Events

Republic Day celebrations (Jan 22) ( - , )

The 60 th Republic Day celebrations was organized by the Embassy of India at the Beijing Raffles Hotel on Jan 22 (date advanced due to local holidays from Jan 26 – Feb 1). The Chief guest was H.E. Mr. Wu Dawei, Vice Foreign Minister, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Other distinguished guests numbering 600, including Chinese officials, literati and from the diplomatic corps attended the event. During the event, students of the Culture Wing performed a Kathak Dance recital titled “Sab ban than aayeen shyam pyaree”. This was followed by a Sitar recital by renowned artist Shri Zunain Khan, who had come from Mumbai courtesy ICCR

Sitar performance by Shri Zunain Khan (Jan 23) ( - , )

A sitar performance by sitar maestro Shri Zunain Khan was organized at the New Culture Wing on Jan 23 evening. He was accompanied by Shri Harshad Kanetkar on the tabla. The two artists were visiting Beijing from Mumbai courtesy ICCR. Ambassador H.E. Mrs Nirupama Rao, was the chief guest at the occasion. The artists gave a two hour performance bringing out the basic melodies and variations of the Sitar for the benefit of the audience many of whom were being introduced to the instrument for the first time. The audience comprised young Chinese students as well as from local music and dance schools. The two artists had performed at the Republic Day celebrations held a day earlier.

Indian Community in Beijing (ICB)’s ‘Indian Bazaar’ (Feb 14) ( - , )

The ICB organized an ‘Indian Bazaar’ on Feb 14 at British School premises in Beijing. The day long event began with a cultural show rendered by many local artists. The opening items were a few songs performed by by Shri Bhajantri, music teacher of New Culture Wing, and some of his students. The performance of Indian songs by local students was well appreciated at the event.

Interaction between Embassy & Chinese think-tank scholars (Feb 17) ( - , )

An informal interaction was organized at the Culture Wing on Feb 17 between Embassy officials and 20 scholars from various Chinese think tanks like Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Chinese Institute of Strategic Studies (CISS), Chinese Institute of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), etc. Ambassador coordinated the proceedings. The discussions led to exchange of ideas on various bilateral and global issues covering a number of relevant areas .

Faces of India: India Photograph exhibition (Feb 27 – Mar 6) ( - , )

A photograph exhibition titled “Faces of India: Glimpses of Rajasthan” was organized at the Culture Wing from Feb 27 – Mar 6. The photographer, Mr Javier Arribas Quintana, a diplomat at the European Commission in Beijing took these photographs while visiting Rajasthan in 2008. 25 photographs were on display. The opening was held on Feb 27 evening. Ambassador presided the opening where she welcomed EC Ambassador Mr. Serge Abou, a few other Ambassadors from the EU countries and other Chinese and European audience. Over the 10 day exhibition, around 50 other viewers visited the Culture Wing.

Holi Celebrations (Mar 11) ( - , )

Holi celebrations were organized at Chancery premises on Mar 11. Indian Ambassador, H.E. Mrs. Nirupama Rao and Nepal’s Ambassador to China, H.E. Mr. Tanka Prasad Karki graced the occasion. All other officials and family members of Embassy staff also participated. As part of the celebrations, a culture program was organized. Students of the Culture Wing performed solo Indian songs and Kathak students performed special Holi dance items. They were accompanied on the harmonium and tabla by Shri Bhajantri & Shri Ashok Chakravorty, the New Culture Wing teachers. A Sitar recital ws also given by Mr Yao Ce, a student of the Culture Wing.

	At Holi function - Chinese students		Dance performance

‘An Enchanted Evening’ : First Anniversary of India Tourism Office (Apr 7) ( - , )

To celebrate the first anniversary of the India Tourism Office, Beijing, a cultural evening was organized at Beijing Raffles Hotel on Apr 7. The event included a cultural show, a fashion show and a food festival. Around 600 Chinese and international guests attended the event. ICCR sent a Mohiniattam danseuse (Mrs. Geetha Radhakrishna Menon) and a Kathakali group (led by Kalamandalam Shijukumar) to Beijing for the occasion. The invocation song for the evening, “Swagatham , Swagatham” was sung by students of the New Culture Wing. Earlier, on Apr 6 evening, Mrs Geetha Radhakrishna Menon, conducted a workshop on Mohiniattam at the Culture Wing premises. The 90 minute workshop was attended by Ambassador and around 25 enthusiastic dance students and teachers.

50 th Anniversary celebrations of China Radio International (CRI) – Hindi Service (Apr 10) ( - , )

The event was organized at CRI premises. President of China People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), H.E. Mr. Jiang Zhenghua, Indian Ambassador H.E. Mrs. Nirupama Rao, and Bangladesh Ambassador to China, H.E. Mr. Munshi Faiz Ahmad were chief guests for the occasion. The programme, inter alia, included a cultural show component. Students of the Culture Wing performed a group song “Hindi- hamari bhasha” on the occasion. Culture Wing Kathak students also performed a dance item at the event.

Film/Documentary Shows (Jan-Apr 2009) ( - , )

India in Ancient & Medieval times – PD Div’n (Jan 14, 5.15 PM) This 1 hour film (in English) introduced the diversified cultural traditions of India from ancient to medieval times. The film touched upon the contribution of some of the important emperors of Indian history. It also brought out the role of religion and philosophy in Indian life.

India - Infrastructure – PD Div’n (Jan 19, 5.15 PM) This 25-minute film (in English) gave an introduction about the current opportunities and challenges in Indian Infrastructure industry.

Chitra (Mar 4, 1645 hrs) This is a DVD of the stage performance of Indian Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s play “Chitra”, performed by English students of Lanzhou University in China. This 1 hour DVD had Chinese subtitles.

Indian Musical Instruments – PD Div’n (Mar 17, 1700 hrs) This 42-minute documentary (in English) introduced the basics of Indian musical instruments. <> Awara (Mar 20, 1600 hrs) This 1950’s film by Raj Kapoor is very popular in China.

Gurudev Tagore Anniversary event (May 26) ( - , )

A commemorative event to mark the 148 th birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore was held at the New Culture Wing on May 26. Ambassador of India to China, H.E. Mrs. Nirupama Rao was the Chief Guest on the occasion. An audience of around 60 attended the function comprising Chinese students, academicians and journalists. The two-and-a-half hour programme comprised two presentations on “Tagore and China” and “Tagore’s influence on India” by two Chinese scholars on Indian studies (Prof. Wang Shuying and Prof Dong Youchen) and songs and poetry recitation by China Radio International (Bangla service) and other Chinese students learning Bengali. A short film on Tagore’s visits to China was also shown.

	Participants at Tagore anniversary event		Poetry Recitation

Reception for 100-member Youth Delegation from India (Jun 17) ( - , )

A Reception cum cultural show was organized for the visiting 100 member Youth delegation from India at the India House on Jun 17 evening. The delegation was led by Hon’ble MoS (Youth Affairs & Sports) Shri Arun Yadav and Secretary (Youth Affairs & Sports) Mrs. Jayati Chandra. A small cultural show was put up by students of the New Culture Wing. This included a Group song, an individual song as well as small pieces of Kathak dance. Officials of the All China Youth Federation, International Dept. of the Communist Party of China and members of the media were also present on the occasion.

India- Sri Lanka Joint Concert Performance - Pre-event Press Conference (Jun 23) ( - , )

On Jun 23, Indian Ambassador H.E. Mrs. Nirupama Rao and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China H.E. Mr. Kumaratilaka Amunugama met the local media at a pre-event Press Conference at the New Culture Wing of the Indian Embassy. The event referred to was later held at the Forbidden City Concert Hall on Jun 27, where the Shillong Chamber Choir of India and Soul Sounds of Sri Lanka gave a joint performance. [Detailed report on this event separately forwarded to ICCR earlier.] About 25 journalists from various media organizations including All China Journalists Association, Beijing Youth Daily, China Daily, China Radio International, China Internet Information Center, etc. attended the event. At the meet, the media were provided with a broad introduction and materials about the event as well about the two choirs. The two Ambassadors emphasized the importance of building bridges between the young people of the two countries. They also highlighted that the event is an important step in enhancing awareness in China about the richness and diversity of the culture of India and Sri Lanka. Two video presentations about the two choirs were also shown at the end of the meet.

Sarod performance (Jul 13) ( - , )

A Sarod performance by visiting artist Mr. Danny Birch was organized at the New Culture Wing on Jul 13 evening. He was accompanied by his daughter Ms. Azalea Birch on the tabla. Mr. Danny Birch has learnt the art in India (Bhatkhande school and under Ustad Ilyas Khan). He currently resides in the US and was in Beijing on a private visit.

Organization of Indian Dance & Music workshops (off-premises) ( - , )

The New Culture Wing teachers (Shri Ashok Chakravorty – Kathak & Shri B. Bhajantri – Music) conducted the following two workshops off-premises: (a) The two teachers went on local tour to Yichang (near Chongqing, Central China) from Jun 23 – Jul 7 on invitation of the Yichang Foreign Affairs Office (FAO). They conducted various workshops in Indian dance and music at the local Youth Center, University and a high school. The workshops received wide appreciation from the local Chinese audiences as well as coverage in the local media. Yichang FAO provided the local hospitality for the teachers. (b) The Culture Wing teachers conducted Indian dance and music workshop from Jul 20 – 30, 2009 at the Beijing Communications University in Beijing. The workshop was attended by students and teachers of the University. The workshop facilitated more students to participate since due to regular routine at the University, students hitherto were unable to come to the New Culture Wing for classes.

	Training Class at BCU		Training Class at Yichang

Film/Documentary Shows (May - July) ( - , )

India in Space – PD Div’n (May 25, 5.30 PM) This 30-minute documentary (in English) captured India’s achievements in space technology.

India – General Elections – PD Div’n (Jul 16, 5.30 PM) The documentary introduced how India conducts and manages the world’s largest democratic elections, most recently held in April-May 2009.

Paintings of India – PD Div’n (Jul 23, 5.30 PM) This documentary described the long history and tradition of Indian paintings which are an integral part of Indian cultural heritage.

Book Release Ceremony – “The Good Boatman - A Portrait of Gandhi” [Chinese version] (Aug 4) ( - , )

At a function held on Aug 4 evening at the New Culture Wing of the Embassy of India, Beijing, Charge d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of India, Beijing, Mr. Jaideep Mazumdar released the Chinese translation of “The Good Boatman – A Portrait of Gandhi” , a book originally written by Prof. Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. The translation of the book into Chinese has been done by Prof. Deng Junbing, wife of former Ambassador of China to India, Ambassador Zhou Gang, and a distinguished literary figure in her own right. The event was attended by 80 distinguished guests, friends of India and members of the local media. The important dignitaries included Co-Chairman India China Eminent Persons Group Mr. Liu Shuqing, Mme. He Liliang (wife of former Chinese leader Huang Hua), other members of the India-China EPG, Mr. Sun Weidong (DDG-Asia Dept., MFA) and former Chinese diplomats. The event was covered in local and Indian media.

	DCM Shri J Mazumdar releasing the book		Book talk in progress

Sitar performance (Aug 6) ( - , )

A Sitar performance by visiting artist Mr. Kengo Saito was organized at the New Culture Wing on Aug 6 evening. He was accompanied by Shri Bhajantri (Culture Wing teacher) on the tabla. A local audience of 40 attended the event. Mr. Kengo Saito, is of Japanese origin and a resident of France. He has been learning Indian Classical music for 10 years and has performed in France and abroad. He has learnt the Sitar from famous teachers in India.

India Culture Week at Lenovo HQ [Aug 19 - 25] ( - , )

An “India Culture Week” was organized at Lenovo Headquarters, Beijing from Aug 19 – 25, 2009. This initiative was launched in order to sensitize the employees of Lenovo Corporation to Indian culture and arts. (The Lenovo headquarters has around 5000 employees mainly Chinese. Lenovo’s one of two manufacturing plants outside China is located in Pondicherry, India.) The opening ceremony of “India Week” was held on Aug 19 at Lenovo. DCM Shri Jaideep Mazumdar was the chief guest on the occasion. In his remarks, DCM welcomed the initiative of holding India Week and said it was an important medium of enhancing people-to-people understanding. He promised all support for making the event a success. As part of the cultural performance at the opening ceremony, students of the Culture Wing presented two Hindi/Bollywood songs followed by a flute piece by Mr. Bruce Gremo, a student of Indian music at the Culture Wing. Embassy of India, Beijing also provided publicity and other material support for the week-long event.

Interaction with IIM Bangalore delegation (Aug 21) ( - , )

An interaction was organized by the Economic and Commercial Wing of the Embassy with the visiting 70 member group of Mid-Career Executives Programme of IIM Bangalore on Aug 21 at the New Culture Wing of the Embassy. Ambassador Dr. S. Jaishankar and DCM Mr. Jaideep Mazumdar addressed the visiting group. Other speakers included local representatives of IMF, CII and private Indian companies based in Beijing. The two hour event included individual presentations and a Q&A session.

Photo Exhibition: “India : A Celebration of Humanity ” [Aug 24 – 28] ( - , )

The photographer, Mr. Li Li, is the First Secretary (Information) at the Chinese Embassy in India. He took the photographs during his stay in India. Around 30 photo exhibits were on display mainly depicting Indian people going about their daily life.

Film/Documentary Shows (Aug 2009) ( - , )

Documentary show : “Healing The World” [Aug 31] – PD Division This 30-minute documentary (in English) captures India’s fast growing medical tourism industry.

Pardes [Bollywood, English sub-titles] [Aug 27] – PD Division

First ASEM Art & Culture Festival 2009 (Sep 2- 8) ( - , )

The First ASEM Art & Culture Festival was held in Beijing from Sep 2-8, 2009. The organization of this event was the result of one of the agreed outcomes of the Seventh ASEM Summit Meeting held in Beijing in Oct 2008. The event was co-organized by the Chinese Ministries of Culture, Foreign Affairs, State Adminitsration of Radio, Film & Television (SARFT), General Administration of Press & Publications, CCTV and Beijing Municipality Govt.. The week-long Festival comprised national level music and dance performances, stage dramas, exhibitions and film shows from 45 member countries. Representing India, the Embassy of India, Beijing (New Culture Wing) participated in the following : (i). Book & Audio Visual Exhibition (China International Exhibition Center, Beijing – Sep 5-8) Around 200 books/audio-visuals/coffee-table books on India were lent to the Exhibition from the New Culture Wing library. These included a section of Indian comic books (specially requested by the organizers). The Exhibition was held at the same premises as the on-going Beijing International Book Fair and attracted many visitors. Around 43 ASEM countries participated with their respective books/materials at this event. (ii). “One World, One Home” – Exhibition of the Art Works from Embassies of ASEM Partners in China (Beijing World Art Museum – Sep 4- 11) Four ODA’s of the New Culture Wing were on display along with similar exhibits from 33 different Embassies.

International Charity Bazaar : “Love knows no borders” –– Culture Show (Sep 12) ( - , )

This charity event for diplomatic Missions/ international organizations was organized by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing. The event had over 150 stalls set up by various Missions/organizations including India. India was also one of the two countries invited to arrange a cultural show at the event. Culture Wing teachers, Shri B Bhajantri & Shri Ashok Chakravorty trained a group of children of Embassy officials/staff who performed songs and a Kathak dance recital on the occasion.

	At the charity show		At the charity show

Lecture Event (Sep 17) ( - , )

The New Culture Wing hosted a lecture by Dr. Rajendra Shende of UNEP (Paris) on the topic ‘Montreal Protocol : Lessons for Copenhagen’ on Sep 17, 1100 hrs. Around 20 foreign journalists based in Beijing attended the event. [Dr. Rajendra Shende leads the OzonAction Programme of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and advises 146 developing countries on how to get rid of ozone-depleting gases. He received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Protection Award in 2009.]

	Dr. Shende delivering the lecture

Hindi Diwas (Sept 21) ( - , )

