ISC cultural jamboree to celebrate UAE-India ties

As the UAE and India are turning a new chapter in their bilateral and diplomatic relationship, the oldest and biggest community organisation of Indians in Abu Dhabi is celebrating the 'soft' side of the historic bond between the two nations.
India Fest, a signature annual event by ISC (India Social and Cultural Centre), which will be held from January 26 to 28 this year, has been renamed UAE-India Fest, in its seventh season, to commemorate the state visit of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed AL Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, as the chief guest on the Indian Republic day on January 26 in New Delhi.
The Dh 1 million cultural jamboree that is expected to draw more than 40,000 people, will see an impressive line-up of events and entertainment extravaganza that will celebrate the Indian and emirati cultural traditions and cuisines.
"We are leaving no stone unturned to make this a landmark event that will go down in history," said Thomas Varghese, ISC President.
"We are using this opportunity to express our love and respect to the UAE ruling family that has always taken care of the Indian community here," said Varghese.
The UAE-India Fest is expected to be the best and biggest this year, especially as ISC is celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year. Adding to the glory is the organisation winning the prestigious Pravasi Bharathiya Samman Award (PBSA) at the PBD (Pravasi Bharathiya Divas) convention held in Bangalore early this month by the government of India. Established in 1967, ISC currently has over 2220 members but caters to nearly 7000 people.
During the previous years, the festival has received ground-swelling response from the community that has participated in thousands.
This year, more than 100 artists both from India and locally are expected to perform during the three-day festival - the highlights being musical concert by Bollywood Playback singer Naresh Iyer and Sharanya Srinivas, Live dance performance by Malayalam movie star and danseuse Lakshmi Gopalaswami, the Immortal Raaga band performance with Sabreesh Prabhakar and a martial arts performance.
To bring in the emirati flavor, traditional dance forms like Khaleeji, Ayalah and Tanoora will be showcased, in addition to special food stalls with emirati delicacies.
Visitors can also win plenty of prizes through raffle draws. The Mega Raffle Draw sponsored by Al Masaood Automobiles will offer a Renult Duster Car on the final day of the festival. There are also daily raffle prizes for the lucky visitors.
UAE Exchange, XPRESS Money is the title sponsor of the event for the seventh year running and is supported by the Indian embassy. The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, AbuDhabi Police and Abu Dhabi City Municipality are the strategic partners.
Tickets are priced at Dh10 for all the three days. ISC President said parts of the proceeds from the event will be donated for charitable donations.
- anjana@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi