BILATERAL ISSUES
a. EGYPT
1. Sonam Kalra and the Sufi Gospel Project to perform in Cairo, Cairo, 11 September 2014
The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture, Embassy of India, Cairo, in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture is organizing the visit of Sonam Kalra and the Sufi Gospel Project to Egypt to perform at the 7th International “Samaa” Festival for Religious Chanting and Sufi Music in Cairo from 20-27 September 2014.

The inauguration of the festival will be on 20 September 2014 at Dier Youssef Theater, Citadel while the closing ceremony will be at the pyramids on 27 September 2014. The group will perform both during the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival as well as on other occasions during the festival. The performances are opened to the public free of charge. The performances will be directed by the renowned Egyptian music conductor Dr. Intesar Abdel Fatah. The group will also have a separate performance at the Small Hall of the Cairo Opera House on 24 September at 8PM.

Sonam Kalra is an artist whose skill spans both Indian and Western music. She has had formal training in Indian Classical music under Shubha Mudgal and Sarathi Chatterji and has also studied various genres of Western music including Gospel, Jazz and Opera under Hur Chul Yung and Ashley Clement. The Sufi Gospel Project describes itself is an effort to blend all the voices of faith, through the use of song, music and the spoken word. Traditional western gospel melds with Indian classical sounds, and Indian spiritual texts are enriched by elements of western poetry to create a sound that “touches every soul.”

On the unique nature of her own group Sonam Kalra says:  “I work with a keyboard player and guitarist who are Christian, my accompanists on the Sarangi and Tabla are Muslim, my flautist and percussionist are Hindus - a testament that when it comes to faith and music, religion is not relevant. The music emerged through a collaborative and organic process, combining our musical abilities and collective improvisation and feeding off our diverse beliefs.” The Sufi Gospel Project has performed at several music festivals in India and abroad and at a number of prestigious venues.

For more information, please contact the Indian Embassy Cairo at info.cairo@mea.gov.in or follow us on Facebook (Indian Embassy Cairo) or twitter (@indembcairo) or the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) atmacic@indembcairo.com.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

2. Minister of Culture and Amr Moussa release book on Gandhi’s Leadership by Ambassador P.A. Nazareth, Cairo, 19 September 2014
Under the auspices of the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), Cairo and the Supreme Council of Culture, H.E. the Minister of Culture Dr. Gaber Asfour and the former Secretary General of the Arab League H.E. Amre Moussa launched the Arabic version of Ambassador P.A. Nazareth’s book Gandhi’s Outstanding Leadership on the 18 September 2014. Speaking at the event Amre Moussa spoke about the continuing relevance of Gandhi’s message to the world, he said “Gandhi was an international leader, whose leadership, work and ideas echo across the world.” He also said there must be a new paradigm of relations between Egypt and India. The Minister of Culture spoke how the book would provide Arabic readers access to an understanding of Gandhi. Ambassador Navdeep Suri, the Indian Ambassador to Egypt, while delivering the opening remarks, noted how during 25 January 2011 Revolution, he had heard the chants of selmiyya, selmiyya, and this had led to Poster Competition: Did you Sense the Spirit of Gandhi in Tahrir? Dr. Camelia Sobhi, First Undersecretary for Culture, Dr. Mohamed Afifi, the Head of the Supreme Council for Culture, and other prominent dignitaries graced the occasion.

Ambassador P.A. Nazareth, a distinguished Indian diplomat and former Indian Ambassador to Egypt delivered a lecture on the theme “Gandhi, Egypt and Palestine,” illustrating the deep bonds of affection that bound nationalist leaders in India and Egypt together, and Gandhi’s own commitment to the Palestinian cause. He recalled the affection with which Madam Zaghloul and Nahas Pasha sent telegrams on Gandhi’s fast in 1932 hoping that Indian communities would come together so that his life would be saved. “As your noble life has now become a precious asset not only of the East but of the whole world it must be saved at any cost,” Madam Zaghloul wrote. Praising the 2011 January Revolution, he quoted an Indian writer on the Egyptian revolution who said “The Egyptian people have enacted a revolution that would have made Gandhi proud. But their victory is all their own. “Ambassador Nazareth also proposed the setting up of an Institute of Gandhian Studies in Cairo, which was welcomed by the Minister of Culture.

