Pacific nations showcase diversity

By

Jose Kalathil

It was an evening of fun, frolic, variety of food, and free flow of drinks. Performances from the Pacific countries such as Maori dance also entertained guests, who donned garlands and floral head gears for the occasion. The food spread included fresh yellow fin tuna and prawns from Papua New Guinea, Kava from Fiji, Australian lamb, etc.

The occasion was ‘Namaste Pacific’, an event to showcase the Pacific culture for the first time in India, held at the residence of the New Zealand High Commissioner, Ms Joanna Kempkers. More than 200 people participated in the event, which was co-hosted by the Australian High Commissioner, Ms Harinder Sidhu, Papua New Guinea Charge d’Affaires a.i., Ms Seline Leo-Lohia and Fiji Charge d’Affaires a.i., Mr Nilesh Roneel Kumar.

“Cultural and economic links between India and the Pacific countries are increasing day by day. Through this event, which will likely be an annual one, we are trying to highlight people-to-people links,” said Joanna Kempkers.

She also said that many Indians had strong links with the participating countries. “An event like this has given a chance to Delhi’ites to taste the food and culture from the Pacific region.”

Czech ambassador to India, Mr Milan Hovorka, Mexican ambassador to India, Ms Melba Pia, and Greek ambassador to India, Mr. Panos Kalogeropoulos, were among those who graced the evening.

Mr Paul Panao, Officer at the Asia and ASEAN desk, at the Papua New Guinea Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who landed in the morning for the function, wished more such events would happen in the near future.

Ms Seline Leo-Lohia, Charge d’Affaires a.i., of PNG embassy, said many dancers were PNG students studying in different universities in India.

Jose Kalathil

Jose Kalathil is a senior journalist based in New Delhi. With more than three decades of experience in different publications in India and Nepal, he is comfortable writing on any topic under the sun.