DIWALI CELEBRATIONS 

The Embassy of India in association with the Indian Business Forum and the Indian Women’s Association

Proposes to celebrate the Diwali

on Saturday, 17^th October, 2009

from 1930 hrs. onwards

at the

Embassy of India lawns  

The celebrations will include a cultural show, fireworks, buffet dinner and a raffle draw. 

Entry will be by tickets only (first come first sold basis).  Only a limited number of tickets are available. 

Tickets:      Birr 150/- per person (children below 5 years will be free)

Raffle  :      Birr 20/- per ticket 

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from Embassy of India (Mr. Rajnish K. Singh) from 10:00-12:00 A.M. and 3:00-5:00 P.M. 

Come and join for the celebrations.

All Indians & friends of India are welcome  

* * * * *

140^th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF MAHATMA GANDHI
THE INTERNATIONAL Day of NON-VIOLENCE

ALL INDIAN NATIONALS AND FRIENDS OF INDIA ARE REQUESTED TO JOIN TO COMMEMORATE THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NON-VIOLENCE

Indian Documentary Film Festival

The Embassy of India is organizing an Indian Documentary Film Festival from June 15-19, 2009, at the Italian Cultural Institute.  During this Festival, a number of documentary films on subjects like elections in India, India’s cooperation with Africa including its efforts at capacity building, India’s rich cultural heritage, India’s efforts in the space research & satellite launching and other subjects of topical interest will be shown.  

            On the inaugural day on Monday, June 15, 2009, a documentary on “Elections in India – A Mammoth Democratic Exercise” will be shown. In addition, another documentary “Pather Panchali” will also be shown. A programme of the festival is enclosed. click here.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Engaging the Diaspora: The Way Forward 

7-9 January 2009, Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai 

 The 7th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in partnership with 

the State Government of Tamil Nadu and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is scheduled to be held at the Chennai Trade Centre from 

7-9 January 2009. This is the first time that the convention is being organised in Chennai.  PBD 2009 will deliberate on issues of interest and 

concern to Overseas Indians, which include - role of Overseas Indians in India's emergence as a global power, Preservation of Language and 

Culture, Role of Diaspora Women and the Role of Diaspora Youth in the 21st Century India, Regional Working sessions on Diaspora in the Gulf, 

Asia-Pacific, Africa, USA, Europe,Caribbean and Canada, Building-the-Bridges Sessions on Trade & Investment,Diaspora Philanthropy, 

Education & Diaspora Knowledge Network, Media & Entertainment, and Tourism.

  Separate sessions with the State Governments, a Trade and Industry Exhibition with participation from corporate sector, Financial Institutions, 

State Governments, NGOs and a market place of Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC) are other highlights of PBD-2009.

 Dr Manmohan Singh, Hon'ble Prime Minister, Government of India will

inaugurate the event and Mrs Pratibha Patil, President of India will deliver the valedictory address at the three-day meet.

Know India Programme (KIP) for Diaspora youth

This Ministry conducts a Know India Programme (KIP) for Diaspora youth in the age group of 18 to 26 years with a view to promote awareness on India - its socio-cultural diversity, all round development, emergence as an economic power, a centre of higher education etc.  It is a three-week internship programme undertaken in partnership with State Governments.  So far, eight such KIPs have been held and the ninth one is underway in partnership with Governments of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Up to 40 participants could be covered under each programme. The website http://knowindiaprogram.com  provides further details. Click Here

Celebration of 60^th anniversary of India-Ethiopia bilateral relations at Mekelle, Tigray Regional State

In a function organized at the Mekelle Institute of Technology (MIT) at 4.00 P.M, on May 20, 2008, Ambassador gave lecture on ‘India and Ethiopia – Cooperation in Human Resource Development and Capacity Building’ to mark the 60^th anniversary of India-Ethiopia bilateral relations.  In the speech, Ambassador highlighted the close cooperation in the political as well as economic sectors with Ethiopia and the Tigray Region.  The meeting was attended by around 250 persons consisting of members of the Mekelle Chamber of Commerce, local Government dignitaries, professors and lecturers of Mekele University and the faculty and students of the MIT.  Mr. Getachew Belay, Chairman of the Board of Directors of MIT, Dr. Mebrahtu Meles, Dy. Bureau Head, Trade, Industry and Transport and Member of Board of Directors of MIT, Prof. P.K. Suri, Dean of MIT were also present in the celebrations.