Gandhi’s Outstanding Leadership presents the various factors that played a role in the formation of Gandhi’s leadership personality, his own evolution from a timid youth to the leader of mass movement, and his stature and relations with contemporaries across the world. The book has been widely acclaimed by the former President of India A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and US President Barack Obama, amongst others. It has already come out in ten Indian languages as also in Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Korean& Bahasa Indonesia.

Ambassador Nazareth joined the Indian Foreign Service in May 1959 and served in India’s diplomatic missions in Tokyo, Rangoon, Lima and London and was Ambassador of India to Egypt, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador & Belize. Following his retirement, Ambassador Nazareth has lectured in leading Universities on Gandhi’s personality and the concepts of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (truth force). Among other accolades, Ambassador Nazareth was presented the U Thant Peace Award by the Sri Chinmoy Meditation Group at the United Nations, for his ‘Life Time of Dedication and World Service by promoting the Gandhian Values of Truth, Non Violence, Communal Harmony and Humanitarian Service’.

For more information, please contact the Indian Embassy Cairo at info.cairo@mea.gov.in or follow us on Facebook (Indian Embassy Cairo) or twitter (@indembcairo).
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

3. On International Day of Peace, Alexandria Governor releases Arabic translation of Book on Gandhi, Cairo, 21 September 2014
As part of the celebrations for the International Day of Peace, under the auspices of the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), Cairo and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, H.E. the Governor of Alexandria, General Tarek Mahdi launched the Arabic version of Ambassador P. A. Nazareth’s book Gandhi’s Outstanding Leadership on the 21 September 2014. Prior to the release, Ambassador Nazareth and the Ambassador Navdeep Suri, the Indian Ambassador in Egypt released white pigeons symbolizing peace at the Bibliotheca premises.

Speaking at the book launch H.E. General Tarek Mahdi remembered the vision of Gandhi, noting that Egyptians remembered his message of peace, and the fact that the principle of non-violence and his stance against the colonialism resonated across the world. Gandhi’s ideas, he said would never die as people believed in what he did – they trusted his actions. Prof. Azza Kholy, Head of the Academic Research Sector in Bibliotheca Alexandrina read out a statement for Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Bibliotheca, highlighting the strong relations between India and Egypt, noting that in the commercial field the relations India was Egypt’s 7th largest trading partner. She also pointed out it was imperative that different countries used the message of Gandhi. Ambassador Navdeep Suri, the Indian Ambassador to Egypt, while delivering his remarks, noted how across the world Gandhi continues to be recognized as amongst the most influential of personalities. During the 25 January 2011 Revolution, he had heard the chants of selmiyya, selmiyya, and this had led to a Poster Competition we did: Did you Sense the Spirit of Gandhi in Tahrir? that received excellent responses in Egypt.

Ambassador P.A. Nazareth, a distinguished Indian diplomat and former Indian Ambassador to Egypt delivered a lecture on the theme “Gandhi for the 21st century” emphasizing that in a world torn upon by violence and intolerance, Gandhian principles provided a way. Quoting Martin Luther King, who said “If humanity is to progress, Gandhi is inescapable. We may ignore him at our own peril,” Ambassador Nazareth pointed out that in all conflicts one must strive for peace based on truth and justice, based on a mutually acceptable, negotiated settlement. Ambassador Nazareth also proposed conducting an International Conference on Gandhi at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

Gandhi’s Outstanding Leadership presents the various factors that played a role in the formation of Gandhi’s leadership personality, his own evolution from a timid youth to the leader of mass movement, and his stature and relations with contemporaries across the world. The book has been widely acclaimed by the former President of India A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and US President Barack Obama, amongst others. It has already come out in ten Indian languages as also in Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Korean, and Bahasa Indonesia.

