Cairo, 19-28 December, 2006
Painting Exhibition
- "Heritage in Egyptian Eyes" at Maulana Azad
Centre for Indian Culture, Cairo

Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) is organizing a painting exhibition entitled "Heritage in Egyptian Eyes" by 11 artists from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University. Through their works, the artists express their thoughts and ideas on heritage in India and Egypt.
The exhibition will be held at Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (23, Talaat Harb St, Downtown, Cairo) from December 19 to 28, 2006. The exhibition shall remain open from 10 am to 6 pm daily except holidays on 22, 23 and 25 December
Cairo, 27 December, 2006
A
lecture on "Egypt in the writings of Maulana Azad" delivered by Dr. Galal El
Hefnawi,
Associate
Professor, Urdu Dept., Cairo University

Maulana Azad (11 November 1888 – 22 February 1958) was a prominent leader of India's freedom struggle and of the Indian National Congress. He was also a scholar and journalist in his own right. Imbued with a pan-Islamic spirit, Maulana Azad visited Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. As independent India's first Education Minister, Maulana Azad made a notable contribution to the development of India's education system and instructions.
Dr. Galal is an Associate Professor of Urdu in the Faculty of Arts in Cairo University, Cairo. He obtained his Ph.D. on "The Art of Biography in the works of Shibli Al-Numani: Study on Islamic Civilization" from Cairo University. Dr. Galal has to his credit several publications (such as: "The Art of Biography in the works of Shibli Al-Numani"), translations from Urdu to Arabic (including "Muqaddima Shiru Shairi" by Altaf Hussain Hali) and many articles and research papers "Indian Culture: on the path of progress", Islamic Archaeology in India" and "Mahatma Gandhi in the Egyptian press".
Cairo, 16-20 December, 2006
Visit of Indian
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry delegation to Egypt

A business delegation from the Basic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Export Promotion Council of India, popularly known as “CHEMEXCIL” has visited Egypt from 16 – 20 December, 2006. This is the third visit of CHEMEXCIL to Egypt this year alone, indicating the growing relationship between Indian and Egyptian industry in this sector. The companies represented in this delegation cover Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, Dyes & Dye Intermediates and Colouring Agents, Chemicals and pesticides. CHEMEXCIL has membership strength of more than 4,000 companies spread all over India.
New Delhi, 15-17 December, 2006
Visit of H. E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt to India

H. E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, paied an official visit to India on 15 - 17 December 2006 at the invitation of H. E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, India’s Minister of External Affairs. This was the first visit by an Egyptian Foreign Minister to India since 1997. The Minister’s delegation included senior officials from the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt and a number of leading Egyptian businessmen and industrialists.
Cairo, 8-11 December, 2006
Visit
of Indian IT Industry Leaders to Egypt

A high-level 24-member delegation comprising most of India’s leading IT companies visited Egypt from 8-11 December 2006. The delegation, comprising of the Executive Board of NASSCOM, the IT industry association of India, was visiting Egypt to interact with the IT industry here and also held its first off-shore Executive Committee meeting in Egypt. During the visit, the delegation called on H. E. Prime Minister Ahmad Nazif on December 10, 2006. They also called on Minister of Communications and IT, H. E. Dr. Tarek Kamel and had meetings with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency of Egypt. Mr. R. Raju, the current Chairman of the NASSCOM Executive Committee and Minister for CIT of Egypt addressed a Press Conference on the occasion. The delegation toured the Smart Village and was impressed with Egypt’s progress in the development of IT incubators, Xceed, and Cultnat. The Egyptian Ministry of CIT also hosted a networking reception and dinner for the visiting Indian IT delegation.
The NASSCOM visit follows closely on the heels of the successful visit of the Egyptian Minister of Communications and Information Technology to India accompanied by a large IT business delegation from November 27-30, 2006. In addition to the MoU on CIT cooperation between the two Governments signed during that visit, three MoUs were signed between IT industries of both countries which will give a boost to human resources and software development in Egypt. The Egyptian IT industry is also likely to participate in the India Leadership Forum – a global conclave on the IT-ITES industry – organized by NASSCOM in Mumbai in February 2007.
Cairo (AUC), 6 December, 2006
A
memorial service in honour of Professor E. H. Valsan

