By Mir Mohsin Ali

RIYADH — As part of the ongoing “Paryatan Parv” (Tourism Festival) launched by the Ministry of Tourism of India, in collaboration with Ministry of External Affairs as well as the state governments across India from Oct. 5-25, the Indian mission here held a promotional event.

The Embassy of India organized a tourism promotion event at the International Indian School-Riyadh this Sunday. The event was attended by a cross section of the community members, students and teachers.

On this occasion, Indian Ambassador Ahmad Javed released an informative catalog titled “Indo Saudi Architectural Heritage”, which has his foreword, and depicts 16 historical monuments form various parts of India, photographed by K. N. Wasif.

Wasif is renowned photojournalist and Urdu columnist, who has extensively traveled India and photographed its architectural heritage. He has a rich collection of photographs of the monuments of Indo-Islamic architectural style and palaces of the early modern era.

The catalog also showcases 10 paintings of Saudi heritage sites by an established Indian artist Sabiha Majeed. The catalog carries brief description of the historical background of each monument depicted in it.

Javed also inaugurated the Photo and Painting Exhibition, reflecting architectural richness of India and Saudi Arabia, by K. N. Wasif and Sabiha.

Addressing the audience, Javed mentioned that India is one of the oldest civilizations, which has spanned over millennia and left its deep impact on our socio-cultural traditions.

The Art and Architecture form an important part of Indian culture. Innumerable magnificent palaces, forts, castles, solemn stupas, temples, mosques, churches, mausoleums, sprawling cities and memorials that dot the length and breadth of the country remind us of our glorious past.

He said, “The architectural heritage of India is an artistic synthesis of indigenous styles and external influences which have given a unique characteristic of its own. It has evolved in different parts and regions of the country throughout the long period of history. The distinctive features of India’s architectural legacy are a living example of our cultural diversities and rich traditions.

“I believe that this beautiful blend of attractive photographs of historical monuments of India and Saudi Arabia will not only contribute in familiarizing the young citizens of both the countries with the glorious architectural heritage and kindle in them the spirit to explore further,” Javed added.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Hifzur Rahman, first secretary (political, information, culture and education) in the Embassy of India, welcomed the audience and briefed the audience on the ongoing tourism festival (Paryatan Parv) in India.

The 3-week long “Paryatan Parv” across the country, was inaugurated on Oct. 5, in a grand ceremony at the specious and beautiful lawn of Humayun tomb, the 16th century Mogul architectural monument.

The festival’s objective is to encourage tourism to India, by showcasing the cultural diversity, and highlighting the architectural treasures/richness, spread over the length and breadth of India.

One of the prime components of the festival is called: ‘Dekho Apna Desh’, which aims at attracting and encouraging Indian citizens to visit various parts of their own county.

Dr. Rahman said, “The Indian Diaspora forms a significant and influential group in their respective countries of residence. Out of the estimated 25 million overseas Indian Diaspora spread all over the world, more than 3.2 million Indians are staying in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

“We believe that through synergized efforts of all stakeholders, including the Diaspora, the outreach of the tourism promotion campaign can be further expanded and the Indian community in Saudi Arabia can significantly contribute to encourage tourism to India,” he said.

The mission has, since commencement of the tourism festival, been promoting India as a tourism destination, through the Mission’s Facebook and Twitter, highlighting several tourist destinations in various parts of the country, in order to encourage travelers form this part of the world to visit India.

The Embassy intends to take the exhibition of photographs to the International Indian Schools and the Saudi schools in various parts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as to cultural festivals in several Saudi cities, in addition to display it in the Embassy auditorium for larger viewing.

The Ambassador presented an appreciation of plaques to both artists. Wasif addressed the audience on the occasion, and IISR Principal Dr. Shaukat Parvez proposed the formal vote of thanks.