A two-hour programme to celebrate ‘Hindi Diwas’ was held at the New Culture Wing of the Embassy of India, Beijing on Sep 21, 2009 (1600 hrs). [The programme was postponed from Sept 14 to suit the convenience of local students who participated in the event.] DCM Shri Jaideep Mazumdar was the Chief Guest on the occasion. An audience of around 65 (mostly Hindi-speaking Chinese from a few local Universities and a few members the Indian community) attended the event. The event comprised the following: (i). Cultural Performances: A few Chinese students of the New Culture Wing performed the opening songs: “Hindi hamara bhasha” and “Hindi ke roop anek.” Chinese students of Hindi at Peking University and staff of China Radio International - Hindi Service (CRI) sang poems and Bollywood songs in Hindi. (ii). Essay Competition: An Essay competition in Hindi was announced in Aug 2009 inviting essays on the following topics (English translation): ‘I and India’, ‘Hindi and We’, ‘India-China Friendship in historical/cultural perspective’. The last date for submission was Sept 16, 2009. They were then evaluated by Prof. D. Shukla (Visiting Hindi Chair at Peking University). At the event, the top prize winners were awarded trophies and all the participants were awarded merit certificates. Three of the prize winners also shared their essay/thoughts with the audience. (iii). Talks/presentations in Hindi: by Prof. D. Shukla about the general overview of the study of Hindi; and Prof Wang Jinfeng, an expert from CRI Hindi on the beauty and importance of Hindi. A few Chinese students and members of Indian community also shared their brief thoughts about Hindi and India. (iv.) Awards of Honor : Seven distinguished Chinese scholars in Hindi were honored by DCM at the event for their outstanding contribution to Hindi and Hindi studies. These were nominated by Peking University & CRI– Hindi.

Film/Documentary Shows (Sep 2009) ( - , )

Documentary show : “A Day in the Life of India” [Sep 14] – PD Division This one-hour documentary (in English) captures snapshots of daily life in India.

Paheli [Bollywood, English sub-titles] [Sept 17] – PD Division

Documentary show : “This is Urdu” [Sep 24] – PD Division This documentary (in English) depicts the rich history and tradition of Urdu in India.

Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2) ( - , )

An event to mark Gandhi Jayanti was organized in the Chancery premises. Ambassador Dr. S. Jaishankar and Mrs. Jaishankar accompanied by Embassy officials, staff and members of the local Indian community attended the function. On the occasion, students of the New Culture Wing sang “Vaishnava Janato” and “Raghupati Raghav Rajaram”.

Yoga China 2009 (Oct 5) ( - , )

This event was organized by China-India Friendship Association in association with a private local Yoga school in Beijing. The Culture Wing provided support to the event with its students taking part in the opening ceremony performances.

Beijing Autumn Arts Festival (Oct 11 & 18) ( - , )

Shri Ashok Chakravorty (Kathak teacher - Culture Wing) and four of his students, Ms. Song Jing, Ms. Tian Jing, Ms. Zhang Jinghui & Ms. Zhang Sisi were invited to perform Indian classical dance at the 2009 Beijing Autumn Arts Festival held at National Center of Performing Arts in central Beijing. An estimated 80 audience watched their dance recital.

	At the Autumn Arts Festival		At the Autumn Arts Festival at the prestigious NCPA

Diwali 2009 (Oct 17) ( - , )

A two-hour programme to celebrate Diwali was held at the Embassy of India, Beijing on Oct 17 (1730 hrs). Ambassador Dr. S. Jaishankar joined in the celebrations along with estd. 350 guests including Dr. Subhramanian Swamy (visiting Beijing at the time), Amb Zhou Gang & Prof. Deng Junbing (former Ambassador of China to India), Mr. Sun Weidong (DDG-Asia Dept, Chinese MFA), local artists as well as members of the local Indian community and some media. A cultural programme was presented on the occasion by students of the Culture Wing as well children of Embassy officials/staff.

	At Diwali function		At the Diwali fucntion

Cultural Show – Beijing Communications University (Oct 26) ( - , )

Students of the Beijing Communications University presented a Kathak recital at the University’s Cultural festival “Voice Yourself” The students had earlier been trained by Shri Ashok Chakravorty (Kathak teacher of the Culture Wing).

	Students performing Indian dance at their college cultural show

Film/Documentary Shows (Oct 2009) ( - , )

Documentary show : “Madhyam” [Oct 20] – PD Division This 30 minute documentary (in English) describes the Indian film industry.
Sholay [Bollywood, English sub-titles] [Oct 22] – PD Division
Documentary show : “Commonwealth Games - 2010” [Oct 27] – PD Division

Photo Exhibition: “India through Journalists’ Lens” [Nov 23 – 27, 0930 – 1700 hrs daily] ( - , )

These photos were taken by Wang Lili & Li Qin, journalists of China Radio International, during their stay and visit in

India

. The photos depict the major places of tourist attraction in India.

Workshop on Kathak at Tian Qiao [Nov 29] ( - , )

A workshop on Kathak dance was organized at a local arts theatre Tian Qiao on Nov 29. The 2 hour workshop was organized with the cooperation of Ms. Yu Feifei, a local student of the Culture Wing and supported by Culture Wing teachers. An audience of around 80 attended the event.