Indian Community Association in Egypt (ICAE) and American University in Cairo (AUC) organised a memorial service in honour of Professor E H Valsan in AUC on 6 December 2006. Indian ambassador to Egypt Mr. A. Gopinathan, AUC Provost Tim Sullivan, and ICAE Board Member Jacob Thoppil, among many others, shared their memories and recollections. Professor Valsan was a human symbol and worked as an important link in promoting India and Egypt people to people contacts. Professor Valsan not only served in AUC for 36 years but also worked as a visiting faculty in many universities.
Cairo Fair Grounds, 23-26 November, 2006
The
Engineering Export Promotion
Council (EEPC) of India organized an Engineering Exhibition in Cairo

The Indian Engineering Exhibition (INDEE Cairo 2006) was organized in Hall no. 3 of Cairo Fair Ground during November 23 – 26 ‘2006 as a part of MACTECH exhibition. MACTECH was jointly inaugurated on Nov 23rd by H. E. Mr. A Gopinathan, Ambassador of India to Egypt and Mr. Nabil Fareed Hasanin, Chairman of Chamber of Engineering Industry, F. E. I. of Egypt. Also present on the occasion were Mr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman EEPC , Mr. Antoun Labib , Chairman of GOIEF and other senior officials from EEPC and the Chamber.
A total of 115 Indian engineering companies in the areas of automobile components, machinery, pumps and compressors, power tools, hand tools, fasteners, castings, forgings, bearings, measuring and testing equipment, medical and surgical instruments, railway track fittings, sheet metal components, electrical items and stainless steel items participated in the exhibition.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on the occasion between EEPC and Chamber of Engineering Industry of Egypt to promote trade and investment between India and Egypt. Another Memorandum of Understanding was signed between EEPC and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce on similar lines.
The number of visitors to the Indian pavilion was one of the highest in the history of INDEE with about 8,000 visitors on one day alone. A large number of orders were placed with the Indian manufacturers and contracts were signed during the exhibition.
Ambassador of India, H. E. Mr. A. Gopinathan and Mr. Rakesh Shah, Chairman of EEPC also jointly hosted an ‘India Evening’ dinner on 23 November, 2006, to mark INDEE Cairo 2006 which was attended by a large number of Egyptian industrialists and businessmen related to the engineering industry.
Cairo, 21 November, 2006

Glimpses of India painting competition, Egyptian children got prizes from Hisham Abbas
Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) organized the annual "Glimpses of India" painting competition for school children from 3rd to 15th October 2006. Over 3000 children from 293 schools of Cairo and Giza participated in the competition. This event is held every year to commemorate the birth anniversaries of three great leaders of modern India: Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
At a function scheduled to be held at 7 pm on November 21, 2006, at Al-Salam Theatre, 101, Kasrel Eini Street, Garden City, Cairo, the famous Egyptian singer, Hisham Abbas, will be the Chief Guest and will present prizes to 80 children, who have been adjudged winners from three categories of the competition.
Cairo, 13 November, 2006

Bharatnatyam Dance Performance at
Cairo Opera House
by Ms. Sonal Mansingh
Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) organized a Bharatnatyam dance presentation by Ms. Sonal Mansingh at 2000 hrs on 13 November 2006 at the small theatre of the Cairo Opera House.
Sonal Mansingh is perhaps the finest exponent of Bharatnatyam and Odissi, two of India’s oldest and richest dance forms. In her illustrious career spanning almost fifty years, she has performed in 82 countries as well as extensively within India. Acknowledged as a master in interpreting India and its traditions through dance and related artistic traditions, she has to her credit many original choreographies based on Indian mythology as well as contemporary issues. In 1977, Sonal Mansingh founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances (CICD) in New Delhi.
Cairo, 12 November, 2006

Remembrance
Service at the Commonwealth War Graves
Commission
Cemetery at Heliopolis
The Annual Service of Remembrance to Commemorate the martyrs of the two world was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery at Heliopolis, Cairo on 12th November 2006. The Ceremony included laying of wreaths, the act of Remembrance, two minute’s Silence and prayers.
Representing the People and Republic of India, Mr. Rahul Kulshreshth, Deputy Chief of Mission along with Colonel Rajiv Anand, Defence Attaché attended the function. A wreath was also laid at the War Graves.
Cairo, 06-12 November, 2006