Ambassador Nazareth joined the Indian Foreign Service in May 1959 and served in India’s diplomatic missions in Tokyo, Rangoon, Lima and London and was Ambassador of India to Egypt, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador & Belize. Following his retirement, Ambassador Nazareth has lectured in leading Universities on Gandhi’s personality and the concepts of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (truth force). Among other accolades, Ambassador Nazareth was presented the U Thant Peace Award by the Sri Chinmoy Meditation Group at the United Nations, for his ‘Life Time of Dedication and World Service by promoting the Gandhian Values of Truth, Non Violence, Communal Harmony and Humanitarian Service’.

For more information, please contact the Indian Embassy Cairo at info.cairo@mea.gov.in or follow us on Facebook (Indian Embassy Cairo) or twitter (@indembcairo).
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

4. Sonam Kalra and the Sufi Gospel Project rock Cairo’s Opera House, Cairo, 25 September 2014
The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture, Embassy of India, Cairo, organized a concert of Sonam Kalra and the Sufi Gospel Project on 24 September at Cairo Opera House. Noted singer Iman Bahr el Darwish was the guest of honour. At the event, he praised the Embassy for its initiatives in the field of culture, and noted that Sufi singing had universal qualities that brought together different people. Ambassador Navdeep Suri, the Indian Ambassador in Egypt, said that this group carried a message of religious harmony and respect for all religions, relevant in a world where the notion of religion is increasingly getting distorted and misused. The troupe itself, he pointed out, reflects the religious harmony of India.

In a concert that had the audience riveted for more than two hours, the group performed a mixture of traditional Sufi music from India including compositions by Rumi, Amir Khusrou and Bulleh Shah, Gospel music, and even jazz. Towards the end of the performance, the group had the audience singing along to a Punjabi composition by Bulleh Shah.

Sonam Kalra is an artist whose skill spans both Indian and Western music. She has had formal training in Indian Classical music under Shubha Mudgal and Sarathi Chatterji and has also studied various genres of Western music including Gospel, Jazz and Opera under Hur Chul Yung and Ashley Clement. The Sufi Gospel Project describes itself is an effort to blend all the voices of faith, through the use of song, music and the spoken word. Traditional western gospel melds with Indian classical sounds, and Indian spiritual texts are enriched by elements of western poetry to create a sound that “touches every soul.”

On the unique nature of her own group Sonam Kalra said:  “I am a Sikh, I work with a keyboard player and guitarist who are Christian, my accompanists on the Sarangi and Tabla are Muslim, my flautist and percussionist are Hindus - a testament that when it comes to faith and music, religion is not relevant. The music emerged through a collaborative and organic process, combining our musical abilities and collective improvisation and feeding off our diverse beliefs.” The Sufi Gospel Project has performed at several music festivals in India and abroad and at a number of prestigious venues.

The group is also participating in the 7th International “Samaa” Festival for Religious Chanting and Sufi Music in Cairo from 20-27 September 2014. They will perform at the closing ceremony on Saturday, the 27 September at the Pyramids.

For more information, please contact the Indian Embassy Cairo at info.cairo@mea.gov.in or follow us on Facebook (Indian Embassy Cairo) or twitter (@indembcairo) or the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) at macic@indembcairo.com.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

b. JORDON
5. Advisory to Indian nationals in Jordan, Amman, 30 September 2014
You are aware that several regional countries, including Jordan are part of the US-led military action against terrorist organizations in Syria and Iraq. At this time, the Embassy has no specific information on potential threats posed against Indian nationals in Jordan. However, considering the prevailing gravity of the situation and the advice rendered publicly by the local authorities, the Embassy recommends that all Indian citizens living in Jordan maintain heightened vigilance and take standard precautions, and avoid public and crowded places.

