacharyya said the festival, organised by the Embassy of India in Egypt and Teamwork Arts, is the most important cultural event by a foreign country in Egypt. "I am happy to be here tonight celebrating the launch of India by the Nile. This year the festival brings various events which will be held in different cities of Egypt," said Camelia Sobhi, First Under Secretary for Foreign Cultural Relations in the Ministry of Culture.

"Culture is an extremely important part in any civilisation and it can bring people together. Culture allows you a window into another world, another people, history, philosophy, tradition and way of thinking," said Sanjoy Roy, Director of Teamwork Arts. Adel el-Masri, Technical Adviser to the Minister of Tourism said he considers this fourth edition of the festival as a success for the efforts of Embassy of India in Egypt and this confirms the deep cultural and political relations between the two countries.

A number of distinguished Egyptian women will be honoured on the opening day event "Women of Substance". The festival will bring Indian classical dance, world music, Bollywood musicals and world class photography exhibition to Egypt. There would be a Food fiesta by Indian celebrity chef and entrepreneur Vikram S Udaygiri. A Bollywood workshop by trainer Gilles Ghuyen will be held. The world music band Indian Ocean will perform in Ismaila in front of the new Suez Canal.