Painting
Exhibition - "HOMAGE TO INDIA"
by
Prof Nazek Hamdi
Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) hold a painting exhibition, "HOMAGE TO INDIA" by Prof. Nazek Hamdi from 6-12 November 2006, at its premises (23, Talaat Harb St, Downtown, Cairo). The exhibition remained open from 10 am to 6 pm (Sunday-Thursday).
Prof Nazek Hamdi has specialized in illustration, fine and applied arts, and wall painting. She is credited with the introduction of Batik art to Egypt. She has had a distinguished career with Helwan University and been awarded with several awards/prizes including the Silver Medal at the All-India Exhibition, Calcutta in 1958; Gold Medal at the Second Exhibition of Applied Arts (Association of Fine Arts Lovers), Cairo in 1966; and, the Medal of Appreciation (gold medal) from Kuwait University in 1976.
“Homage to India” reflects Prof. Nazek Hamdi’s minute observation of India and social life in India and is, at the same time, a tribute to and recognition of her works. Her exhibition will also cover her Egyptian paintings. MACIC invites you and your friends to this splendid exhibition.
El Alamein, 20 October, 2006

The
Central International Commemoration of the Battle of El Alamein
The Annual Central Ceremony of Commemoration of the Battle of El Alamein was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in El Alamein on 20th October 2006. The Ceremony included laying of wreaths, the Act of Remembrance, the Minute’s Silence and prayers.
Representing the People and Republic of India, H. E. Mr. A Gopinathan, Ambassador of India in Cairo along with Colonel Rajiv Anand, Defence Attaché attended the function. A wreath was also laid at the War Graves. H. E. Ambassador had visited the War graves of Indian Solders and paid homage to the martyrs. There are about 1200 graves of Indian soldiers at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in El Alamein.
Cairo, 18 October, 2006

Iftar
Party for Indian Students at MACIC
Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) organised an Iftar on 18 October 2006. H. E. Mr. A. Gopinathan, the Ambassador of India to Egypt, attended the Iftar. Indian students studying in the Egyptian universities, Egyptian students studying Urdu and Hindi language courses at MACIC, office bearers of the Egypt-India Friendship Association (EIFA), teachers at MACIC and officers from the Mission also attended the Iftar.
Cairo, 3-15 October, 2006

‘Glimpses of India’ Painting
Competition
Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture, Embassy of India, Cairo, has invited the students of the Ministry of Education Schools, Private Schools and National Institutes to participate in the 12th annual painting competition titled "Glimpses of India" to commemorate the birthdays of Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MACIC).
This competition has organized for school children aged from 6-18 years in Cairo and Giza Governorates from 3-15 October,2006.
Venue: El-Orman Public Park, in front of the Zoo, Giza
The Jury Committee will identify five winners from each stage. Government and private schools of Cairo and Giza will be considered as separate zones. Prizes and certificates for the winners would be distributed on November 14, 2006.
Cairo, 21 September, 2006

Egyptian
school girls performing popular Indian dance
Egyptian school girls performing popular Indian dance during artistic programme at the Indian Embassy in Cairo on 21 September 2006 after completing “Popular Indian Dance Course" organized by the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture in Cairo. Participants obtained certificates after successfully completing two months long course. The event was attended by more than 100 Egyptian and Indian guests.
Cairo, 19 September, 2006

MACIC
organizes an exhibition titled
"Gandhi: His Life and His Message"
Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) is organizing an exhibition entitled "Gandhi: His life and message" on the occasion of 137th Birth Anniversary of the father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi on 2 October 2006.
The exhibition organized by the centre would display portraits and photographs depicting important events and landmarks of his life. Books and other items closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi will also be on display. The centre will also be running film shows on Mahatma Gandhi.
The exhibition has been inaugurated at 7:00 pm on 19 September by H. E. Ambassador of India in Cairo and will remain open for the public until 5 October, '06.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948) is the most revered political and spiritual leader of India and the Indian Independence Movement. He is considered the father of India, and is often affectionately referred to as "Bapu," meaning father in Gujarati. He was the pioneer of Satyagraha resistance strongly based upon the principle of ahimsa or total non-violence. He went on to become one of the strongest driving philosophies of the Indian Independence Movement and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. He is commonly known and addressed in India and worldwide as Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma means Great Soul in Hindi. Mahatma Gandhi's birthday on October 2 is annually commemorated as Gandhi Jayanti, and is a national holiday in India.
Cairo, 17 September, 2006

