Indian cultural fest ’Passage to India’ held in Doha
Media Release
Doha, Mar 31, 2022: Two weeks of planning and three days of execution with Swiss cloak precision, with the participation of nearly 1200, over 300 volunteers and thousands of visitors at MIA park in a glittering and colorful grand show ’Passage to India 2022’.
Day one of Passage to India and grandstanding replica most attractive monument of India, Taj Mahal, inaugurated by Harsh Vardhan Shringla, foreign secretary, ministry of external affairs, Govt of India. Ambassador of India Dr Deepak Mittal, ambassador of India expressed happiness to see after nearly two years of Covid restrictions, the first grand-scale event to enjoy all Indian traditions and culture by all residents. Several missions of various countries visited and enjoyed the musical extravaganza. The evening started with the musical team singing famous songs from Indian movies.
In the welcome address, PN Baburajan said, with the support of the managing committee, volunteers, participants, and visitors’ enthusiasm are the driving force for the planning of three days - March 24, 25 and 26 of Passage of India in the Museum of Islamic Arts Park.
The entire event was managed by several volunteering teams under the chairmanship of AP Manikanthan. Several cultural events from Associated Organizations, Indian Schools, and other Indian teams were managed and presented by Shweta Koshti, Kamala Thakur, and Suma Mahesh Gowda. All the dance teams mesmerized the audiences with their wonderful well-choreographed performances.
The number of stalls and food outlets were the main attraction of the Passage to India.
Day two was rocked by students of Indian Schools with their scintillating performances. In a felicitation ceremony, all sponsors of Passage to India have presented a memento by Xavier Dhanran, first secretary and coordinator officer of ICC.
The main attraction of day two was audiences had glimpses of responses by various trained dogs from the MOI Team. Many dog trainers, the number of responses, how accurately the target reached and captured was a treat to watch. It gave so much confidence at the end to viewers that we are in safe hands MOI teams.
A stupendous performance by 175 Indian women with traditional dresses, showing the dance form of Thiruvathirakali was eye-catching and marvelous to watch Indian rich culture and traditions of festivity. Crowd roared with joy after watching a performance for the first time on a huge scale in Qatar.
India Ambassador HE Dr. Deepak Mittal appreciated ICC and Indian schools for making Passage to India memorable.
With a noble idea of recognizing a flawless and seamless contribution of many Indians who stood like a bridge and helped directly or indirectly in Indo - the Qatar relationship for decades. Initiative to recognize forty Long Time Resident awards, taken up by ICC had an overwhelming response and a committee reviewed each entry in the selection process. Those seniors’ commendable hard work paved the way for many more Indians to reach Doha and Serve.
In the state of Qatar, all government departments were so supportive and encouraging in managing such a mega event Passage to India 2022. All these years ICC conducted Passage to India for two days, this year it was a three-day event. The energy and enthusiasm are at their best to watch than saying in words.
Along with PN BabuRajan president ICC, vice president ICC Subramanya Hebbagelu Krishna Kumar Bandhakavi, general secretary, Shweta Koshti cultural secretary, schools, and student coordinator Kamala Thakur, and other ICC MC members, organizers and volunteers worked very hard under the Committee chairman AP Manikanthan who steered the amazing Indian festival Passage to India. Vice president ICC Subramanya Hebbagelu expressed a vote of thanks.
ICC became the talk of the town and the crowd flocked to MIA park for glimpses and to enjoy the grand festivity.