Cairo, 17 - 31 December, 2007

Prize Distribution Function of Hindi, Urdu & Essay

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), Cairo recently conducted “Maulana Azad Memorial Essay Competition” in which a number of students from Egyptian universities participated. The following three won the prizes.

1.      Mustafa Ibrahim Ismail, Faculty of Arabic Language, Azhar University (First Prize - EGP 3000)

2.      Fatma El-Zahraa A. Ibrahim, Faculty of Media, Cairo University (Second Prize - EGP 2000)

3.      Bassem Mohamed Anis,Faculty of Commerce, Cairo University (Third Prize- EGP1000)

    Borhan Eldin Ahmed A. Fotouh, (Faculty of Political Science, Cairo University) and Al-Shaimaa Mahmoud Shokry, (Faculty of Education, Beni Suef University) who obtained fourth and fifth positions have been given consolation prizes. The prizes have been distributed at a function organized by MACIC at its premises at 16.30 pm on 26^th December 07. In that function, students of Hindi and Urdu courses who successfully passed out in the written and oral exams held in October awarded Certificates and Diplomas.

Cairo, 17 December, 2007

"Glimpses of India" painting exhibition at MACIC

    The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) has organized a painting exhibition titled "Glimpses of India". The painting exhibition will display works of the winners of the "Glimpses of India" competition for Egyptian schoolchildren, which was recently organized by MACIC. The paintings express the children's thoughts and ideas about India and its culture.

    The exhibition has been organized at the premises of the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture at 23, Talaat Harb St, Downtown, Cairo, from December 17 to 31, 2007.

Cairo, 10 December, 2007

Lecture titled “Women’s Progress in India” at MACIC

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) organized a lecture on Monday, December 10, 2007, titled “Women’s Progress in India” by Dr. (Mrs.) Mona Abbas, a Journalist at El-Rai LilShaab Newspaper.

    Dr. Mona Abbas, a Ph.D in Philosophy from the Institute of Asian Studies and Researches – Zagazig University, did her doctoral dissertation on “The Social and Political Roles of the Indian Women (1947-1997)”. She has delivered lectures on several India-centric subjects and themes at many institutions like Mass Media Center of Sharkia, Directorate of Information at the Ministry of Health and the National Council of Housing.

Cairo / Alexandria, 03 - 09 December, 2007

Visit of Indian Polo Team to Egypt

    The 61^st Cavalry/Army Polo Team visited Egypt from 3-9 December 2007 to play a series of matches against the Egyptian Military/Police Teams and local clubs in Cairo and Alexandria. The contingent was led by Lt. Gen. Sudhir Sharma, QMG.  The five-member team was captained by Col. JS Virk.

Cairo, 20 - 23 November, 2007

Made in India Show in Cairo, Egypt

    The Made in India Show organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in association with Embassy of India, Cairo was inaugurated this morning (20 November) at the Cairo Exhibition Grounds by Mr. Mamdouh Moustafa Mohamed Ali, First Undersecretary, Ministry of Trade & Industry of Egypt and Shri A. Gopinathan, Ambassador of India to Egypt. At the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Mamdouh Moustafa delivered a message on behalf of the Minister of Trade & Industry. Mr. Rajive Kaul, Past President, CII also spoke on the occasion, stressing that CII expected the Show to further stimulate economic and commercial relations between India and Egypt.

    Senior Egyptian officials, prominent Egyptian businessmen, and members of the Indian community attended the inaugural function. This first-ever Made in India exhibition is supported by the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association (EBA) Federation of Egyptian Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI).

    115 Indian companies are participating in the exhibition. The list includes well known names such as Godrej Consumer Products, Kirloskar Brothers, the Tata Group, Sanmar Chemicals, Apollo Tyres, JK Tyres, I-Flex, RITES, Tea Board of India, and SBI. The exhibition also features a Hydrocarbon Pavilion showcasing the public sector majors - GAIL (India) Ltd, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, O N G C Ltd, Oil India Ltd and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. India’s achievements and capabilities in S&T are showcased in the pavilion put up by the Ministry of Science & Technology. There is sizeable presence of the Indian auto components sector. The Aditya Birla Group enterprises in Alexandria, Alexandria Carbon Black and Alexandria Fiber –two major Indian success stories in Egypt- are also participating in the Show.