The Embassy will further update on the advisory as the situation unfolds.
Source: Embassy of India, Amman

c. KUWAIT
6. Disposal of Mortal Remains of Indian Nationals, Amman, 3 September 2014
Details of the deceased Indian nationals whose death has been reported/ registered with the Embassy during the month of July 2014 are as below.
THE TABLE IS AVAILABLE ONLY IN PDF FORMAT

Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

7. Mandatory submission of Bank Guarantee of KD 720 (Kuwait Dinar Seven hundred twenty only) equivalent to US $ 2,500 as security deposit for brining female domestic workers from India to Kuwait, Kuwait, 12 September 2014.
The Government of India has made it mandatory for employers in Kuwait wishing to bring female domestic workers from India to submit a Bank Guarantee of US$ 2,500 equivalent to KD 720 (Kuwaiti Dinar Seven hundred twenty only) as a security deposit with the Embassy of India in Kuwait with immediate effect.

Henceforth, the employers in Kuwait bringing female domestic workers have to deposit a Bank Guarantee of KD 720.000 (equivalent to US$ 2,500) in favour of Embassy of India along with the documents submitted for attestation by the Embassy. The Bank Guarantee, provided by a bank in Kuwait needs to be valid till such time the female domestic worker remains in Kuwait. The Embassy will attest agreements for employment of female domestic workers in Kuwait once the above condition of Bank Guarantee is fulfilled. This measure is being taken to safeguard the welfare of female domestic workers in Kuwait.
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

8. Bank guarantee for employing an Indian female domestic worker, Kuwait, 18 September 2014
The Government of India has decided that the prospective sponsors should give a bank guarantee of a sum equivalent to US$ 2500/- (KD 720) for employing an Indian woman domestic servant. The bank guarantee shall be used for repatriation of the housemaid and other unpaid expenses like salary, medical expenses etc. in r/o of the housemaid in the case the employer fails to pay the same as per the terms of the agreement.

The application for domestic worker agreement will be accepted with original bank guarantee for KD 720/- for period of three years with automatic roll over, by the sponsor. The bank guarantee should be from NBK or any other bank in Kuwait/India.

The bank guarantee is to be submitted in original to the Embassy of India. On termination of the employment contract at any time by mutual consent, the employer should bring the domestic worker to the Embassy of India, Kuwait and submit a written request for refund of the bank guarantee before the final departure of the domestic worker to India. The domestic worker would require to confirm in writing that all her dues have been settled. Should the domestic worker complain of non-receipt of her dues, the Embassy would deduct the same from the bank guarantee. The bank guarantee in the following format may be submitted.
(Draft of Bank Guarantee is available on Embassy website)
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

9. “INDIA PAVILION” at ‘THE BIG 5 Kuwait’, Kuwait, 22 September 2014
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), New Delhi with the support of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi is organizing an “INDIA PAVILION” at ‘THE BIG 5 Kuwait’, International Construction Technology & Building Materials Trade Exhibition at the Kuwait International Fair Ground (Hall 6), Mishref, Kuwait from 22-24 September 2014.

The India Pavilion is represented by 30 leading companies from India dealing with wide range of products including building material & construction equipment; bathrooms, kitchens & sanitary ware; marble, ceramic & stone; metal, steel & aluminium; concrete & related products; construction tools; conveying systems; decorative products; electrical systems; facilities management services; finishes (coating, painting, gypsum, tiling); fire suppression & protection; glass & glazing; HVAC; landscaping products & services; building services; communications; pipelines; plumbing & water technology; PMV & related products; safety & security equipment; scaffolding; software & IT; special construction (swimming pools, fountain); thermal moisture, protection & insulation; windows, doors & cladding; wood, plastic & composite, etc. The Exhibition is open to the public from 1100 hours to 2000 hours.
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

10. Disposal of Mortal Remains of Indian Nationals, Kuwait, 25 September 2014
Details regarding disposal of mortal remains of the deceased Indians by way of local burial or transportation to India for the month of August 2014 are below for information:

THE TABLE IS AVAILABLE ONLY IN PDF FORMAT

Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

11. India congratulated His Holiness the Amir of Kuwait, Kuwait, 26 September 2014
In a message, Honourable President of India Pranab Mukherjee, has extended his heartiest congratulations and warm felicitations to H.H. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait on the UN bestowing upon him the well-deserved honour of the “Humanitarian Leader” as well as the UN designating Kuwait as the “Global Humanitarian Centre”. Honourable President of India has recognized the exemplary contribution of H.H. the Amir of Kuwait in humanitarian operations in conflict-ridden countries around the globe.

