Cairo, 10 - 17 November, 2008

“Days of Indian Culture” at MACIC

    Under the provisions of the India-Egypt Cultural Exchange Programme, the Embassy of India, Cairo is organizing the “Days of Indian Culture in Egypt” from 10 November to 17 November 2008. The event is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Arab Republic of Egypt and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

    The week-long Indian cultural festival will be inaugurated by H. E. Mr. Farouk Hosni, Minister of Culture, Arab Republic of Egypt, at the Main Hall, Cairo Opera House on Monday, 10 November 2008. The inaugural ceremony will be followed by a performance by the Talvadya Music & Goa folk dance troupes.

    “Days of Indian Culture” in Egypt will include performances by four music and dance troupes from different parts of India, the photo-exhibition ‘Murals of India’, an exhibition of contemporary paintings and an Indian Film Week.

    It may be recalled that in October 2007, the Ministry of Culture of the Arab Republic of Egypt had organized the “Days of Egyptian Culture” in India.

Cairo, 27 October, 2008

A lecture on “Indo-African Relations” by Dr. Samia Abbas at MACIC

    The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) is organizing a lecture on “Indo-African Relations” by Dr. Samia Abbas, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Middle East News Agency.

    Dr. Abbas, a graduate in French, has done Ph.D. from Sourbonne University, France. She has held many positions such as: Joint Supervisor of French Literature, Ain Shams University, Editor of Le Progree Egyptian, MENA correspondent in Senegal, Head of the Diplomatic & Political Section in MENA, Head of Correspondents Dept and Managing Director of MENA. She is currently Deputy Editor-in-Chief of MENA.

Alexandria, 28 September to 02 October, 2008

Visit of INS Sindhuvijay

The Indian submarine INS Sindhuvijay visited Alexandria from 28 September to 02 October 2008

 Cairo, 29 - 31 August, 2008

Visit of the Army War College Delegation

    A fifteen member of Higher Command Delegation from the Army War College of Mhow (MP) led by Maj. Gen. G. S. Malhi, VSM visited Egypt from 29 Aug. to 31 Aug. 2008. The team has visited Nasser Higher Academy of Egypt.

 Cairo, 25 August, 2008

Lecture titled “India - The Land of Arts” by Mrs. Salwa Bakr at MACIC

    On 25 August 2008, Mrs. Salwa Bakr has delivered a lecture titled “India - The Land of Arts” at the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC).

Mrs. Salwa Bakr, a well-known writer, obtained a degree in Business Administration from Ain Shams University in 1972 and in Theatre Arts in 1976 before embarking on a career in journalism. She worked as journalist and film critic in Cyprus and Beirut and as a visiting professor at the AUC. In 1985, Mrs. Bakr published her first collection of short stories- “Zinat fi Janasat ar-Ra’is”. Since then, she has written 18 novels and short stories and her works have been translated into several languages. One of her books has also been published in India.

 Earlier this year, Mrs. Salwa Bakr was invited to India to attend an international seminar on Mahatma Gandhi’s seminal text, Hind Swaraj.

India House 'Bharat Bhawan', Cairo, 15August, 2008

Flag-Hoisting ceremony in Cairo on the occasion of 61^st anniversary of Independence Day of India

    On the occasion of the 61^st 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 Friday, 15 August 2008. H. E. Mr. A. Gopinathan, Ambassador of India to Egypt, hoisted the Indian tricolour. 

Egypt, 08-15August, 2008

Kuchipudi Dance and Violin performances in Egypt

    The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), Embassy of India organized Indian classical Kuchipudi dance by Ms. Vyjayanthi Kashi and Violin music performance by Ms. Anupriya at the Al Qawmi Theatre, Maidan Attaba, Cairo at 2000 hrs on 13 August 2008.

    The Indian cultural troupe presented performances at Alexandria (Alexandria Centre of Arts on 8 August and at Open Air Theatre “Shallalat” Garden on 10 August), Marsa Matrouh (Marsa Matrouh Cultural Palace on 9 August), Kafr Shukr (Kafr Shukr Cultural Palace on 12 August), Arish (Arish Cultural Palace on 14 August) and Port Said (Port Said Cultural Palace on 15 August). All performances will start at 2000 hrs.

    Kuchipudi, the graceful dance form of classical dance from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is profoundly aesthetic.  Vyjayanthi Kashi, one of the leading exponents of this classical dance form, has had a career that spans across an impressive spectrum of performance, choreography, teaching, acting and research. She has performed at prestigious venues in India and internationally.