    “Made in India” Show includes meetings/interactions with EBA, FEI, the India-Egypt Joint Business Group, and a seminar on business and investment opportunities in India and Egypt. Coinciding with the Show, a 20-member CEOs delegation led by Mr. Rajive Kaul, Past President, CII & Chairman, NICCO Corporation is also visiting Egypt.

    The exhibition taok place against the backdrop of marked increase in Indo-Egyptian trade and inflow of Indian investments into Egypt. It seeks to provide a platform for direct interface while promoting awareness of existing and emerging business possibilities that are expanding in with on-going economic reforms and impressive growth rates registered in both countries.

Cairo, 13 November, 2007

Glimpses of India Painting Competition Award of Prizes to Egyptian children

    To commemorate the birth anniversaries of three great leaders of modern India - Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad - the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), Embassy of India organized the annual "Glimpses of India" painting competition for school children from 30 September to 11 October, 2007. Over 2000 children from 293 schools of Cairo, Giza and Alexandria participated in the competition.

    At a function scheduled at 6 pm on Tuesday, 13 November 2007 at the Al-Salam Theatre [101, Kasrel Eini Street, Garden City, Cairo], the famous Egyptian Poet, Mr. Yakoub El Sharouni was the Chief Guest and has presented prizes to 60 children, who have been adjudged winners from three categories of the competition.

Cairo, 29 October, 2007

Lecture titled “Tagore: A World View” at MACIC

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) organized a lecture on October 29, 2007, titled “Tagore: A World View” by Mrs. Suhaila Al-Hussaini, an Iraqi Writer.

    Mrs. Suhaila Al-Hussaini is a member of the Writers Association in Cairo and several other literary organizations. She has written numerous books, papers and articles on different themes. She has also done extensive research on Rabindranath Tagore and his ideals and written a book titled “Tagore: Aspect of Faith”.

    The lecture has been held at the Centre’s premises at 23, Talaat Harb St., Downtown, Cairo, at 6 pm on Monday, October 29, 2007.

El Alamein, 27 October, 2007

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 27^th October 2007. 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 Gr. Cap. S. Prabhakaran, 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.

New Delhi, 24 October, 2007

The Egyptian Minister of Health & Population, Dr. Hatem El Gabaly meeting with the Union Minister for Health

And Family Welfare, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss

New Delhi, 23 October, 2007

The Ambassador of Arab Republic of Egypt, H. E. Dr. Mohamed Higazy and the Director of Directorate of Film Festival, Ms. Neelam Kapoor jointly addressing a press conference on the Egyptian Film Festival

The Director of Film-Girl’s Secret, Mr. Magady Ahmed Ali and the Dy. Dir. General (M&C) PIB, Shri S.M. Khan and other dignitaries are also seen.

Cairo, 20 - 31 October, 2007

Photo exhibition: "Gandhi: His Life and His Message" at MACIC

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) will organize an exhibition entitled "Gandhi: His Life and His Message" on the occasion of the 138th Birth Anniversary of the father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

    The exhibition will feature portraits, photographs, books and other items associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s life. The Centre will also run film/documentary shows on Mahatma Gandhi.

    The exhibition will be inaugurated at 6 pm on 22 October by H. E Mr. A. Gopinathan, Ambassador of India to Egypt and will remain open till 31 October 2007.

    Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948) is the most revered political and spiritual leader of India and India’s independence movement. Affectionately called “Bapu”, meaning father in Gujarati, Mahatma Gandhi was the pioneer of Satyagraha resistance strongly based upon the principle of ahimsa or total non-violence. His vision and philosophy inspire not only India’s freedom struggle, but also movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. He is commonly known and addressed world-wide as Mahatma (‘Great Soul’ in Hindi).

    Mahatma Gandhi's birthday on 2^nd October is commemorated as Gandhi Jayanti, and is a national holiday in India. On 15 June 2007, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution piloted by India with the co-sponsorship of 142 countries to annually observe and celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday as the International Day of Non-Violence.

Bibliotheca, Alexandria, 02 October 2007

Mr. Amr Badruddin Hnorary Consul of India in Alexandria, Paying floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary

Cairo, 11 - 20 September, 2007

An art exhibition entitled "Civilization Linkage between India & Egypt" at MACIC

    Within the framework of its various cultural activities, the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) is organizing an art exhibition titled " Civilization Linkage between India & Egypt" by Dr. Amira Mohammed Morsi from September 11-20, 2007, at the premises of the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture at 23, Talaat Harb St, Downtown, Cairo.