Honourable President of India has also conveyed to His Highness his best wishes for his personal good health and well-being, as also for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Kuwait.

The relations between India and Kuwait have been historically close, warm, and friendly. The ongoing bilateral cooperation spans the full spectrum of political, economic, and cultural activities. Two countries are working to further strengthen and diversify these ties for the common benefit of our peoples.
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

d. PALESTINE
12. India presents cheque of US$ 1 million to United Nations Relief and Works Agency as a part of its annual contribution, Ramallah, 4 September 2014
The Representative of India, Mahesh Kumar presented a cheque of US$1 million to  Salvatore Lombardo, Director, External Relations, UNRWA as part of India’s Annual contribution to UNRWA, primarily for provision of food and medicines to the displaced people in the refugee camps under UNRWA’s various programmes. Lombardo expressed his sincere appreciation for India’s consistent support to the Palestinian people.

India has traditionally provided strong political support to the Palestinian cause at the bilateral, regional, and international level. Additionally, it has been contributing economic and technical assistance to the Palestinian people, both bilaterally and through UNRWA.

UNRWA provides services and assistance to more than five million Palestinian refugees in West Asia in the form of education, health care, relief, community support and emergency response in times of armed conflict.
Source: Representative Office of India, Ramallah

e. QATAR  
13. Visit of Business Delegation to Doha (3-5 September, 2014), Doha, 2 September 2014
A ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ delegation led by  B. B. Swain, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) will be visiting Doha from 3-5 September 2014 to promote the 7th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from 11-13 January 2015. The visit is coordinated by Embassy of India, Doha, along with GIDC and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), which is the national partner for the Summit.

The ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ Summit, initiated by Honourable Prime Minister of India,  Narendra Modi, as former Chief Minister of Gujarat, one of the fastest growing States of India, has evolved as a major global business and investment event.

The delegation would meet and interact with Qatari businessmen and investors, as also with important state owned business and investment entities in Qatar. Besides disseminating salient information related to investment opportunities in Gujarat and ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ Global Summit 2015, the delegation will discuss ways to forge new collaboration in various sectors, especially oil and gas, petrochemicals, infrastructure and construction, cement, chemicals and fertilizers, textiles, gems and jewellery and food processing. The programme of the visiting delegation includes a roundtable business meeting at Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) and a Road Show to promote ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ 2015 Summit.

The visit is yet another demonstration of the keenness of India and Qatar to further enhance trade, investments and other business collaborations between the two sides. The Embassy greatly appreciates the support of the Government of Qatar, Qatar Chamber of Commerce, and Industry (QCCI), Doha Bank, Indian Business and Professionals Network (IBPN) and other partners in arranging substantive business interactions for the visiting business mission.
Source: Embassy of India, Doha

14. Change of Regulations for Short Validity Passports, Doha, 16 September 2014
With effect from Tuesday, 16 September 2104, the following regulation would be implemented by the Consular Section, Embassy of India, Doha, with respect to issue of Short Validity Passports:
a) No extension endorsement would be made on the short validity passports.
b) Applications requesting for Short Validity Passports (0-5 years) would be charged with an amount equivalent   to the charges for re-issue of minor’s passports (QR 184.00).
c) For Passports having the validity for more than 5 years but less than 10 years (validity of normal passport), the fees prescribed for issue of a normal validity passport (QR 274.00) would be charged.  
Source: Embassy of India, Doha

15. Annual General Meeting of the Embassy of lndia - Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), Doha, 22 September 2014
This is to inform you that the Annual General Meeting of the Embassy of lndia - Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) will be held on Friday, 24 October 2014 at 4.30 PM in Bengluru Hall, Indian Cultural Centre.