MACIC
organized “Hindi Divas”
Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture celebrated “Hindi Divas” on 17th September 2006. H. E. Mr. A. Gopinathan, Ambassador of India to Egypt, graced the occasion. Three Egyptian students, winners of the Hindi essay competition held at MACIC, presented their essays and obtained prizes from the Ambassador. The Ambassador distributed certificates to Indian students, studying in Al Azhar University, for their successful completion of an English course held at MACIC under the supervision of the American University in Cairo. He also distributed certificates to the Egyptian students who had successfully completed their Hindi and Urdu course at MACIC.
Egypt, 11-13 September, 2006

Visit of Indian Tea Delegation to
Egypt
A delegation comprising ten prominent tea producing and exporting companies from India led by the Chairman, Tea Board, Government of India, visited Egypt from September 11 to 13, 2006. The purpose of the delegation’s visit is to revive the age old commercial relations between India and Egypt in this sector. Egypt was at one time a major consumer of Indian tea. Egypt’s imports of Indian tea however declined to less than one percent of its total imports in 2004. Since last year there has been a renewed interest in importing Indian tea into Egypt. The Indian tea delegation will explore such possibilities with both public and private sector importers in Egypt. The delegation also has hosted a business interaction and reception for Egyptian tea importers.
India is the largest tea producer in the world – producing nearly half the total world production. While the large domestic market consumes most of the total production of tea, it is still the second largest tea exporter in the world, exporting 69 million kgs in 2005. India produces a wide variety of high quality teas which are suited to Egyptian taste.
Egypt today enjoys a positive trade balance with India and the total volume of bilateral trade has the potential to increase exponentially. Tea is one item of trade that has strong potential for increase.
Cairo, 11 September, 2006

Prof.
Ahmad Mohd Ahmad speaks on “Contemporary India in the eyes of Egyptian writers”
at the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture [MACIC]
Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) has organized a lecture on “Contemporary India in the eyes of Egyptian writers” by Prof. Ahmad Mohamed Ahmad, Professor, Urdu Dept., Al Azhar University at 6 pm on Monday, 11September 2006, at the Centre’s premises at 23, Talaat Harb St., Downtown, Cairo.
Prof Ahmad is currently the Professor of Urdu in the Faculty of Languages and Translation in the Al Azhar University in Cairo. He has been with Al Azhar University for the last decade. Prof Ahmad obtained his Ph.D on comparative study of Urdu and Arabic literatures from the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences of the University of Delhi in 1994.
Throughout his career, Prof Ahmad has veered away from the traditional style of teaching and has endeavored to make language learning a meaningful and interactive process so as to make it an effective means of communication. Prof Ahmad has many books to his credit such as: “Eighteenth Century Urdu Poetry: a Critique”, “Contemporary Urdu Poetry and the Birth of Urdu Language”. He has also translated many works, including Maulana Shibli Noamani’s Seerat Al Nabi (Biography of the Holy Prophet) Vol. 3 & 6 from Urdu to Arabic, Syed Sulaiman Nadvi’s book “Indo-Arab Relations” from Urdu to Arabic and revised the translation of the Holy Quran in Urdu for the Al Azhar Islamic Academy. He has published over 20 research papers since 1990. Prof Ahamd was awarded the Shibli Noamani Award of the Aalami Urdu Conference, India in 1989.
Egypt, 05-07 September, 2006

Within the framework of India's tourism promotion campaign "Incredible India", India has participated in the Cairo Mediterranean Travel Fair from 5-7 September 2006 at the International Convention Centre.
India participates for the fourth consecutive year in this fair. Last year, the Indian pavilion drew a large number of visitors. It had also received special mention from Egyptian Prime Minister, H. E. Dr. Ahmed Nazif, who appreciated the attractiveness of the Indian pavilion.
This year, India Tourism Office is the key exhibitor in the Fair together with two co-exhibitors: Jet Airways and Go India Journey.
Egypt, 03-06 September, 2006