    Dr. Amira Morsi, a Lecturer, Graphic Dept., Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University, participated in several individual and group exhibitions in Egypt.

    The exhibition will be held at the premises of the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (23, Talaat Harb St, Downtown, Cairo). The exhibition will remain open from 10 am to 6 pm daily except on Fridays and Saturdays. All are cordially invited.

Cairo, 10 September, 2007

A lecture titled “India: Secrets of History” at MACIC

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) has organized a lecture on September 10, 2007, titled “India: Secrets of History” by Mr. Kareem Hussein, a member of Arab Writers Union. Mr. Hussein, who also writes short stories, has worked as Journalist in India.

    The lecture hasl been delivered at the Centre’s premises at 23, Talaat Harb St., Downtown, Cairo, at 6 pm on Monday, September 10, 2007.

Cairo, 27 August, 2007

A lecture titled “Ancient Indian Religions from the old Books” at MACIC

    MACIC has organized a lecture on August 27, 2007 titled “Ancient Indian Religions from the old Books” by Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim, Director, Santa Cultural House, Gharbia Governorate.

Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim has obtained his Master degree in 1998 and his Ph.D. in Philosophy, From Asian Studies & Research Institute, Zagazig University.  Dr. Ibrahim worked as Director General in the Department of Village Culture, General Authority for Cultural Palaces

Alexandria, 19-23 August, 2007

Visit of INS Jalashwa Ship to Alexandria

    INS Jalashwa (Landing Platform Dock) has visited Alexandria from 19 to 23 August 2007.  Captain B S Ahluwalia, Captain of the Ship laid a wreath at the memorial of unknown soldier at Alexandria.  The Captain has called on The governor of Alexandria and the Commander of Alexandria Naval Base.

A reception onboard the Ship was organized on 21 August 2007 at Alexandria from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  A no of diplomats & other dignitaries had attended the reception. 

Opera House, Cairo, 15 August, 2007 [Evening]

India House, Cairo, 15 August, 2007

Flag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of India's independence

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of India’s Independence, a flag hoisting ceremony has been held at India House ‘Bharat Bhawan’, 19, Mohamed Mazhar Street, Zamalek, at 08:30 hours on Wednesday, 15 August 2007. H. E. Mr. A. Gopinathan, Ambassador of India, hoisted the Indian tricolour.

Cairo, 01 - 06 August, 2007

Odissi Dance and Sitar performance in Egypt

    The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), Embassy of India has organized Odissi dance and Sitar performances by Kavita Dwibedi and Purbayan Chaterjee, respectively in Cairo (Al Qawmy Theatre, Maidan Ataba at 2000 hrs on 1 August), Ismaelia (Ismaelia Cultural Palace at 2000 hrs on 3 August), Fayoum (Fayoum Cultural Palace at 2000 hrs on 5 August) and Alexandria (Anfoushi Cultural Palace at 2000 hrs on 6 August).

    Odissi is one of the most graceful dance forms of India, tracing its origin to 2^nd century B.C. in the temples of East Indian state of Orissa. Kavita Dwibedi, one of the leading exponents of this classical dance, has a career spanning 17 years. She performed at prestigious venues in India and internationally.

Sitar is a plucked stringed instrument, predominantly used in Hindustani classical music of India. According to a legend this elegant instrument, which has been around for 700 years, was invented by Amir Khusro, a thirteenth century Sufi poet, musician, and scholar. A gifted Sitar player, Purbayan Chaterjee trained under leading Indian maestros. 

    The visit of the Indian cultural troupe takes place under the aegis of the India-Egypt Cultural Exchange Programme and is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Arab Republic of Egypt and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi.

Cairo, 30 July, 2007

A lecture titled "The Indian Model of Development"at MACIC

    The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) organized a lecture on July 30, 2007, titled "The Indian Model of Development" by Prof. Mustapha Kamel El-Sayed, Professor of Political Science, Cairo University.

    Prof Mustapha has taught and occupied important positions in prestigious universities and institutions such as the Cairo University, the Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies, the United Nations University and the American University in Cairo.