2. The agenda for the meeting will be as under:
To confirm the minutes of the last AGM held on 22 June 2013. To consider approval of the Annual Report of the Forum for the accounting year 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014. Detailed auditor's report would be available for inspection by members at the meeting.
To appoint a new Auditor for the year 2014-15 To elect the President and Seven (7) members of the Managing Committee as per Clause No. 7-3 of the Constitution.

3. The Managing Committee shall consist of 13 members. President and 7 members (one seat exclusively reserved for a lady member) are to be elected by the ICBF members and 5 members (one nomination exclusively reserved for a lady member) are to be nominated by the Patron from amongst the members.
According to the bye laws of the ICBF, any member seeking election/re-election to the post of President must enrol at least five members during the current year before seeking election and any member seeking election/re-election to the post of MC member must enrol at least three new members during the current year before seeking election/re-election. According to the Constitution, the retiring President will be eligible for seeking re-election only if there are no contestants seeking election for that post. Similarly, the outgoing Managing Committee
Member can seek re-election for a third term only if there are no contestants seeking election for that vacancy.

3. A member who wishes to seek election/re-election for the post of President and member of the Managing Committee at the Annual General Meeting is required to submit his/her nomination form (copy enclosed) duly completed to the Coordinating Officer on or before 4 PM on or before 13 October 2014. The time and the date for withdrawal of the nomination will be 4 PM on 16 October 2014.
All members are requested to kindly make it convenient to attend the meeting.
Yours sincerely, qt s-(r-
(P.S. Sasi Kumar)
Deputy Chief of Mission &
Coordinating Officer (ICBF)
Encl: Nomination Form
To: All Life Members

Programme
1. Convene the meeting at 4.30 PM and adjourn if lack of quorum
2. Recommence the meeting at 4.45 PM
3. Presidential Address
4. Approval of previous AGM Minutes of Meeting by General Secretary
5. GO's Address
6. Annual Report of 2012-14
7. Presentation of financial statement of 2012 to 2014 by Treasurer
8. Appointment of new Auditor for 2014-2016
9. Discussion of Queries, if any
10. Vote of Thanks
Source: Embassy of India, Doha

16. Business and Investment Events in Doha on the occasion of the launch of the ‘Make in India’ campaign by Honourable Prime Minister of India on 25 September 2014, Doha, 22 September 2014
The Embassy organized three Business and Investment Events in Doha on the occasion of the launch of the ‘Make in India’ campaign by Honourable Prime Minister  Narendra Modi on 25 September, 2014 in cooperation with the following organizations:
(i) Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry [QCCI];
(ii) Indian Business and Professionals Network [IBPN] – an association of NRI professionals, businessmen and entrepreneurs functioning under the aegis of Embassy of India, Doha; and [iii] Doha Bank.

2. Ambassador took the lead in presenting the entire programme at each of these meetings in the following sequence:
(i) After brief introduction, Ambassador played a CD containing PM’s speech at Vigyan Bhawan this morning.
(ii) Ambassador presented the film on major investment opportunities and initiatives taken by the new Government, sent by DIPP.
(iii & iv) Ambassador presented two Power Point Presentations sent by DIPP.
(v) Ambassador responded to several questions during Q&A sessions.

3. The events arranged at QCCI & Doha Bank were attended by a  large number of Qatari businessmen & investors, senior representatives of foreign companies based in Qatar, and NRI businessmen. The event held in cooperation with IBPN was attended by a large gathering of NRI businessmen, entrepreneurs and professionals; a few prominent Qatari businessmen also graced the occasion.

