‘Ganga Sanskritik Sandhya' unites UP expat community in Qatar

Qatar Tribune

a day ago

Tribune News Network
Doha
The vibrant Indian expatriate community hailing from Uttar Pradesh (North India) came together in a magnificent celebration of their cultural heritage during the inaugural edition of 'Ganga Sanskritik Sandhya', heldlast Friday.
Organised by the newly-formed Amrit Uttar Pradesh Navrang Sanskritik Mandal, Qatar, the event marked a major milestone for the North Indian diaspora in the country, offering a vibrant platform to showcase their cultural roots and community spirit.
The evening saw the enthusiastic participation of around 200 families and individuals residing in Qatar, who united under the shared banner of tradition, identity, and pride in their cultural legacy. The gathering radiated warmth and camaraderie, as people of all ages came together to relive and celebrate the traditions of their home state.
The event was graced by Harish Pandey, First Secretary (Education & Culture) at the Embassy of India in Qatar, who attended as the chief guest. In his keynote address, Pandey commended the Uttar Pradesh community's efforts in preserving and promoting their rich and diverse cultural heritage abroad. He emphasised the vital role such inclusive cultural initiatives play in nurturing a deeper sense of belonging among diaspora communities and in promoting India's cultural values on the global stage.
Adding further prestige to the occasion was the presence of several distinguished guests from the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), Qatar. These included Manikantan AP, president of ICC; PN Baburajan, chairman of the ICC advisory council and Managing Director of Skills Development Centre, Qatar; Abraham K Joseph, general secretary of ICC; and Nandini Abbagouni, head of cultural activities at ICC. They praised the efforts of the organisers and reiterated ICC's commitment to supporting community-led initiatives that celebrate India's cultural diversity.
Also present to extend their goodwill were Satyendra Pathak, president of Bihar Social Forum, and Irfan Ansari, founder and former President of the Bihar Social Forum. Both shared words of encouragement and congratulated the organisers on the success of their maiden cultural event.
The evening featured a vibrant cultural programme, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary performances. From melodious musical renditions using traditional instruments to energetic folk and fusion dance performances, the stage came alive with the diverse artistic expressions of Uttar Pradesh. Children and adults alike captivated the audience with their talent and passion, reinforcing a deep sense of cultural pride and identity.
In a statement shared by the founder members of the Amrit Uttar Pradesh Navrang Sanskritik Mandal, Nita Mishra and Ashutosh Mishra, the importance of creating a platform for cultural expression, social bonding, and community development among the diaspora was underlined. They expressed their gratitude to all participants and supporters, noting that this event was only the beginning of a broader cultural movement within the community.
The success of the event was a result of the dedicated efforts of the organising team, which included Ajay Rai, Sweta Rai, Abhishek Srivastava, Arun Verma, Nikhil Srivastava, Vinod Mishra, and Shivendra Singh. The team extended their heartfelt thanks to the Indian Cultural Centre and the Embassy of India for their unwavering support and encouragement, which played a vital role in making the inaugural event a resounding success.