Festival of India in China will help build stronger bridges between both countries: Krishna - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Visiting External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Wednesday said the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China has got off to a good start, and India hopes to carry on this momentum throughout the year and into the future. Inaugurating the Festival of India here on the third day of his four-day visit to China, Krishna hoped the event would play a major role in enhancing awareness about India and its culture among the Chinese. "We hope that the Festival of India will play a major role in increasing awareness about India and its culture among the Chinese people. This year of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations has got off to a good start. We hope to carry on this momentum throughout the year and into the future," Krishna said. "The various activities to be undertaken in the Festival of India will serve as a platform to build stronger bridges between and create more awareness among our two peoples. I am confident that this will aid in the further consolidation of the India - China relationship," he added. He described it as a pleasure and privilege to be in Beijing to inaugurate the Festival of India in China in this very important year marking the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. The opening ceremony would witness the enactment of a play based on the life of Emperor Ashoka, who underwent a dramatic change of heart after a major war (Kalinga War) and converted to Buddhism. "Since Buddhism has played a major part in contacts and exchanges between our two nations for thousands of years, it is only befitting that we inaugurate the Festival of lndia in China with such a performance," he added. "The Festival of India will bring to the Chinese people a full spectrum of Indian culture, art and theatre. More than 30 Chinese cities will witness performances of various Indian classical dances, folk dances, classical music, martial arts and contemporary music," he said. A number of Indian exhibitions, covering both antiquities and modern art, will be on display at Chinese museums in different cities. An Indian film festival will also take place in three separate locations in China. State Councilor Madam Liu, Minister for Culture Cai Wu, and other distinguished guests were also present at the function.