Cairo, 24 July - 02 August 2007

An art exhibition - "Indian and Nubian Arts" at MACIC

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) has organized an art exhibition from July 24 - August 02, 2007. The exhibition was titled "Indian and Nubian Arts" showcases the works of Mr. Tawfik Helmy.

    Mr. Tawfik Helmy is a member of many prestigious art associations in Egypt and has participated in many exhibitions.

Cairo, 25 June, 2007

A lecture titled "The Panchatantra in Old Literature" at MACIC

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) organized a lecture titled "The Panchatantra in Old Literature" by Prof. Ahmed Darwish, Vice Dean and Professor of Literature Criticism and Comparative Literature, Faculty of Darul Oloom, Cairo University.

    Prof. Darwish was awarded a Ph. D. in 1982 from Sorbonne University, Paris, for his thesis on "Literature and Human Sciences- Literature Criticism and Comparative Literature"

    The lecture has been delivered at the Centre's premises at 23, Talaat Harb St., Downtown, Cairo, at 6 pm on Monday, June 25, 2007

Cairo, 18 - 21 June, 2007

Visit of business delegation from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)

A multi-sectoral business delegation from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), a premier industry and trade body in India, is visiting Egypt from 18-21 June, 2007. The purpose of the visit is to discuss business and investment opportunities with counterparts in Egyptian industry, Government authorities and organizations promoting investments, trade and small and medium industries in Egypt.  Several MoUs are expected to be signed between Indian and Egyptian entities during the visit. 

The delegation includes representatives from diverse industries such as petrochemicals, textiles and garments, industrial consultancy, construction, transport, solar energy, medical equipment, agro products, engineering plant and equipment, chemicals and welding and cutting products. The delegation is led by Mr. C. K. Dhanuka, Managing Director of South Asia Petrochem Limited

During their visit, the delegation will have joint business meetings with the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce on June 18, 2007, and with the Egyptian Businessmen Association (EBA) on June 21, 2007.  They will also participate in the SMETECH 2007 exhibition for small and medium enterprises and discuss ways to promote SMEs in Egypt. Meeting with the Social Fund for Development [SFD] and other entities are also envisaged.

The visit by the Indian business and industry delegation is part of the thrust being given to increasing trade and investment relationships between the two countries during the sixtieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Egypt.

Cairo, 10 - 21 June, 2007

An art exhibition entitled "Phoenician Imagination in Book Art" at MACIC

    Within the framework of its various cultural activities, the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) is organizing an art exhibition titled "Phoenician Imagination in Book Art" by Dr. Rania El-Hossary from June 10-21, 2007, at the premises of the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture at 23, Talaat Harb St, Downtown, Cairo.

    Dr. Hossary, a Lecturer, Graphic Dept., Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University, participated in several exhibitions in Egypt and in an international exhibition in Spain in 2006.

    The exhibition will remain open from 10 am to 6 pm daily. For further details, please contact the Centre: Tel: 3933396 / 3960071. All are cordially invited.

Cairo, 4 - 8 June, 2007

Visit of H. E. Mrs. Meira Kumar, Hon'ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India to Egypt

    H. E. Mrs. Meira Kumar, Minister of Social Justice and  Empowerment of India, paid an official visit to Egypt from 4^th to 8^th June, 2007 at the invitation of H. E. Dr. Ali El-Sayed Al-Moselhi, Minister for Social Solidarity of Egypt.

    H. E. Mrs. Meira Kumar’s visit will help sustain the momentum of Ministerial-level exchanges that have taken place between India and Egypt since November 2006. It will also enable continuation of the dialogue between the two Ministers that was initiated when H. E. Dr. Ali El-Sayed Al-Moselhi visited New Delhi in January 2007.

Cairo, 28 May, 2007

A lecture titled "Salvation in Indian Thought" at MACIC

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) organized a lecture titled "Salvation in Indian Thought" by Dr. (Mrs.) Hala Abul Fotouh, Professor of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, Cairo, University.

    Dr. Hala Abul Fotouh was awarded a Ph.D. in 2000 for her thesis on the theme of salvation in Indian thought. She also has a book - “Philosophy of Ethics and Political Thought” to her credit. Dr. Fotouh has participated in several academic conferences, seminars etc.