A
high-level delegation of prominent Indian manufactures and exporters of
Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetic products to visit Egypt
A nine-member high-level delegation of prominent manufacturers and exporters of Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetic products, led by Ms. Asha Tulsiani, Regional Director of the Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Export Promotion Council of India (CHEMEXCIL), have visited Egypt from 03 to 06 September 2006.
Following the success of its visit to Egypt in March 2006, the CHEMEXCIL delegation will be holding extensive interaction with leading Egyptian companies in this field, heads of Chambers of Commerce, various Federations and Chamber of Chemical Industries, prominent importers and distinguished members of the media.
India is a major producer and exporter of basic chemicals, dyes, soaps & detergents, cosmetics & toiletries, and other products like incense sticks and castor oil. This industry is using state-of-the-art technology with a blend of traditional knowledge to meet the global standards. India has a unique advantage of vast natural resources, rich biodiversity and modern R&D centers, giving an advantage in manufacturing of quality products. The existence of a thriving textile industry has also contributed to a highly-developed dyes and textile chemicals industry.
The visit of the CHEMEXCIL delegation is part of the efforts to expand commercial and economic relations between Egypt and India. The members of the delegation are looking forward to sharing their experience with their Egyptian counterparts. It is expected that Egyptian importers and users of chemicals, cosmetic and allied products will find it beneficial to interact with the visiting Indian delegation and gain fist-hand knowledge of the development of the chemicals and related industries in India in recent years.
Cairo, 28 August, 2006
A
lecture titled "What
India Means to me”
by
Mr. Kamel Zoheiri
Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) has organized a lecture titled "What India Means to me" by Mr. Kamel Zoheiri, a veteran columnist with Al-Gomhouria newspaper and a well known journalist in the Arab Pres World at 7 pm on Monday, August 28, 2006, at the Centre's premises at 23, Talaat Harb St, Downtown, Cairo.
Mr. Kamel Zoheiri was born in 1927. He graduated from Cairo University in 1947 and obtained his Post Graduate Diploma in Arabic Literature from Sorbonne University in Paris in 1950. He worked as an Arabic Announcer in All India Radio and as Ahram Correspondent in Delhi in 1949. He worked as a lawyer in 1952, Managing Director of Rose el Youssef magazine from 1955 to 1964, Editor-in-Chief of Dar El Helal Establishment during 1964-1969, Chairman of the Egyptian Press Syndicate during 1968-1971, Board Chairman of Rose el Youssef during 1969-1971, Chairman of Arab Journalists Federation 1976 and Secretary General of Arab Journalists Federation in 1986.
Mr. Zoheiri has written and published several books such as: The Indignant (1960), No Whispering (1964), Socialist Encyclopedia (1968), The World from the Keyhole (1974), The Nile in Danger (1980) and other books. Mr. Zoheiri has been awarded: The Order of Merit, First Grade 1988, the Medal of Honour from the World Journalists Organization in Prague and The Golden Key of Damascus from Syria in 1972.
Cairo, 13-24 August, 2006

A
photo exhibition entitled "In Love of Photography” at the Maulana Azad
Centre for Indian Culture,
Within the framework of its various cultural activities, the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) is organizing a photo exhibition titled "In Love of Photography" by Mr. Moustafa Al Shershaby, Mr. Sayed Al-Mahgoob, Mr. Ahmed Abdul Aziz and Ms. Mona Abdul Karim, from August 13 to 24, 2006, at the premises of the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture at 23, Talaat Harb St, Downtown, Cairo.
The photos will introduce to us old Islamic Cairo, night views, people, folklore and texture from the artists' view. The exhibition will remain open from 10 am to 6 pm daily. For further details, please contact the Centre: Tel: 3933396 / 3960071.
The four artists are members of Egypt Salon of Photography. They participated in many photo exhibitions organized by the Salon in different venues such as Sawy cultural centre, Music Library of the Opera House and Al-Hanager Arts Centre.
Mr. Moustafa Al-Shershaby's interest started fourty years ago. He loves old Islamic Cairo, and prefers taking photos of mosques, Islamic houses and architecture. His photos reveal the secrets of Islamic civilization.
Mr. Sayed El-Mahgoob has been practicing photography since 1989. "I can express myself better in photos" he says. Mr. Mahgoob won the golden medal in the competition held by Arab union of Photography in Germany in 2006.
Mr. Ahmed Abdul Aziz loves photography so much, that he changed his career from accounts to this shooting venture. He participated, recently, in two exhibitions.
Ms. Mona Abdul Karim graduated from Faculty of Al-Alsun in 2001, and has been practicing journalism and photography even before graduation. She thinks that it is meaningful to see the world from the camera's view finder.
Cairo, 15 August, 2006