4. Following are the details of important websites and emails.
Honourable Prime Minister’s Speech :
1. https://www.youtube.com/user/PMOfficeIndia
2. http://pmindiawebcast.nic.in/
3. http://dipp.nic.in/English/default.aspx
Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion
Website : http://dipp.nic.in
Make in India
Website : http://www.makeinindia.com
E-mail: makeinindia@nic.in
Embassy of India, Doha
Website: http://www.indianembassyqatar.gov.in
Emails:
(i) amb.doha@mea.gov.in
(ii) com.doha@mea.gov.in
(iii) commercialofficer@qatar.net.qa
Source: Embassy of India, Doha

17. Exhibition - “Islamic Monuments of India” by Benoy K Behl, Doha, 25 September 2014
In view of the overwhelming response received from the art lovers, it has been decided that the exhibition of photographs titled “Islamic Monuments of India” by Benoy K Behl will be extended up to 18 October 2014.

Embassy of India in cooperation with the “Cultural Village Foundation – Katara” is organizing this exhibition which is open for public viewing from 21 September 2014 to 18 October 2014 daily during 10:00AM to 10:00PM at Katara/Building 19- Gallery 2.

The monuments on display are a great treasure of India’s cultural heritage and are of particular value as they reflect India’s artistic and cultural links with many other countries. A view of the rich Islamic heritage of India is presented in this exhibition of 45 selected pictures through the eyes of renowned photographer Benoy K Behl. He is a film-maker, art-historian, and photographer who is known for his tireless and prolific output of work over the past 34 years.
Source: Embassy of India, Doha

f. TUNISIA
18. Wahda fil Aibada Sonam Kalra & The Sufi Gospel Project In Tunis, 28-30 September, Tunis, 25 September 2014
An 8-member Indian musical troupe Sonam Kalra and the Sufi Gospel Project is visiting Tunis from 28-30 September 2014 under the Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Tunisia. The Ministry of Culture, Republic of Tunisia and the Embassy of India to Tunisia will organize a musical performance Wahda fil Aibada by the troupe on Tuesday, 30 September 2014 at 07.00 PM at Theatre Municipal, Tunis.

Ms. Sonam Kalra, the leader of the cultural troupe is a vocalist whose skill spans both Indian and Western musical traditions. She has trained in Indian classical music and studied varied genres of Western music including classical opera, jazz and gospel.

‘The Sufi Gospel Project’ is an effort to blend the many different voices of faith, through the use of song, music and the spoken words. Traditional western gospels meld with Indian classical sounds, and Indian spiritual texts are enriched by elements of western poetry, to create a sound that touches every soul. No matter what the language of the lyrics is, or the ethnicity of the sounds, there is but one language, the language of faith. And that is the universal truth.

The troupe comprises players of different Indian classical music instruments like sarangi, flute, tabla, the famous Indian percussion instruments and also has a jazz pianist and guitarist.
Source: Embassy of India, Tunis

19. ‘Make in India’ campaign launched in Tunis, Tunis, 26 September 2014
The Make in India campaign was launched in Tunis on 26 September 2014 with an event that attracted significant members of the business and media communities of Tunisia. The event began with a video recording of the speech by His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, at the launch in New Delhi of the Make in India campaign which was held on 25 September 2014. Thereafter, a short film was screened on the various measures that have been taken by the Government of India in the last 3 months to improve the business and investment climate and, in particular, to promote manufacturing in India. Thereafter, Ambassador Nagma M. Mallick, in her speech, provided some details on why India was an attractive destination for Foreign Direct Investment, mentioning, inter alia, India’s high placement in various international indexes on capital confidence, the large proportion of her population that was young and vigorous, the large scientific and research community and her innovative entrepreneurs and their frugal business practices. By way of example, she mentioned the recent success shown by India’s Mars Orbiter Mission which had shown such enormous scientific achievement at such a low cost. She detailed the new investment-friendly measures taken by the government over the last 3 months and the good response that these had won from foreign investors. There was a lively and detailed question-answer session on the measures in place to attract manufacturing units in India and on the two-way investment flows between India and Tunisia. Keen media interest was also evinced in the campaign.
Source: Embassy of India, Tunis

20. Performance by Sonam Kalra and the Sufi Gospel project in Tunis, Tunis, 30 September 2014
An 8-member cultural group, Sonam Kalra and the Sufi Gospel project gave a public performance at the prestigious Municipal Theater of Tunis on Tuesday, 30 September 2014. The performance was jointly inaugurated by His Excellency, Mourad Sakli, Minister for Culture of Republic of Tunisia and Her Excellency, Nagma M. Mallick, Ambassador of India to Tunisia.