    The lecture has been delivered at the Centre’s premises at 23, Talaat Harb St., Downtown, Cairo, at 6 pm on Monday, May 28, 2007.

Cairo, 13 - 24 May, 2007

An art exhibition entitled "Inspiration from the East: India Meets Egypt" at MACIC

    Within the framework of its various cultural activities, Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) organized an art exhibition titled "Inspiration from the East: India Meets Egypt" by Prof Esmat Hassan from May 13-24, 2007, at the premises of the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture at 23, Talaat Harb St, Downtown, Cairo.

    Prof. Esmat, a Biologist at the National Research Centre, is also an amateur artist, a poet and a writer. She attended art classes in Germany in techniques of oil painting. Prof Esmat has participated in many international exhibitions in Germany and Egypt.

Cairo, 09 - 10 May, 2007

Visit of Arab League Delegation to India

    H. E. Ambassador Heshm Youssef, Chief of the Cabinet of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, led a 5-member delegation to New Delhi on 9 -10 May 2007 for the third round of the India-Arab League bilateral dialogue. The Indian delegation was headed by Shri N. Ravi, Secretary (East), MEA. The dialogue took place within the framework of the MoU signed between the Ministry of External Affairs and the Secretariat of the League of Arab States on 6 March 2002.

    During the talks, the leaders of the two delegations exchanged their views and assessments of regional and multilateral issues. Secretary (East) emphasized the importance India attaches to its long-standing relations of friendship and cooperation with the Arab world. The recent high-level exchange of visits between India and the Arab countries and India’s expanding trade and economic relations with West Asia and North Africa and the Gulf were noted with satisfaction. Secretary (East) reaffirmed India’s strong support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. India’s strong commitment to the just and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine, within well defined and recognized borders, living in peaceful co-existence with its neighbours, was reiterated.

    Both sides agreed that possibilities of strengthening economic and commercial relations and cooperation in Human Resource Development, Science & Technology and tourism within the India-Arab League framework should be studied and developed. In this context, a preliminary exchange of views took place on establishing an India-Arab Cooperation Forum. It was agreed to continue discussions on this subject.

    During the visit, Ambassador Hesham Youssef also called on Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri E. Ahamed.

    The Arab League delegation also had discussions with ASSOCHAM, CII and FICCI on enhancing trade and joint ventures in traditional and new sectors between the Arab nations and India.

Cairo, 07 May, 2007

Celebration the Birth Anniversary of Prophet Mohammad "Miladun Nabi" at Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) celebrated the Birth Anniversary of Prophet Mohammad "Miladun Nabi" on 7 May 2007. A large number of people including Indian and Egyptian students attended the function.

    On this occasion, Certificates of Proficiency in Hindi and Urdu were distributed to Egyptian students who successfully underwent a six months course in those languages in the Centre. This time, there were 29 students who completed COP in Urdu and there were 17 students who completed COP in Hindi. H. E Mr. A. Gopinathan, Ambassador of India to Egypt presented the certificates and books to successful students

Cairo, 29 April, 2007

An Indian music concert at Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture, Cairo

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) has organized an Indian music concert titled "Indian Khayal Raagas on Tabla & Sarangi" by Mr. Jagdeep Singh Mudan, and Mr. Nicolas Magriel.

    Mr. Jagdeep Singh, who trained under Ustad Latif Ahmad Khan, has been playing the Tabla since 1979. He has performed with various artists, vocalists and Kathak dancers, fusion bands etc and has unique style that combines a balance of both Tabla drums.

    Mr. Nicolas Magriel, an American, lived in India for ten years, where, along side north Indian vocal music he learnt to play the Sarangi under distinguished Indian masters. In 2001, he completed his Doctoral theses on various Sarangi styles and their relationships to vocal music.

    The concert has been held at the Centre’s premises at 23, Talaat Harb St., Downtown, Cairo, at 7 pm on Sunday, April 29, 2007.

Cairo, 26 April, 2007

Lecture on "India and Indo-Egyptian Relations – a journalist’s perspective" at Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) hosted a lecture on "India and Indo-Egyptian Relations – a journalist’s perspective" by Mr. Shaker Abdul Fattah, Correspondent, Middle East News Agency at the Center’s premises at 23, Talaat Harb St., Downtown, Cairo, at 6 pm on Thursday, April 26, 2007.

    Stationed as the MENA correspondent in New Delhi, Mr. Shaker Abdul Fattah was witness to and reported extensively on many significant events and developments in India between 2003 and 2006. In his talk at MACIC, he will share his perceptions and views on India and the relationship between India and Egypt. An eminent journalist, Mr. Shaker Abdul Fattah also has to his credit translations of novels as well as reports of the Strategic Studies Centre.

Cairo, 15 - 26 April, 2007

An art exhibition entitled "Leqa’a" at Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture

    Within the framework of its various cultural activities, the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) organized an art exhibition titled "Leqa’a" by artists of Association Art-Symbole-Civilizations from April 15 to 26, 2007 at the premises of the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture at 23, Talaat Harb St, Downtown, Cairo.

    Association Art-Symbole-Civilizations aims at development of Egypt's relations with other countries like India through arts and promotion of the local art society. The association has a very good number of members drawn from all places of Egypt. Ten members of the Association are to showcase their products in MACIC.

Cairo, 23 April, 2007

Visit of Hon’ble Mr. Murli Deora, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas of India, to Egypt

    H. E. Mr. Mohamed Hosni Mubarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt received Hon’ble Mr. Murli Deora, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas of India this morning. During the call, Mr. Deora delivered a message to President Mubarak from H. E. Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India.

    President Mubarak reiterated his support to the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between India and Egypt and noted with satisfaction that high-level bilateral ministerial exchanges in the past few months had imparted renewed impetus to the Indo-Egyptian relationship. President Mubarak also expressed confidence that, besides deepening cooperation in the oil and gas sector, Mr. Deora’s visit would strengthen the contacts at the political plane and promote better understanding between the two countries.

    Conveying the greetings and good wishes of the people and leadership of India to the people and leadership of Egypt, Mr. Deora emphasized that India attached priority to its relations with Egypt and was appreciative of Egypt’s role in the region. He expressed optimism that the multi-faceted relations existing between India and Egypt would be further reinforced with the continuing expansion of economic and commercial ties. Hon’ble Mr. Deora also apprised H.E. President Mubarak about the discovery of significant reserves of oil in the North Ramadan oil field by OVL in partnership with IPR Red Sea Inc. earlier this month.

    Hon’ble Mr. Deora, who arrived in Cairo yesterday evening on an official visit (22-25 April), is scheduled to hold detailed discussions on cooperation in the oil and gas sector with the Minister of Petroleum of Egypt, H. E. Mr. Amin Sameh Fahmy later today. The itinerary also includes a meeting with the Minister of Trade & Industry, H.E. Mr. Rachid Mohammed Rachid.

    The Indian delegation led by Mr. Deora includes Petroleum Secretary Mr. M.S. Srinivasan and the Heads of India’s main public sector oil and gas companies namely, Oil & Natural Gas Commission (ONGC); Indian Oil Corporation (IOC); Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL); and, Engineers India Limited (EIL).

Cairo, 20 April, 2007

Egypt-India Friendship Association marks Orphans Day

    The Egypt-India Friendship Association (EIFA) in cooperation with the Embassy of India in Cairo organized a cultural event to mark ‘Orphans’ Day’ at the Embassy of India, 5 Aziz Abaza Street, Zamalek, Cairo, at 6.00 pm on Friday, 20 April 2007. Popular Egyptian singer Mr. Hamada Helal has performed during the event.

    Children from various orphanages have participated and  presented brief programme. There was also famous tanura and Indian dance performances during the event.

    After the cultural programme, EIFA  honoured the winners of “Friend Leaders” competition, which was organized by Dar el Helal establishment.

Cairo, 26 March, 2007

Tea Board of India Business Interaction at Ramsis Hilton Hotel

    A delegation comprising prominent tea producing and exporting companies from India led by the Chairman, Tea Board, Government of India, is visiting Egypt from March 21-30, 2007. The companies are participating in the Cairo International Trade Fair (Hall No. 4) to promote exports of Indian tea to the Egyptian market. The India Tea Board stall at the Cairo International Exhibition was visited by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Nazif, Prime Minister of Egypt, during the inauguration of the Fair on 20^th March.