	Students of Culture Wing giving a demo		Shri Ashok Chakravorty explaining the basics of Indian dance

Presentation of Indian Music CDs/DVDs to BIAAS [Dec 3] ( - , )

On Dec 3, SS(I&C) Shri Chinmoy Naik presented 20 CDs/DVDs on Indian music and dance to Ms. Zhu Mingying, Principal of Beijing International Academy of Arts & Sciences (BIAAS), Beijing. BIAAS is a local dance school which teaches young Chinese children various dance forms including Indian dances. Ms. Zhu Mingying is a renowned artist of Beijing who has also studied Indian music previously.

Painting Exhibition : “An Exhibition of Indian Paintings” [Inauguration – Dec 11 - 1730 hrs; Exhibition period – Dec 14 - 18, 1000 – 1700 hrs daily] ( - , )

Around 30 oil paintings by local Indian artist, Mrs. Anjula Sharma were on display. These paintings depicted various daily life scenes of folk women from India’s Rajasthan state. Ambassador Dr. S. Jaishankar inaugurated the event on Dec 11. Around 120 guests including members of Indian community and local guests attended the event.

Films/Documentary shows [Nov-Dec 09] ( - , )

Documentary : “India & The United Nations (UN)”

[Nov 16 – Monday, 1715 hrs]

This 30 minute documentary (in English) depicts India’s past and current role in the UN.

· Film show : “Taal” (the rhythm of passion)

[Nov 19 – Thursday, 1615 hrs]

Film Show: “Ghare-Baire” (The Home & The World)

[Nov 27 – Fri, 1700 hrs]

Documentary : “Spices of India”

[Dec 8 – Tuesday, 1700 hrs]

This 30 minutes documentary (in English) describes the history of the world famous spices of India.

Film show: “Koi Mil Gaya” (…have found someone…)

[Dec 16 – Wednesday, 1630 hrs]

Film Show: “Women Entrepreneurs of India”

[Dec 21 – Mon, 1700 hrs]

This 30 minute documentary in English gives an overview of a few successful women entrepreneurs of India.

	Section of audience watching an Indian film

Embassy School - Christmas celebrations (12/17/2008 - , )

Indian Embassy School organized an event to celebrate Christmas. Chinese Asst. Foreign Minsiter (AFM), Mr Hu Zhengyue visited the Culture Wing for the event. Students of the school as well as the Wing performed two group songs and a dance on the occasion. Chinese AFM was also shown around the Culture Wing by Ambassador. The Minister spent some time in the Reading Room.

	View of the India stall where some ODA's were also displayed

SAARC Charter Day celebrations (12/08/2008 - , )

Embassy of India, in cooperation with India Tourism Office, was one of the co-organizers of the "SAARC Charter Day - 24 th Anniversary celebrations" organized at Beijing Marriott Hotel. Chinese Asst Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue was chief guest. Other attendees were all SAARC/SAARC observer Ambassadors and Embassy officials, officials from various Chinese Ministries as well as local culture/art/media related figures (total around 300 distinguished guests). As part of the cultural component titled "Rhythms of South Asia", India presented the following three items :

1.	Invocation song "Mathreem Bhajatham" by Ms. Vidyalakshmi Vaidyanathan (solo)
2.	Group Song "Koi bole Ram ..." led by Shri Bhajantri of the Cultural Wing and Chinese and Indian students
3.	A Kathak dance piece by five Chinese girls, choreographed by Culture Wing teacher, Shri Ashok Chakravorty
These items were the result of classes being conducted in the Cultural Wing and were much appreciated by the audience.

Local danseuse Ms. Jin Shanshan giving a performance	Chinese students performing in front of ICI delegation	Shri Bhanajntri and students performing chorus song; Chinese students on the instruments
Chinese students performing Kathak piece on stage	View of stage from the Front	View of stage from the back

Reception for delegates of India-China Institute delegation (11/28/2009 - , )

A 30 member delegation of the India-China Institute , a bilateral group comprising people from both countries visited the Cultural Wing. The delegates witnessed a live Indian music class in session. Ambassador gave a power point presentation regarding India-China relations followed by an interactive session. This was followed by an informal song session where some members gave an impromptu performance including the Ambassador.