Sonam performed several famous compositions of Sufi saint Bulleh Shah as well as some gospel songs and some segments of prayers. Her songs were given scintillating accompaniment by her talented accompanying artistes on Indian instruments sarangi, tabla and flute. She was also accompanied by a keyboard artiste and a drummer. Her artistic blending of traditional Sufi styles of singing with gospel and jazz and the dazzling artistry of the instrumental accompaniment were greatly appreciated by the Tunisian audience. Members of the diplomatic community and media and cultural personalities of Tunisia were present in the audience. The concert was recorded by the Tunisian national broadcaster Tunisia 1. The musical ensemble’s visit to Tunisia was facilitated by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and was graciously hosted by the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Tunisia within the framework of the India-Tunisia Cultural Exchange Programme.
Source: Embassy of India, Tunis

g. UAE
21. Working together: Improving Service Delivery, 9 September 2014
The Embassy of India in association with Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India is organizing a States’ Conference on 13 September 2014 at India Social and Cultural Centre, Abu Dhabi to bring representatives of various State Governments from India in direct interaction with representatives of Indian Community in UAE. The theme of the Conference is "Working together: Improving Service Delivery".

The main objective of the Conference is to improve the delivery of services for welfare of Indians by working together with various Indian Associations and Organizations active in UAE. The Conference will afford an opportunity to Indian Community and their representatives to interact directly with the representatives of State Governments and apprise them of the issues being faced by the Overseas Indians in UAE as well as back home in India. Moreover, the Conference will also afford an opportunity to the representatives of the States to explain about the various activities, programmes, schemes, etc. being undertaken by them for the welfare of Non-Resident Indians back home in India. In a nutshell, the Conference aims to synergize the efforts of various stakeholders, namely, the Indian Community and Associations, Embassy and the Consulate and various State Governments for the welfare and redressal of grievances of Indians working and living in UAE.

Ten State Governments (i.e. Bihar, Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Punjab, Telangana, West Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Islands) have confirmed their participation in this Conference. Delegations from Goa and Punjab are headed by their Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for NRI Affairs respectively apart from Secretary/Principal Secretary- level officers looking after NRI affairs. Other State Governments are also being represented by their Secretary/Principal Secretary-level officer dealing with NRI affairs.

Apart from the inaugural session, there will be four working sessions on different topics of one and half hours duration each. The topics of the various working sessions are:
* Welfare Measures for Indian Migrants: Initiatives of the Government of India and State Governments.
* Grievance Redressal of Indians in UAE: Role of Community Associations.
* Return and Resettlement of Indian Migrants: Role of State Governments.
* Perspective of the Employers in UAE.

During the Conference, various State Governments and the Embassy of India will present various welfare measures being undertaken by them for the Overseas Indians, especially the migrant workers in UAE. Representatives of the Indian Associations will dwell on the role being played by them in redressal of grievances and solving problems of Indians here. Employers from various sectors which employ large number of Indians will share their perspective with the participants during the Conference. Almost all social, cultural and professional Associations of Indians throughout UAE have been invited for participation in the Conference and the response received from them is overwhelming. In fact, they have been requested to limit the participation to maximum of three per Association in view of the constraint of space.

This is a first of its kind initiative, involving State Governments in direct interaction with the Overseas Indian Community. It is hoped that the Conference achieves its objective of synergizing the efforts of various Government and non-Government agencies so as to improve the service delivery mechanism for welfare of Indians living and working in UAE.
Source: Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi

Compiled by Jatin Kumar

Jatin Kumar is a Doctoral candidate at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Email

As part of the policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spellings and date format to make the text uniformly accessible and stylistically consistent. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views/positions of the MEI@ND. Editor, MEI@ND P R Kumaraswamy