    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 by 2004. Since 2005 year there has been a renewed interest in importing Indian tea into Egypt and Indian tea is again finding a prominent place in Egyptian tea imports. The Indian tea delegation will explore further possibilities with both public and private sector importers in Egypt. The delegation will also host 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, India is still the second largest tea exporter in the world. Last year, Indian tea production reached a record level of nearly one billion kgs.  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, 15-22 March, 2007

Renowned Indian painters visit Egypt

    A team of six renowned Indian painters, namely Ms Jayashree Chakravarty, Ms Vasundhara Tewrai, Mr Lalu Prosad Shaw, Mr Amitava Das, Mr Surya Prakash, and Mr Aditya Basak, visited Egypt from 15 to 22 March 2007. Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture organised a get-together for them in which they shared their notes and experiences with their Egyptian counterparts. It is expected that this exploratory visit will be preparatory to an exhibition of Indian paintings later this year.

Cairo, 19 March, 2007

A lecture titled "A Comparison of Arabic and Urdu Poetry" by Dr. Yusuf Amer

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) has organized a lecture titled "A Comparison of Arabic and Urdu Poetry" by Dr. Yusuf Amer, Head, Department of Urdu, Faculty of Human Studies, Al-Azhar University.

    Dr. Amer obtained his Master and Ph. D. in Urdu from India. He has translated many publications from Urdu to Arabic and vice-versa and thereby contributing to promoting Urdu Literature in the Arab world.

    The lecture has been delivered at the Centre’s premises at 23, Talaat Harb St, Downtown, Cairo, at 6 pm on Monday, March 19, 2007

Cairo, 18-28 February, 2007

Photo Exhibition by Dr. Fathi Abdul Salam "India-Egypt Reflections"

    Within the framework of its various cultural activities, Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) is organizing a photo exhibition titled "India-Egypt Reflections" by Dr. Fathi Abdul Salam, from February 18 to 28, 2007, at the premises of the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture at 23, Talaat Harb St, Downtown, Cairo.

    Dr. Fathi is a member of the Egyptian Society of Photography and Cairo Atelier for Arts. Dr. Fathi has held and participated in many national and international photo exhibitions and has won several prestigious awards.

The exhibition will remain open from 10 am to 8 pm daily.

Cairo, 26 February, 2007

A lecture titled "What Egypt wants from the Indian Sub-Continent" by Prof. Gehad Abdel Malek Auda

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) organized a lecture titled "What Egypt wants from the Indian Sub-Continent" by Prof. Gehad Abdel Malek Auda, Head, Department of Political Science, Helwan University.

    Prof Gehad Auda is a member of many prestigious national and international academic centres and has several books and research papers to his credit.

    The lecture has been delivered at the Centre’s premises at 23, Talaat Harb St., Downtown, Cairo, on Monday, February 26, 2007 at 6 pm

Cairo, 16-19 February, 2007

Indian Navy Ship INS Tarangini visits Egypt

    INS TARANGINI, the Indian Navy’s sole sail training ship, visited Alexandria, Egypt from 16 to 19 February 2007.  The ship was built at Goa Shipyard limited and commissioned on 11 Nov 97.  In Hindi the word ‘Tarang’ means the waves, thus the ship is aptly called as ‘TARANGINI’.

The ship is built for world wide operations and carries 20 sails with a total sail area of almost 1000 square meters.  The ship has high endurance and can remain at sea continuously for a period of over 20 days.  She has a complement of seven officers & 43 sailors as permanent crew and can accommodate 30 cadets at a time for sail training.  INS TARANGINI forms part of the 1^st Training Squadron based at Kochi under the aegis of Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command.

    INS TARANGINI is the first commissioned ship in the Indian Navy to have circumnavigated the globe from 23 January 2003 to 25 April 2004, during which period it called at 37 ports in 18 countries (including Egypt) covering 34,923 nautical miles.  The ship undertook another noteworthy voyage across the high seas of Europe from 21 April 2005 to 06 November 2005 with the aim of “Strengthening the Bridges of Friendships across the Seas”, calling on 16 ports in 13 countries (including Egypt).

    INS TARANGINI is currently on its way to participate in the “Tall Ships Challenge Series 2007” organized by American Sail Training Association on the Atlantic Coast of North America.  The ship would be calling at 23 ports in 16 countries during this venture.  A total of 07 officers, 40 sailors, and 255 Indian Naval Cadets and 40 foreign cadets (including one from Egyptian Navy) would be participating in various phases of this ambitious voyage.