Reception for Prof. Tan-Yun Shan/PC Bagchi Anniversary celebration delegates (11/26/2008 - , )

Embassy organized a reception for delegates to the Prof. Tan Yunshan/ PC Bagchi 110 th birth Anniversary celebrations, who were in Beijing to attend a series of events organized by Peking University/Beijing Foreign Studies University among others. This delegation was led by Prof. Tan Chung and Mrs. Ratna Bagchi, eldest descendents of the two leading figures.
A small cultural performance was organized for the delegation. Culture Wing teacher, Shri Bhajantri led a chorus song recital while Ms. Jin Shanshan, a local Chinese Bharatnatyam dancer, performed a dance piece. The delegates were later felicitated by the Ambassador and DCM Shri Jaideep Mazumdar

Talk by Ms. Shakuntala Devi (11/22/2008 - , )

A talk by Ms. Shakuntala Devi, the famous mathematician was organized at the Culture Wing on Nov 22. This was organized with support of the Indian Community in Beijing. Ambassador was chief guest at the occasion. Ms. Shakuntala Devi, inter alia, gave a brief talk on role of ancient India's contribution to the science mathematics.

Indian Carnatic Music performance (11/14/2008 - , )

An Indian Carnatic music performance by Mrs. Vidyalakshmi Vaidyanathan was organized at the Culture Wing on Nov 14. The hour long programme, which was keenly attended by many local enthusiasts, provided a brief introduction about this Indian music form to the Chinese audience. A brief write-up on Carnatic music was also distributed during the occasion.

	Vidyalakshmi		Delegates of the Tan Yunshan & PC Bagchi 110 th Anniversary celebrations		Mrs. Ratna Bagchi, d/o Late Prof PC Bagchi addressing the audience

Gandhi Jayanti celebrations (10/02/2008 - , )

To mark the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Shri BY Bhajantri, Vocalist accompanied by Shri Ashok Chakravorty on Tabla and other Chinese students, sang Gandhiji's favorite songs and bhajans. A documentary film "The Millenium Mahatma" was also screened. India-based members of the Mission along with their families and members of the local Indian community participated in the event and joined in the singing of bhajans.

Flim Show : India Innovates (09/17/2008 - , )

This brief DVD, produced by the PD Division, brought out the emerging trends in the Indian S&T sector.

Reception for Indian contingent for Paralympic Games (09/16/2008 - , )

A reception was organized for the Indian contingent of the Paralympic Games. Ambassador made brief opening remarks and gave words of encouragement to the athletes. The athletes also shared their experiences. The local volunteers for the Indian team were also felicitated during the occasion. The occasion also provided an opportunity for invited Chinese journalists to interview some of the athletes.

	Reception for Indian Paralympic team to the Olympics		Shri Ashok Chakravorty teaching the first batch of dance class		Shri Bhajantri teaching a batch of Chinese students for Indian music

Film Show : Indian Systems of Medicine (09/10/2008 - , )

This one-hour DVD, produced by the Dept. of AYUSH , Govt of India, explaining the basics of Indian systems of medicine incl. Yoga/Ayurveda, etc was shown at the main hall of the Wing. The audience also included medical students from Chinese Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences (CACMS).

"Indian Arts & Crafts" Exhibition (08/18/2008 - 08/22/2008 , )

An exhibition of Indian Handicrafts was organized at the Cultural Wing from Aug 18 -22. This was courtesy the Indian Cottage Industries & Handicrafts Corporation who had sent select Indian handicraft items for display. The one week exhibition was attended, inter alia, by businessmen interested to obtain a franchise for these products in China.

			Audience watching the screening of film on Ayurveda		Reading Room incl periodicals from India

New Reading Room (08/18/2008 - , )

The Reading Room of the New Culture Wing was opened to the public in Aug 2008. It now has around 2000 books of which there are 400 books in Chinese (total categories are 50 all concerning different facets of India). The Reading Room also has the latest Indian magazines which are replaced regularly. It also has a small children's section as well as a Hindi Section.

Book Talk : Pallavi Aiyar on her book "Smoke & Mirrors" (08/05/2008 - , )

A book talk was organized on "Smoke & Mirrors" by Ms. Pallavi Aiyar , a resident journalist at the Culture Wing. Ambassador Mrs. Nirupama Rao, was the chief guest at the function. The audience comprised mostly local Chinese from all walks of life. Famous TV anchor Ms. Rita Zhao provided the translation.