Flag-Hoisting ceremony in Cairo on the occasion of 60th
Independence Day of India
On the occasion of the 60th Independence Day of India, a flag hoisting ceremony has been held at India House ‘Bharat Bhawan’, 19, Mohamed Mazhar Street, Zamalek, at 08:30 hours on Tuesday, 15 August 2006. H. E. Mr. A. Gopinathan, Ambassador of India, hoisted the flag.
Cairo, 14 July, 2006

A
lecture titled "Homeopathy & Vital Energy” at Maulana Azad Centre for Indian
Culture
Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) has organized a lecture titled "Homeopathy & Vital Energy" by Prof Mahmoud Saeed Abdul Haleem, Professor of Pharmacology and the President of the Egyptian Scientific Society for Homeopathy, titled "Homeopathy and Vital Energy" on Monday, July 24, 2006, at 6 pm at the Centre's premises at 23, Talaat Harb St, Downtown, Cairo.
Prof Saeed graduated from Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, obtained Ph.D. of pharmacology from Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (Nobel Prize Institute). Prof Saeed worked as a lecturer, subsequently as Asst. Professor in the Dept of Pharmacology, Tanta University. He obtained diploma in clinical pathology in 1984. He established the first toxicology laboratory in Saudi Arabia during 1987-1994. He holds the post of Chairman of Pharmacology Dept at Tanta University. Prof Saeed started learning and specializing in Homeopathy only from 1995 at California and obtained his Degree in Homeopathy from the London Institute for Classical Homeopathy in 2002. He founded the Egyptian Scientific Society for Homeopathy in 2003.
The speaker discussed:
1) Spectrum of Homeopathy
2) Endogenous energies of healing (spiritual, mental, vital and others.
Alexandria, 27-30 June, 2006
VISIT OF INDIAN
NAVAL SHIPS TO EGYPT

Two Indian Naval Ships INS BETWA and INS SHAKTI visited Alexandria from 27 to 30 June 2006. The captain of the Ships called on the Deputy Governor of Alexandria and the Commander of Alexandria Naval Base. A wreath was laid at the Memorial of Unknown Soldier.
INS BETWA is named after the river Betwa that flows through central India and originates in the Vindhyachal ranges. INS Betwa is the second ship of the three indigenously built Brahmaputra Class guided missile frigates. The ship was designed & built in India and commissioned on 07 July 2004.
INS SHAKTI was commissioned on 21 February 1976. The Tanker ship is 168.4 m long and 23 m broad in size. She derives her name from ‘Shakti’ which in Hindi means ‘Strength’.
The Ambassador visited the ships on June 28. A reception was held onboard INS BETWA on June 28, where in a number of dignitaries from the Egyptian Navy, Diplomatic Corps, Defence Attaché and members of the Indian Community attended.
The ships were kept open for visitors on 28-29 June, during which time they received many visitors.
Cairo, 12 June, 2006
Lecture titled "India as I See it "
by Dr. Mursi Saad El-Din at MACIC

Within the framework of its various cultural activities, the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) has organized a lecture titled "India as I see it" by Dr. Mursi Saad el-Din, Egypt Today's Editor-in-Chief.
Dr. Mursi's career began as a journalist with the Egyptian Gazette, after which he was posted as Secretary of the Egyptian Institute in England for 12 years. In London, he won the hearts of many and his reviews of English-language titles used to appear frequently in the local press, becoming one of the most prolific book reviewers of his time. He was the first cultural attaché to be posted to an Egyptian embassy, the first translator of contemporary English literature into Arabic, the first official spokesman of late President Anwar Sadat, the first director of State Information Service and the first architect of the governmental programmes for development of children. He was also founder of the Afro-Asian Pen Club, a prolific author of children's books, a respected columnist of 'Al-Ahram'. He was rewarded in 1995 for his lifetime service to Anglo-Egyptian relations when Queen Elizabeth II decorated as a Commander of the British Empire. He was also the first person to host a show called 'Open Forum' in Nile T.V. At 82 years, he is still actively writing in the press.
Cairo, 11 June, 2006
Exhibition titled "Children's Legends Stories" By Dr. Mona Mamdouh
Jacob

