Strengthening bonds

With the view of strengthening the bond between India and UK , a grand celebration , ‘UK-India year of culture 2017’, took place in the national Capital on Thursday evening with the re-inauguration of British Council Centre by Sir Ciaren Devane, Chief Executive of British Council.

The iconic British Council Centre is the epicentre to showcase the strong cultural relationship that India and UK share. Over the time, the British Council keeps on refurbishing its interiors as well as the technology based library, auditorium and the beautiful art gallery according to the highest modern standards. The art gallery demonstrate the variety of British art since 1920 to the present.

Speaking at the event, Ciaren Divane emphasized the necessity to promote cultural exchange for stronger ties between the two nations. He also announced that 2017 will be ‘UK-India year of culture’.

He was also accompanied by Sir Dominic Asquith, British High Council Commissioner to India and Alan Gemmell , Director of British Council of India. They both spoke about the traditional and cultural values for connecting both the countries and also gave a glimpse of future projects that will take place within a year.

On this event , the renowned personalities of British Council addressed the importance of relationship between India and UK to face the challenges of 21st century.

The main purpose behind ‘UK- India 2017 year of celebration’ was to enhance the appreciation of contemporary UK in India and vice versa in order to establish a profound and relevant long standing relationship between the two big culturally heritage countries.

Apart from this, ‘UK-India 2017’ will seek to challenge the outdated perception of UK with an inspiring programme, demonstrating the quality of contemporary British art and culture. Gemmell, Director of British Council of India , also launched the trailor of ‘Mix the Play’,a special edition of the popular ‘Mix the City’ platform to promote Shakespeare life. Gemmell said , “‘Mix the Play’ will offer digital audiences an exclusive chance to play director of one of Shakespeare’s most loved plays : A Midsummer Night’s Dream and visitors to ‘Mix the Play’ website will be invited to make a short film from a scene in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.The duration of a scene will be under 3 minutes.” 

The main purpose behind the project is to make a close interaction between audience and Shakespeare’s play and to educate them about theatre in a fun way. He also added, “We are working closely with the Indian High Commissioner and his team in London to identify how best we can support each other’s programme.” The programme is basically designed for the youth of both nations and with the help of digital technology it will reach a numerous number of audience.The event also saw the launch of some great British artsist work .

Last year, Prime Ministers of India and UK, Narendra Modi and David Cameron announced a celebration for the bilateral cultural year to promote deeper connection on India’s 70 years of Independence. Sir Ciaren Devane said, “2017 will see an exciting and surprising UK programmes across in India.”