SYMPOSIUM ON ETHIO-INDIA: 60 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP 29 APRIL, 2008, ADDIS ABABA

The Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly organized a one day symposium “Ethio-India: 60 Years of Friendship” to mark the 60 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.  The inaugural session was addressed by the Ambassador and the Foreign Minister who, while giving the keynote address, stated that Ethiopia fully supported India’s place in the UN Security Council on permanent basis in view of India’s contribution to peace, stability and mutual understanding in the world.  Mr. K.L. Datta, Adviser in the Planning Commission and Mrs. Primrose Sharma, JS(TC) gave presentations in the symposium, which also had the presence of Dr. Tekeda Alemu, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Adhana Haile, State Minister of Education, Mr. Neway Gebre/Ab, Economic Adviser to the PM and Dr. Fasil Nahom, Special Advisor to the PM.  The Symposium was attended by Ambassadors, think tanks, parliamentarians, prominent businessmen and members of the Indian community.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a reception on the occasion for the participants. 

International Exhibition-cum-Seminar on Innovative Building Materials and Construction Technologies for Sustainable Housing in Ethiopia 

An Exhibition-cum-Seminar on Innovative Building Materials and Construction Technologies for Sustainable Housing took place from April 15-16, 2008 at Ethiopian Conference Center, Addis Ababa organized by the Embassy of India in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India and the Ministry of Works and Urban Development, Government of Ethiopia.  The Exhibition showcased the commercial viability of manufacturing technologies of composite building material and machinery developed in India for production of building materials components for housing with the use of agro industrial waste and natural fibers.   

This Exhibition was a practical manifestation of the expanding partnership between India and Ethiopia.  On April 15, 2008, at a special symposium to enhance business relations between India and Ethiopia, the Ambassador of India H.E Mr. Gurjit Singh said that we have to ensure that the economic growth should be implemented in a sustainable manner utilizing local rather than imported resources, providing not only cost effectiveness but a harmony with Mother Nature.  Environmentally friendly and energy efficient technologies and related sustainable production of building materials and components to cater to the huge housing demand is the need of the day. 

H.E Dr. Harjit Singh Anand, Vice Minister, Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India said that this seminar will evolve appropriate strategies and action plans for identification, adoption and adaptation of emerging technologies to address the problems of housing.  The keynote address was delivered by H.E Mr. Arkebe Oqubay, State Minister of Works & Urban Dev’t, Government of Ethiopia in which he outlined the need of cost efficient and high quality housing units to the low and middle income population in Ethiopia.  Hon. State Minister emphasized that Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation of Government of India and the Ministry of Works & Urban Development of Government of Ethiopia will work together for the development and transfer of cost efficient building material technology.  Many others presentations were made by Indian and Ethiopian experts on low cost housing during the symposium and more than 200 participants attended the symposium.  The Exhibition was inaugurated on April 15, 2008 by H.E Dr. Kassu Illala, Minister of Works & Urban Development, Government of Ethiopia.

The Largest Indian Trade Exposition in Ethiopia

The largest ever Indian trade exposition took place at the Millennium Addis Chamber International Trade Fair.  More than 30 Indian companies were participated and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Indian Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) organized it.

This large participation was a practical manifestation of the expanding economic partnership between India and Ethiopia.  Mr. Eyesuswork Zafu, President of Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectorial Associations specifically recognized this at the inaugural ceremony on Thursday, February 21, 2008 in presence of the Minister of Trade and Industry, H.E Mr. Girma Birru, Mayor of Addis Ababa, Worship Mr. Berhane Deressa and other dignitaries.  The dignitaries later visited all the Indian participants during a visit to the fair and they commended the business like approach and at diversity of business opportunities offered by the Indian participants.