Cairo, 11 February, 2007

Visit of Indian Plywood and Allied Products Delegation [CAPEXIL] to Egypt

    A trade delegation from the Plywood and Allied Products Panel of the Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council of India (CAPEXIL) visited Egypt from February 09 to 12, 2007 to explore avenues for increase in commercial exchanges between India and Egypt. The delegation consisted of seven Indian companies in the field of plywood, teak wood, processed timber, hardboard and allied products. 

    The CAPEXIL delegation has hosted a Buyer–Seller Meet (BSM) for interested Egyptian businesspersons at the Hotel Ramses Hilton (Ramses Ballroom) on Sunday, February 11, 2007.

    The visit of the CAPEXIL 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 interact with Egyptian wood importers and various chambers and associations in this field. It is expected that this visit will open up new opportunities for Egypt to source quality plywood and allied products at competitive prices from India for the Egyptian furniture and construction industries.

Cairo, 28 January, 2007

Painting Exhibition of "Glimpses of India" by the Winners of the annual painting exhibition organized for school children

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) organized a painting exhibition titled "Glimpses of India". The painting exhibition has displayed works of the winners of the "Glimpses of India" competition for Egyptian schoolchildren, which was organized by MACIC. The paintings expressed the children's thoughts and ideas about India and its culture.

India House, Cairo, 26 January, 2007

Flag-Hoisting ceremony in Cairo on the occasion of 58^th Republic Day of India

    On the occasion of the 58^th Republic Day of India, the Flag Hoisting Ceremony has been held at 9:00 am at India House, 19, Mohamed Mazhar Street, Zamalek, on Friday, 26 January 2007. The Indian tricolour has been hoisted by H. E. Mr. A. Gopinathan, Ambassador of India.

India House, Cairo, 24 January, 2007

Evening Reception on the Occasion of 58^th Republic Day of India

On the occasion of the 58^th Republic Day of India, a reception has been held at India House, on Wednesday, 24 January 2007

Cairo, 22 January, 2007

A lecture titled "Ancient Egyptian Fleets to Southern India" at the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) organized a lecture titled "Ancient Egyptian Fleets to Southern India" by Mr. Wael Fekry.

    Mr. Wael is a media researcher, currently preparing a program "Delta of Civilizations" for Egyptian TV. He graduated from Architecture Section of the Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University in 1986. From 1987-2004, he studied Italian Language, Structural Building/Architectural Finishing, Archaeology, Decoration & design, Editing and Translation and Computers. He has visited many countries notably England, Bulgaria, Turkey, Jordan and Syria.

Cairo, 15-22 January, 2007

Painting Exhibition - "FACES" at Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture

    Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) organized a painting exhibition from 15^th to 22^nd January 2007. The exhibition was titled "FACES", showcases the works of Mr. Omar Ahmed Mahmoud Awad, a young artist.

    A graduate from the Department of Graphics, Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University, Mr. Awad uses different shapes and colours to depict moods and emotions. He believes that the face is the index of the heart and, therefore, the heart speaks through the face. This is Mr. Awad's first solo exhibition. Earlier his works have been exhibited with other artists in several galleries in Cairo.

Cairo, 16-17 January, 2007

Indian Textiles Exhibition in Egypt

    The Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC) of India in association with Embassy of India, Cairo has organized an Indian Textiles Exhibition in Cairo on 16-17 January, 2007 at Hotel Ramses Hilton (Venue: Ramses Hilton Hotel Ballroom. Thirty one prominent Indian textile manufacturing companies which include most of the biggest names in the industry are participated in the exhibition.

    The Indian Textiles Exhibition is being held as one of the activities coinciding with the observance of the year 2007 as the 60^th anniversary of India’s independence. Activities during this year will focus on expanding commercial and economic relations between Egypt and India.

    SRTEPC is an organization sponsored by the Government of India and supported by the Indian synthetic and rayon textile industry which has over 3000 member manufacturers and exporters. In the global textile scenario, Indian textile industry is a leading player, being the fourth largest producer of man-made fibres. India has a multi-fibre base with the presence of large players and modern capacities.  India’s total exports of textiles and clothing are expected to reach US$ 40,000 million by 2010.

2006 Events