Presentation and demonstration on Indian Dances (07/21/2008 - , 4-6 PM )

Prof Liu Jian, a researcher on Indian Dance from the Beijing Dance Academy, gave a power-point presentation (in Chinese)
on the history and types of Indian dances. The presentation included many pictures/videos of performances. Some of the Academy's students also gave brief performances on the major Indian classical dances, which were interspersed in the presentation. An audience of around 50 attended the event.

			Chinese students performing brief dances		Above left: Ms. Pallavi Aiyer and Ms. Rita Zhao at the book talk Above right: A section of audience at the book talk

Lecture & Demonstration on Yoga (07/17/2008 - , 4-6 PM )

A lecture in Chinese on the theory and benefits of Yoga was given by Ms. Lu Yi, a local expert in Yoga who has studied Yoga in India. This was followed by a practical session where many in the audience participated. This was then followed by a brief question and answer session. This attended by an audience of around 40 Chinese from various walks of life.

	Screening of "Ashoka" Opera		Ms. Lu Yi, explaining the basics of Yoga		A practical session of Yoga after the lecture

Screening of the Chinese Opera "Ashoka" (07/14/2008 - , 4-6 PM) )

This opera in Chinese about the life of the ancient Indian Emperor Ashoka, has been produced by the Ningbo Arts & Theatre Company, Ningbo (near Shanghai). The 2 hour DVD film, featuring 45 Chinese artists in Indian costumes and setting, was screened at the Main hall of the new Wing. Audience comprised representatives from Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), People's Daily, MFA, Peking University, Chinese Academy of Arts, et

Activities at the New Culture Wing (06/30/2008 - , onwards )

The New Culture Wing of the Embassy of India ( at Unit 01-03, 11 th Floor, East Tower, Twin Tower, B-12, Jian Guomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing) was ready for operation on May 28 . The new Wing aims to promote in China, the multifarious aspects of Indian culture, arts and heritage. It will also serve as a window to explore and learn more about India for the local Chinese, who hitherto may have had limited access to such opportunities.

The new Wing has an 80 seater Main Hall, a Reading room-cum-library, two classrooms for teaching dance and music and an office space (some photos appended below). The interiors of the Wing have been done so as to represent India in its richness and splendor.

	Front Area of the new Culture Wing		Main Hall		One of the two dance classrooms

Speech Contest on "India -- My Impressions (06/20/2008 - , 4-5 PM )

A speech contest was organized at the new Wing for Chinese students from a few colleges and Universities of Beijing. The theme provided was "India - My Impressions". The event was supported by Ms. Rita Zhao, an eminent TV personality in China and a friend of the Embassy. Counsellor (I&C) , Shri Manish Chauhan coordinated the event. Contestants were judged on, inter alia, the content and of the speech. Prizes were distributed to the top three speech makers.

Screening of a film on "The Story of Buddhism (06/02/2008 - , 4-6 PM )

The new Culture Wing and the India Tourism Office (which is located in the same premises) jointly organized the event. Mr Benoy Behl, a renowned Indian photographer and Buddhism archivist, presented a brief lecture followed by the screening of his film "The Story of Buddhism" which highlighted the origins and essence of Buddhism. Ambassador was the chief guest at the event. An audience of around 50 Chinese students, artists, scholars and travel-related professionals attended the event.

Poetry Session in Bangla by the visiting poet Ms. Ishita Bhaduri (05/31/2008 - , 4 - 5 PM )

	Ms. Ishita Bhaduri being interviewed by CRI after the event		A photo of the event. Seated in front, Ambassador Mrs. Nirupama Rao (middle), Mr. Benoy Behl (guest lecturer) and DCM Shri Saurabh Kumar		Group of prize winners and contestants

Initiation of classes by two ICCR teachers ( - , )

In Sept 2008, Shri Ashok Chakravorty (Kathak teacher) and Shri Bhajantri (Vocal Music & Tabla teacher) joined the Mission from ICCR. The first batch of music and dance students began their training in earnest the same week. The schedule of classes are appended in Appendix I & II. The classes are being conducted regularly.

	Students practicing Tabla in a class				Ambassador watching the performance with others