An India-Georgia Cultural Festival was organised at Bharatiya Engineering, Science & Technology Innovation University from 25th- 28th January to celebrate cultural fusion between the two countries under which an extensive India-Georgia Cultural Dialogue took place on the very first day of the festival at Bangalore organised in collaboration by India Foundation and BESTIU. Speakers who graced this dialogue were Mr. David Janelidze, Professor, Shota Rustaveli, Theatre and Films State University, Mr. Giorgi Kekelidze, Poet, Essayist, General Director of National Parliamentary Library of Georgia, Dr. Suma Sudhindra, Veena Exponent, Ms. Tinatini Dugashvili, Producer/Journalist, Mr. Sudarshan Ramabadran, Visiting Fellow, India Foundation, Mr. Nikoloz Tsulukidze, Actor, Host and theatre critics, His Holiness Teimuraz Tsakashvili, Bishop, Georgia, Ms. Sophiko Khvibliani, Journalist, Ms. Tamar Gvinianidze, Georgian writer and Mr. Darpan Prasher, Founder, NGO Cultural Diversity for Peaceful Future. Post a beautiful rendition of Georgia’s National Anthem by New Bana’s Choir, Georgia; a welcome note was addressed by Dr. Biligi S.S., Vice Chancellor, BEST Innovation University, Andhra Pradesh. Keynote speech was delivered by Shri Ram Madhav, President, India Foundation.
Three sessions of Round Table Discussion were organised based on certain themes. 1st session chaired by Amb. Suresh Babu, Former Ambassador revolved around the theme of Cultural Exchange which witnessed Mr. David Janelidze, Mr. Giorgi Kekelidze, Dr. Suma Sudhindra and Ms. Tinatini Dugashvili threw spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between India and Georgia that evolved over centuries.
2nd Session explored the Historic Linkages between India-Georgia chaired by Ms. Marina Vasadze, Doctor of Art studies, Associate Professor, Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Films State University where we saw Mr. Sudarshan Ramabadran, Mr. Nikoloz Tsulukidze and His Holiness Teimuraz Tsakashvili delve into discussing shared historical narratives, trade routes and cultural exchanges emphasising ancient ties between the two nations.
3rd Session saw Ms. Sophiko Khvibliani, Ms. Tamar Gvinianidze and Mr. Darpan Prasher share their passionate thoughts on Preservation of Heritage. The session was chaired by Ms. Rami Niranjan Desai, Distinguished Fellow, India Foundation.
The day wrapped up with an enticing short performance presented by talented Georgian Artists.