Within the framework of its various cultural activities, the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) has organized a Graphic art exhibition titled "Legendary Stories for Children" by Dr. Mona Mamdouh Yacoub.
Dr. Mona is a faculty member of Kindergarten College in Cairo University. Having obtained her post-graduated degree in Graphic arts, Dr. Mona did her doctoral thesis on "Germanic paint and kindergarten and its traces to Egypt". She has participated in group exhibitions on many occasions. She has attended a number of special courses designed to improve her skills to deal with children in the field of fine arts. With passion for oriental ventures and their artistic tastes, she has been actively engaged in the movement of "Art for the Art".
Cairo, 24-27 May, 2006
Indian Army Football team in Egypt

An Eighteen member Indian Army Football team is in Cairo to play friendly matches with the Egyptian Army team. The main objective of the visit is to use football as a mean to promote better understanding and to strengthen the close and friendly relationship between the armed forces of India and Egypt. The matches are scheduled at 8.00 pm, on 24th and 27th May 2006, at the Army Stadium, Heliopolis
Cairo, 11 May, 2006
A
lecture titled "Rebalance Engineering Methodology & Human Performance

Dr. Fouad A. Attia, Graphologist delivers a lecture titled "Rebalance Engineering Methodology & Human Performance" at MACIC
Egypt, 19-29 April, 2006
Gondwanaland
Expedition Team from India passes through Egypt

H. E. Dr. Fathy Saad, Governor of Giza, interacting with H. E. Mr. A. Gopinathan, Ambassador of India, and the members of Gondwanaland Expedition Team
Cairo, 17 April, 2006
Function on the
anniversary of Prophet Mohammad and certificates distribution to Hindi &
Urdu students

H. E. Mr. A. Gopinathan, Ambassador of India, addressing the students of Hindi and Urdu in a function on the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad
Cairo, 19 March, 2006
Reception
by Egypt - India Friendship Association [EIFA]
at the Diplomatic Club

Egypt-India Friendship Association [EIFA] organized a reception for H. E. Ambassador A. Gopinathan at the Diplomatic club on 19 March 2006. The reception was attended by prominent members of Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs and members of EIFA.
Cairo, 10-13 March 2006
Visit of Delegation from the
Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics Export Promotion Council [CHEMEXCIL]

An eight member high level delegation led by Mrs. Jyoti Kaur, Regional Director, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Export Promotion Council (CHEMEXCIL), visited Egypt from March 10-13, 2006.
A presentation, showcasing India’s strength in this field was organized by the delegation on 12th March, at Hotel Semiramis Intercontinental. The function was attended by prominent Egyptian companies, importers and distinguished members of media.
Cairo, 11 Feb. 2006
Visit
of Gem & Jewellery delegation from India.

H. E. Ambassador of India, Shri A. Gopinathan, presenting memento to Mr. Cherif Sirgany, Chairman, Association of Jewellers, Egypt,
In presence of Mr. Pankaj Parekh (second from right), Vice President of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India.
An eight-member delegation from the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India, headed by Mr. Pankaj Parekh, Vice President of the Council, visited Egypt from February 9 to 12, 2006. The delegation held a presentation in Cairo on 11 February. The presentation highlighted the strengths and potential of gem and Jewellery industry in India and invited Egyptian businessmen to participate in the upcoming India International Jewellery Show, to be held in Mumbai from 4 to 8 May 2006. The function was attended by the prominent Egyptian businessmen, Jewellery designers and distinguished members of Egyptian media.
Individuals interested to participate in the India International Jewellery Show may kindly visit its website www.iijs.org for online registration.
Cairo, 26 Jan. - 03 Feb., 2006
Visit
of
Kalaripayattu Troupe to Egypt

Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture, Embassy of India (MACIC), Cairo, in collaboration with Ministry of Culture, has organized Kalaripayattu dance performances in Egypt.
Well known group of Kalaripayattu performers from India will be participating in this event. The performance has been held at: Al Gomhuria Theatre, Cairo on January 28, Alexandria Opera House, Sayed Darwish Theatre on January 29, Mubarak Cultural Complex, Damanhour on January 31; and Cultural Palace Damietta on February 2. Performances started at 7.00 pm at all places.