Cultural update


Cultural update

Indo-Lao cultural contacts have existed since the 2nd Century B.C. when relic of Lord Buddha was brought to this country by the emissaries of Emperor Ashoka. These relics are said to be encased in the That Luang stupa which is the Lao national symbol. The Wat Phou (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Champasak Province is a pre-Angkorian temple complex and settlement (Hindu & Buddhist) that reflects our shared cultural heritage. India and Laos share mutual cultural heritage. At present, cultural cooperation between the two countries is governed by a Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) signed between India and Lao PDR in January 1996, and subsequently extended regularly. Indian dance troupes have been visiting Laos from time to time. A Lao Cultural group gave performances in India in 1989 and later, in 2002. During 1997-98, two dance performances and one photo exhibition in various Lao cities were organised. As part of the 50th Anniversary of India's Independence, two dance groups, i.e. Shankarananda Kalakshetra and the Bharatanatyam exponent, Ms. Leela Samson visited the Lao PDR. A photo exhibition on India was organised in Vientiane and Luang Prabang during 1998-99. Similarly, a photo exhibition entitled "Footsteps of the Buddha: Buddhist Monuments and Sites in India" was organised in Vientiane at the prestigious National Cultural Hall in July 2000. On August 18, 2000, a ten-member group from Sri Idagunji Mahaganapathi Yakshagana Mandali Keremane presented a dance-drama on "Vaalivadha" (The Death of Vaali), an episode from the epic Ramayana, in Vientiane. The Mission in cooperation with the Lao Ministry of Information & Culture organised an Indian Film Festival from October 9 to 15, 2000 in Vientiane. Six Indian films Gandhi, Mohra, Deewar, Purab Aur Pashim, 1942 - A Love Story and Kabhi Haa Kabhi Naa, were screened in the Film Festival at the National Culture Hall. In 2001, two Film Festivals, including a retrospective of Raj Kapoor's films, were organised by the Embassy, as well as a Bharatanatyam performance by the 5-member Padmini Dorairajan troupe in Vientiane and Luang Prabhang. A Book Exhibition with over 2000 volumes was held in September 2001, the first ever such exhibition in the Lao PDR. In January 2002, a Bhangra & Giddha troupe performed at the National Culture Hall, followed by a Kathakali dance drama in February 2002. In June 2002, a Film Festival featuring Yes Boss, Maine Pyaar Kiya, Karan Arjun, Ghulaam and Deewar was held. Under the auspices of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) between India and the Lao PDR, the Ministry of Information and Culture and the Embassy of India organised a retrospective of Amitabh Bachhan at the National Cultural Hall, in Vientiane for 6 evenings from 6th Jan 2003. The Embassy organised many functions during the Prime Minister's visit in November 2002, including a Bharatanatyam performance by a 10-member group led by Smt. Saroja Vaidyanathan which took place on the 6th of November 2002 at the Lao Prime Minister's banquet, and later at the National Cultural Hall on the same evening. In a move to promote Indian paintings in the Lao PDR, Shri Vajpayee inaugurated an exhibition of Madhubani paintings in Vientiane on 7th November. While inaugurating the exhibition, PM in his speech commented, "While driving through your country, I have been struck by the evidence of the shared history and cultural heritage between India and Laos. Your stupas and pagodas remind us that Buddhism is a symbol of our common past." The PM added, "The Ramayana is also the common heritage of our entire region, and each of our cultures have found unique ways of depicting it." The External Affairs Minister, Yashwant Sinha, who accompanied the Prime Minister, observed that though the present exhibition of Madhubani paintings were done in paper, in their original form artists had used the walls and floors of mud houses in villages as their canvas. To celebrate the Non-Resident Indians Day or Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas 2003, the Embassy held a weeklong programme to promote the concept of the Indian Diaspora from January 7-11, 2003 at the Embassy premises. To promote the exchange of ideas with NRI's and friends of India in the Lao PDR, the Embassy held a Symposium on the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Day, on 9th January 2003. Views on modern India and the experiences of Indians abroad were detailed to the audience, by five eminent speakers. Dr. Siene Saphanthong, Minister of Agriculture & Forestry and President of the Lao-India Friendship Association gave the Keynote Speech. A Fashion Show, dances by children and dinner followed the Symposium. H.E. Mr. Soulivong Dalavong, Industries and Handicrafts Minister, H.E. Mr. Phongsavath Boupha, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Khekkeo Soisayya, Vice-Minister of Information & Culture, Dr. Khamphay Latsamy, Member of Parliament and Vice President of the Lao India Friendship Association, were among the dignitaries who participated in the evening function on Diaspora Day. Several other programmes were also organised during the Diaspora week, such as a Painting competition for children on the 7th January and a Quiz Competition for schools on 11th January. That Luang Festival: The Embassy of India has been participating in the annual That Luang Festival. During the sixties, when a large community of Indian businessmen flourished in the Royal Kingdom of Laos, the Indian stall is said to have been one of the biggest. Indian handicrafts, tourist brochures are displayed at the stall set up by the Embassy at the That Luang festival. Indian companies and businesses in the Lao PDR also participate in the That Luang Fair. An 18-member Lao delegation led by Mr. Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Tourism Minister in Lao Prime Minister's Office, visited India for the International Conclave on Buddhism and Spiritual Tourism, New Delhi, 16-19 February 2004. Most Ven. Dr. Phra Maha Vichit Singharaj, President of the Lao Buddhists also attended. Significantly, Tourism Minister Mongkhonvilay in his speech in New Delhi stated that Bodh Gaya is the birthplace of Buddhism, highlighting India’s centrality to Buddhism. Cultural and religious connectivity between India and Laos has been further reinforced to mutual benefit with the participation of the 18-member Lao delegation at this International Conclave. A Bharat Natyam performance by Ms. Geeta Chandran and troupe was organized in association with ICCR and the Lao Ministry of Information and Culture on 29 September, 2004 . The performance was very well received, coming as it did during the run-up to the 3rd India-ASEAN Summit, and made the intended impact of generating much goodwill and consolidating Indo-Lao cultural ties. Prof. Sachidanand Sahai visited Lao PDR, 27 Jan to 11 February, on ICCR’s distinguished visitor’s programme. He delivered lectures on “Phra Lak Phra Lam”, the Lao version of Ramayana in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Champassak. The Ramayana is enacted under the Lao title “Phra Lak Phra Lam” and is widely popular among the masses. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Laos. The Mission is planning to organise a number of events to commemorate the anniversary including the following : An Indian Film Festival (restrospect of famous Indian directors with English subtitles). Performances of cultural troupes under ICCR auspices – Ramayana Ballet, Odissi dance, Bharat Natayam, Indian folk dances, contemporary modern ballets, theatre groups and any other cultural performance that would generate goodwill, publicity and enhance our profile in this strategic region. Lectures by prominent Indian scholars – culture, politics, socio-economic aspects, etc., Publication of Phra Lak Phra Lam (Lao version of the Ramayana) for distribution. This epic was edited by the eminent Indian scholar Prof. S. Sahai and published by ICCR. Photo exhibitions – with the support of XP Division and ICCR; Football or any other sporting event with teams from India to play against Lao national and youth teams in Vientiane and few other big cities; Indian Food Festivals; Fashion Show;