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Festival of Indian Films
By: TIMES REPORTER
The High Commission of India, Accra in partnership with Silverbird Cinemas and Global Media Alliance last week inaugurated a five day complimentary screening of India Films dubbed – The Festival of India Films which started from October 2 to October 6.
The ceremony in commemoration of the 140th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandi was also convened to highlight the international celebrated World Non-Violence Day.
The week long celebration of Indian culture and colours, through the medium of Bollywood Cinema was graced by His Excellency the Vice President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama.
The Vice President along with the High Commissioner of India to Ghana, Her Excellency Mrs. Ruchi Ghanshyam and Mr. Edward Boateng, Chairman, Silverbird Africa, officially opened the event by lighting a lamp in the Silverbird auditorium, Lighting the lamp is an Indian tradition that symbolizes the eradication of darkness and ignorance through the light of knowledge and goodness.
H.E. Mrs. Ruchi Ghanshyam welcomed the guests, and thanked the wishful sponsors present at the event. Present also were India business executives in Ghana including Mr. V. Sreedharan, MD, Bank of Baroda Ghana Ltd, Mr. Vivek Saraswat, Country Manager, Toa Africa Holdings Ghana Ltd., Mr. Bhagwan Khubchandani, Chairman, Melcom Group and Mr. Ashok Mohinani, Chairman, Poly Group.
Vice-President John Mahama, addressing the audience said that the festival is a truly symbolic one since it also marks the centenary anniversary of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who also believed in Mahatma Gandhi’s principles and practice of non-violence.
He also expressed his joy for the growing number of Indian businesses in Ghana and said India and Ghana’s relationship has always been solid. These warm words were followed by the screening of the eight Oscar winning autobiographical film, ‘Ghandhi’.
The event attracted several dignitaries including Akua Sena Dansua, Minister of Women and Children Affairs, Dr. Joseph Annan, Minister of Education, Samia Nkrumah, daughter of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Member of Parliament, and Prof. Atukwei Okai, Secretary-General of Pan African Writers Association.
Interacting with guests, Mr. Edward Boateng, Executive Chairman of Global Media Alliance and Chairman Silverbird Africa said he was very delighted about the way the public welcomed the festival.
The festival of India Films hoped to showcase the India society and culture to the people of Ghana.
*Source:
Ghanaian Times Weekend - page: 12 Saturday, October 10, 2009 |