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Patna,(BiharTimes): Carrying on the tradition from last year, again this festive season Indian Centre, Sweden in collaboration with Stadsmission organized ‘Indisk Julklapp 2011’ (Indian Christmas Gift 2011) for the less privileged and those living on the margins of our society. The Ambassador of India to Sweden and Latvia Mr Ashok Sajjanhar and Mrs Madhu Sajjanhar, were the The Guests of Honour at this year’s event. |
According to Anurag Choudhary, Coordinator, India Centre, Stockholm, Sweden, Indisk Julklapp 2011 with an informal Indian house party theme was held on the 21st of December at Klaragården (a shelter for vulnerable women). The evening started with our women volunteers showing and sharing with the residents of Klaragården some popular icons of the Indian culture like bindis, henna Tattoos, Bollywood dancing and things that are a typical snapshot of an Indian fun evening.
This was followed by the Indian Ambassador formally opening the event with a speech where he emphasized on India’s cultural diversity, its unifying ethos of brotherhood and friendship. He referred to the dictum and teaching of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The whole world is a family) from ancient Indian scriptures according to which all women and men should live as part of one inclusive and supportive family. He also said that such events provide a good opportunity for us to give back something to society that we live in. Ambassador emphasized the fact that India is home to all major religions of the world and respects all types of diversity including differing linguistic, cultural, social and political views. Ambassador congratulated the organizers for this very good initiative.
We at India Centre firmly believe that these events are not only a good opportunity for us to give back something to our surrounding society at large but also offers us a chance to connect with the Swedish community at a grass root level and share with them the values that we bring from our country of origin to Sweden.
Idea for Indisk Julklapp came last year after coming cross the Christmas Campaign “Hjälp oss att bryta en gammal jul tradition” (Help us to break an old Christmas tradition) by Stockholm Stadsmission highlighting the adversities of the homeless people in Stockholm during the festive time of the year. Inspiration for this event came from the “Bhandaras” and “Langars” that are held across India during the various festive seasons to share with and give a sense of value to those that are less privileged in our society.
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