INDO-ARMENIAN FRIENDSHIP NGO
Relationship Inspired
𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐢 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭
𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞, 𝐘𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧
On the 22nd August 2020, Indian Cultural Centre, Armenia and the Indian Students of Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi (YSMU) organised a special pooja and celebration on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. The pooja and cultural program took place at the premises of the Indian Cultural Centre in Yerevan.
The event was graced by the presence of His Excellency KD Dewal, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to the Republic of Armenia as a Chief Guest and Mr. Yervand Sahakyan, Vice-Rector for External Affairs and International Partnerships of YSMU.
Mr. Shambhu Amitabh Second Secretary & HOC, Embassy of India, Mr. Ashok Bhatnagar, Attache, Embassy of India, Ms. Lilit Simonyan Mishra, Interpreter-cum-Social Secretary, Embassy of India, Ms. Gayane Avetisyan, Dean of Foreign Sudents, YSMU, Mr. Khachatur Margaryan, Vice-Dean and Head of Career Centre of YSMU, Dr. Rahul Sethi, Head of International Students' Affairs Department were among our special guests.
Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, in keeping with the Government SOPs & guidelines regarding mass gatherings, only a few Students of YSMU, representatives of Indian Community of Armenia, Armenian friends and members of Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO and Indian Cultural Centre Armenia attended the event.
Ms. Lusine Toroyan, Secretary-General of IAF welcomed all the distinguished guests on behalf of Mr. Rananjay Anand, Co-Founder and President of IAF and Ms. Ruzanna Ashughyan, Co-Founder and Vice-President of IAF and thanked the guests for their attendance before inviting the dignitaries for the lighting of the Indian ceremonial lamps. In her speech Ms Toroyan mentioned that this was the first time that a pooja was being organised with students at Indian Cultural Centre Armenia and expressed hope, that it will become a tradition to celebrate all Indian Festivals, bringing Indian culture to a bigger audience. Ms Lusine Toroyan once again reiterated, that fhe Indian Cultural Centre is always open for the Indian community in Armenia and ready for cooperations and collaborations at all levels, especially with Indian students who can treat Indian Cultural Centre as a home away from home.
Mr. Siva Shakthi Veeraswamy, Head at YSMU Indian Student Council also welcomed the guests, presented the programme and invited officials for the opening remarks.
In his opening remarks, His Excellency KD Dewal wished everyone on the occasion and shared a brief history of Ganesh Chaturthi, touching upon the important role it had played during the Indian Independence Movement after Bal Gangadhar Tilak re-started its celebration in Maharashtra as an effective cultural medium to bring about social unity and sense of national pride among Indian Citizens.
Mr. Yervand Sahakyan shared his memories from his visits to India and expressed his admiration and respect for Indian culture and for Indians, which have become very close to his heart. Although Mr Sahakyan has been associated with Indian students for 15 years, he is still yet to discover more about Indian culture due to its vastness and diversity. Mr Sahakyan expressed hope that more events will be organized that will help in discovering more about India and her traditions.
Congratulatory messages were also shared by Mr. Shambhu Amitabh and Ms. Gayane Avetisyan.
The opening remarks were followed by a special pooja, in which all guests took part. Special prasada or offering food was also distributed after the pooja.
In keeping with the festive celebration, a special cultural program was also organised in the dance studio of the Indian Cultural Centre during which Ms. Marine Gharibyan, member of Shakti Dance and Song Group of the Indian Cultural Center rendered a beautiful performance of Satyam Shivam Sundaram which was followed by a beautiful medley of dance performances by Ms. Shreya Bose and Ms. Ramya M Nair, students of YSMU.
The opening remarks were followed by a special pooja, in which all guests took part. Special prasada or offering food was also distributed after the pooja.
In keeping with the festive celebration, a special cultural program was also organised in the dance studio of the Indian Cultural Centre during which Ms. Marine Gharibyan, member of Shakti Dance and Song Group of the Indian Cultural Center rendered a beautiful performance of Satyam Shivam Sundaram which was followed by a beautiful medley of dance performances by Ms. Shreya Bose and Ms. Ramya M Nair, students of YSMU.
Indian Cultural Center Armenia thanks His Excellency and respected staff of the Embassy of India for their continuous support. Special thanks also to the Administration of Yerevan State Medical University, and the Indian Students for their collaboration and support, especially Mr. Siva Shakthi Veeraswamy, Mr. Gokula Krishnan Saminathan and all students who helped in the organisation of the event.
We also want to thank our valuable volunteers, members and friends for their continuous support and dedication.
Once again, Indian Cultural Centre Armenia and Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO wish all our friends a very happy Ganesh Chaturthi. May Lord Ganesha shower his blessings on everyone and may everyone’s life be filled with health and prosperity.
Long Live Indo-Armenian Friendship.
