Indian Cultural Exchange Night

STO - On the evening of August 14th, a cultural exchange between India and Soc Trang took place at the Soc Trang Provincial Cultural and Conference Center. This was one of the activities of the 2023 "Hello Vietnam" Festival organized by the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City in Soc Trang. Attending from Soc Trang province were: Ms. To Ai Vang - Provincial Party Committee member, Deputy Head of the Soc Trang Provincial National Assembly Delegation; Ms. Huynh Thi Diem Ngoc - Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Mr. Tran Minh Ly - Provincial Party Committee member, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism; and representatives from various departments and organizations of Soc Trang province. Representing India were Mr. Pankaj Kumar - Consular officer of the Indian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and members of the Indian music group - Qawwali.

Delegates attending the cultural exchange night. Photo: CHI BAO

Speaking at the cultural exchange event, Ms. Huynh Thi Diem Ngoc stated that for over 50 years, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and India in 1972, the friendship between Vietnam and India has been deeply maintained by many factors, including cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges. This has solidified the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. The 2023 Namaste Vietnam Festival, organized by the Indian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and held today in Soc Trang, is being implemented in this spirit. The program, themed "People's Unity, Warm Friendship," aims to enhance cultural understanding and strengthen friendship and solidarity between the people of India and Vietnam, while also promoting friendly cooperation between the people and governments of the two countries. Soc Trang province is honored to be one of the three provinces in the southern region of Vietnam selected to host this important event.

Presenting flowers to the performing arts groups at the cultural exchange night. Photo: CHI BAO

Over the years, Soc Trang province and India have had a cooperative relationship in many fields, especially cultural exchange. Every year, the "International Yoga Day" and "Indian Film Week" are organized in Soc Trang, contributing to promoting health and fitness and showcasing Indian culture to the people of Soc Trang. This Qawwali dance and music exchange program, within the framework of the 2023 Hello Vietnam Festival in Soc Trang, is an opportunity for the people of both countries to exchange cultures; to enjoy traditional art forms rich in the national cultural identity of both nations, including art forms recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of the world .

A performance by the Indian music troupe. Photo: CHI BAO

A performance by the Khmer Art Troupe of Soc Trang province. Photo: CHI BAO

The cultural exchange night attracted over 400 attendees who enjoyed an impressive artistic performance by the Qawwali music group. Soc Trang province presented traditional art forms rich in national cultural identity, such as: a medley of songs titled "Beautiful Friendship"; the Don Ca Tai Tu art form – a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage; and the Ro Bam dance – a national intangible cultural heritage.

To express their close ties during the India-Soc Trang cultural exchange program, representatives and artists from India and Soc Trang performed the Rom Vong dance – a Khmer folk dance from Soc Trang. On December 20, 2019, the Rom Vong dance was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

CHI BAO

Source: https://baosoctrang.org.vn/van-hoa-the-thao/dem-giao-luu-van-hoa-an-do-soc-trang-tham-tinh-huu-nghi-67005.html