    The violin is one of the most important string instruments in Indian classical music. Anupriya, one of the outstanding classical North Indian Violin artists of today, has a unique style of her own, with a keen aesthetic sense and flawless bowing techniques of Sarangi and Violin.  She has performed in more than 25 countries all over the world.

    Both these artistes have several Indian and international awards and decorations for their contribution to their respective art forms over the years.

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, 06 August, 2008

A preview of the Photo exhibition “India-Egypt: A Photographic Retrospective” at India House

    To commemorate the 60^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Egypt, a preview of the photo exhibition “India-Egypt: A Photographic Retrospective” was organized at India House on Wednesday, 06 August 2008.

    H. E. Mr. Farouk Hosni, Minister of Culture, H. E. Ahmed Darwish, Minister of State for Administrative Development, Ali el Din Helal Desouki, former youth and sports minister, Makram Mohamed Ahmed, Chairman Egyptian Press Syndicate, several dignitaries, diplomats, Egyptian businessmen, media persons and representatives of the Indian community attended the function.

Egypt, Safaga, 05-08 August, 2008

Indian naval ships visit Safaga Port

    Two Indian naval ships, INS Delhi and INS Talwar, has visited Safaga Port on the Red Sea coast in Egypt from 05 to 08 August 2008. The visit forms a part of Indian Navy's goodwill visits to the Red Sea and East African coast. The ships are part of the Western Naval Command based in Mumbai.

    INS Delhi is an indigenously designed ship and built at the Mazgaon Docks, Mumbai. The Ship is a testimony of India's capability in design and construction of naval vessels. INS Delhi is one of the most modern naval ships of Indian Navy and on the current visit is led by Rear Admiral Anil Chopra, AVSM, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet.

    INS Talwar is a modern frigate carrying state of the art equipment and is led on the current visit by Captain S K Grewal.

    Apart from safeguarding maritime borders, Indian Navy has been engaged in humanitarian and peacekeeping activities in recent years.

    The visit of two Indian Naval Ships seeked to further enhance goodwill between India and Egypt, which share rich cultural and maritime heritage. The visit is also a manifestation of the desire of both countries to enhance bilateral cooperation in defence and security matters.

Cairo, 14 July, 2008

Lecture titled “Economic Relations between Indian & Egypt: Realities & Prospects” at MACIC

    The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) has organized a lecture on July 14, 2008, titled “Economic Relations between Indian & Egypt: Realities & Prospects” by Mr. Saad Hagras, Managing Editor of Al Alam Al Youm Newspaper.

    Mr. Hagras is also Vice-President of Al Gomhuria Center for Anti-Terrorism Studies, Member in the International Association of Journalists, Member of the Egyptian Society of Political Economy, Statistics & Legislation, Member of the Arab Association of Human Rights and Member in the Arab Association for Press Freedom. He is a regular participant in debates, seminars and round tables in Arab and international forums.

Egypt, 01 - 03 July, 2008

Visit of Mr.i Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister to Egypt

    H. E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of External Affairs, visited Egypt form 01 to 03 July 2008 at the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt. His programme included meetings with his Egyptian counterpart and a call on His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Hosni Mubarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
    The wide-ranging discussions were held in a friendly atmosphere and both sides exchanged views on various bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

New Delhi, 10 June, 2008

Indo-Egypt Joint Defence Committee Meeting

Cairo, 09 June, 2008

Lecture titled “Continuity and Change in the Egyptian Culture” at MACIC, Cairo

    The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) has organized a lecture on June 9, 2008, titled “Continuity and Change in the Egyptian Culture” by Mr. Gamal al-Ghitani, a famous novelist and Chief Editor of Akhbar Al Adab.

Mr. Ghitani, novelist, essayist and writer, wrote his first short story when he was fourteen and started his career as a correspondent for Akhbar el-Youm daily in 1969. Mr. Ghitani was awarded first Egyptian State Prize for Novels in 1980. In 1993, he was appointed head of the cultural section of Akhbar el-Youm. Mr. Ghitani’s books have been translated and published in many languages, including English, French and German. His six-volumes collected works were published in 1990-96. Al-Ghitani has also lectured at several universities and participated in many international conferences. He was the guest of honour at the International Frankfurt Book Fair in 2004.

Lecture was attended by Ex- Egyptian Foreign Minister Mr. Ahmed Maher, Professor Gehad Ouda and senior officials

Cairo, 02 - 08 June, 2008

A Photo exhibition entitled “Spirituality in Indian and Egyptian dimensions” at MACIC, Cairo

    The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) is organizing a Photo exhibition titled “Spirituality in Indian and Egyptian dimensions” by Ms. Cornelia Kaufman from June 2-8, 2008.

Corneila Kauffman, an established Austrian photographer, lives and works in Innsbruck, Austria. She received her photograph's certification in 1993 and has photographed numerous celebrities as well as performing contract work for major companies. She has published and exhibited work all over the world and documented her travels to remote corners of the globe with her camera.

Cairo, 18 - 29 May, 2008

An art exhibition entitled "Women from India & Egypt"at the MACIC, Cairo

    The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) has organized an art exhibition titled "Women from India & Egypt" by Ms. Ahlam Fekry, from May 18-29, 2008, at the premises of the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture.

Ms. Fekry, a graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University, has participated in many exhibitions. She is a member of the Fine Arts Syndicate and of several other art associations in Egypt and France.

Egypt, 18 - 21 May, 2008

Indian Minister of State for Commerce and Power visits Egypt

    Minister of State for Commerce & Power of India, His Excellency Mr. Jairam Ramesh, visited Egypt from 18-21 May 2008.  During the visit, His Excellency Mr. Jairam Ramesh has represented the Prime Minister of India at the World Economic Forum Middle East Summit on 18-19 May.  Subsequently, on the bilateral leg of the visit, Mr. Jairam Ramesh will call on and have talks with several Egyptian cabinet Ministers, including Their Excellencies Eng. Rachid Mohamed Rachid, Minister of Trade and Industry, and Dr. Hassan Ahmed Younes, Minister of Electricity and Energy

Egypt, 11 - 17 May, 2008

Visit of National Defence College Training Tour, led by Commandant of NDC, Vice Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin

Cairo, 12 May, 2008

Lecture titled “Role of Indian scholars in the Service of Human Civilization” MACIC

    MACIC has organized a lecture on May 12, 2008, titled “Role of Indian Scholars in the Service of Human Civilization” by Dr. Karam Helmy, Assistant Professor of Islamic Civilization, Zagazig University.

Dr. Helmy who holds a Doctorate in Islamic History and Islamic Civilization from Cairo University, is currently heading the Civilization Department at the Institute of Asian Studies and Researches, Zagazig University. He has authored many books and contributed many papers at national and international conferences and seminars in Egypt and abroad.

Cairo, 11 May, 2008

H. E. Mr. A. Gopinathan, Ambassador of India to Egypt has delivered a presentation titled

“New Directions in India and Africa relations” at the Union of African Journalists in Cairo

Cairo, 21 April, 2008

Lecture titled “Economic and Political Changes in India”  at MACIC

    MACIC has organized a lecture on April 21, 2008, titled “Economic and Political Changes in India” by Mr. Abdallah Nassar, First Deputy Chief Editor of Al Gomhuria newspaper, Head of Economic section and Board member of Dar El Tahrir Publishing House (Al Gomhuria Group)

New Delhi, 16 April, 2008

Visit of The Minister of Agriculture of Egypt, Mr. Amin Abaza to India

The Minister of Agriculture of Egypt, H. E. Mr. Amin Abaza along with a delegation meeting with the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Agriculture, H. E. Mr. Sharad Pawar

New Delhi, 15 April, 2008

Visit of The Egyptian Trade Minister, H. E. Eng. Rachid Mohamed Rachid to India

New Delhi, 08 - 09 April, 2008

Visit of The Minister for International Co-operation, Egypt, H. E. Ms. Fayza Abou El Naga to India

Cairo, 15 April, 2008

Celebrating Prophet Muhammad's Day (Miladul Nabi) and distributing of prizes for the painting competition

"India through Egyptian Eyes" at MACIC

Sharm El-Sheikh, 5-6 April, 2008

‘The Indian delegation at the Asia – Middle East Dialogue (AMED-II) held in Sharm El Sheikh from 5-6 April, 2008

led by Professor Mushirul Hasan, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Milia Islamia University

Cairo, 18 - 28 February, 2008

An art exhibition entitled "Old Cairo" at MACIC

    The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) is organizing an art exhibition titled "Old Cairo" by Mrs. Myriam Wassef, from February 18-28, 2008, at the premises of the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture at 23, Talaat Harb St, Downtown, Cairo.

    Mrs. Myriam, a graduate from Helwan University, has participated in many art exhibitions. This will be her first exhibition in the Centre.

    The exhibition is being 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 6.00 pm daily except on Fridays and Saturdays.

Cairo, 17 February, 2008

“INDIA AND THE PROSPECTS FOR STRENGTHENING INDIA-EGYPT RELATIONS”

Presentation by H. E. Mr. A. Gopinathan, Ambassador of India to Egypt

    H. E. Mr. A. Gopinathan, Ambassador of India to Egypt has delivered a presentation titled “INDIA AND THE PROSPECTS FOR STRENGTHENING INDIA-EGYPT RELATIONS” at the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs

Cairo, 11 February, 2008

Lecture titled “ Sufism and Mysticism in India” at MACIC

    The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) has organized a lecture on February 11, 2008, titled “Sufism and Mysticism in India” by Prof. Abdel Fattah Mohsen Badawi, Scientific Consultant for H.E. Minister of Military Production.

Prof. Badawi has obtained M. Sc and Ph. D Degrees in Chemistry.  He has occupied many senior posts in government and private establishments.  Currently he is the Scientific Consultant for the Egyptian Minister of Military Production. Prof. Badawi is a prolific writer on mysticism and has published several books in Arabic and English. He has been awarded International Peace Prize from United Cultural Convention in USA. Prof. Badawi has visited several places of Sufis and saints in India and has closely watched how these places have enlightened and shaped the life of thousands of Indian masses there.  He wanted to talk about his experience and knowledge gained in India.

Cairo, 30 January - 01 February, 2008

Visit of textile industry delegation from India to Egypt

    H. E. Mr. Shankersinh Vaghela, Minister of Textiles, Government of India, accompanied by a high-level delegation from the Indian textile industry visited Egypt from 30 January to 1 February 2008.  During the visit, the delegation called on H. E. Eng. Rachid Mohammad Rachid, Minister for Trade and Industry, and H. E. Dr. Mahmoud Moheildin, Minister of Investment. The members of the delegation had extensive interactions with leading industrialists and businessmen connected with the textile and garment industry of Egypt. The India-Egypt Joint Business Council hosted a business dinner for the delegation which was attended by leading public and private sector textile and garment industry heads and representatives of the textile industry chambers.

    During the discussions, both sides recognized the complementarities between the textile and garment industries of India and Egypt and decided to work closely to take full advantage of each others’ strengths for mutual benefit. The Egyptian side emphasized the large potential for Indian companies to invest in Egypt’s textile sector and to participate in upgradation and modernization of Egypt’s textile industry.

    Both India and Egypt have well-developed textile and garment industries. Egypt imports a large part of the requirement of man made fibres and textiles for its textile and garment industries from India. Such imports have significant potential to expand, given the rapid growth of the garment industry in Egypt. On the other hand, India is the largest importer of Egyptian raw cotton and cotton yarn for its textile and garment industries.

    The Indian side invited a delegation of leading representatives of the textile and garment industry of Egypt to visit India to further develop the ideas of cooperation identified during the visit.

Cairo, 28-31 January, 2008

The First working Group meeting on IT between India & Egypt

A three-member delegation from Ministry of Communication and Information Technology of India led by Mr. S Ramakrishnan, Director General, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing of India visited Cairo on January 28-31, 2008 for the first meeting of the Indo-Egypt Joint Working Group on IT. Both sides identified the focus areas for carrying forward the bilateral cooperation in this field.

India House, Cairo, 27 January, 2008

Evening Reception on the Occasion of 59^th Republic Day of India

On the occasion of the 59^th Republic Day of India, a reception has been held at India House, on Sunday, 27 January 2008

India House, Cairo, 26 January, 2008

Flag-Hoisting ceremony in Cairo on the occasion of 59^th Republic Day of India

    On the occasion of the 59^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 Saturday, 26 January 2008. The Indian tricolour has been hoisted by H. E. Mr. A. Gopinathan, Ambassador of India.

Egypt, 05 - 09 January, 2008

Visit of Hon’ble Mr. Shivraj V. Patil, Minister of Home Affairs of India to Egypt

    H. E. Mr. Shivraj V. Patil, Minister of Home Affairs of India, has paid an official visit to Egypt on 5-9 January 2008 at the invitation of H. E. Mr. Habib El Adly, Minister of Interior of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Mr. Patil accompanied by a delegation comprising seven senior officials of the Government of India.

H. E. Mr. Shivraj Patil has hold intensive discussions with H. E. Mr. Habib El Adly, focussing on sharing of perspectives and experience as well as the strengthening of cooperation between the Ministry of Home Affairs of India and the Ministry of Interior of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

During his stay in Cairo, H. E. Mr. Patil had calls on other senior dignitaries of the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The visit of H. E. Mr. Patil sustained the momentum of bilateral Ministerial-level exchanges between India and Egypt while at the same time widening the scope of the bilateral relationship.