On Friday, February 22, 2008 “India Day” was held at the Cinema Hall of the Addis Ababa Exhibition Center.  At a special symposium to enhance business relationship between India and Ethiopia the Ambassador of India, H.E Mr. Gurjit Singh said that this was the flagship event on the business side to mark the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Ethiopia.  Encouraging remarks for promoting India Ethiopia relations were made on the occasion by the Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, H.E Mr. Neway Gebre’ab, State Minister of Trade and Industry, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Tussa.  And on behalf of the private sector encouraging positive remark for the participants was made by the President of Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectorial Associations, Mr. Eyesuswork Zafu. Mr. Gurpal Singh, Deputy Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) who spoke on behalf of the Indian companies and gave an overview of the growing importance of the Indian economy and the roll of the private sector also addressed the symposium. The dignitaries at the “India Day” later visited all Indian participants at the fair ground and interacted with them regarding business opportunities in Ethiopia.

At the concluding function on 26th February 2008, India was given the prime recognition among all foreign participants and an Indian company Lucky Exports won the third prize among all stands.

Prior to the event, the Embassy had taken out several advertisements in the local papers, both in English and the local, Amharic, giving details of the India Day symposium asking people to register for one-to-one meetings  and advertising names of the Indian participants in the Indian pavilion.  This assisted Embassy in getting business to business meetings planned in advance for the Indian participation

Second Regional Symposium on “Doing Business with India” held at Awassa for investment and business opportunities in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Regional State

India and Ethiopia have substantiated their longstanding friendship by enhanced economic cooperation.  For strengthening the cooperation between the Regional States of Ethiopia and India, the Embassy of India took the initiative to bridge the information gap between business sectors by trying to bring businessmen together on common platforms and through increased exposure to each others market as the rapid expansion of both the economies has led to emergence of new capabilities and requirements. Currently the dimension of economic cooperation covers the widest possible spectrum.  As a follow-up to these multi-faceted and strong economic and business engagements, the Embassy of India organized the 2^nd Regional Symposium on “Doing Business with India” held at Regional Management Institute in on 3^rd December, 2007.  The Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ (SNNPS’) Regional State authorities including office of the President, Trade and Industry Bureau, Investment Bureau and Awassa Chamber of Commerce & Sectorial Associations assisted in organizing it.  The Indian delegation was led by H.E. Mr. Gurjit Singh, Ambassador of India and included a nine-member Indian business delegation.  Approximately 80 business persons from SNNP’s Regional state attended the symposium.

Special Workshop on the Economic Policy of a Developing Country in a Globalizing World for Parliamentary Standing Committee on Trade & Industry House of People’s Representatives

India and Ethiopia have substantiated their longstanding friendship by enhanced economic cooperation.  This consists of growing bilateral trade, greater investment by Indian companies in Ethiopia and participation by Indian companies in the infrastructure development.  As a follow-up to these multi-faceted and strong economic and business engagements, the Embassy of India organized a special workshop on the Economic Policy of a Developing Country in a Globalizing World for Parliamentary Standing Committee on Trade & Industry House of People’s Representatives on November 26, 2007 at Hilton Hotel.  All the 20 members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Trade & Industry House of People’s Representatives were attended this workshop. 

International Day of Peace and Non - violence

The Embassy of India organized a series of events to mark Gandhi Jayanti and the International Day of Non-Violence between Saturday, 29^th September to Tuesday, 2^nd October, 2007.  The events included a Quiz competition on the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi, a drawing competition for school students, a blood donation campaign in association with the Ethiopian Red Cross on 29^th September, 2007, and a tree planting campaign in association with the Indian Women’s Association at Afincho Ber Park on 30^th September, 2007.

             The highlights of the event were the exhibition of 50 photographs of Mahatma Gandhi on 1^st October, 2007, which was inaugurated at the National Museum by H.E. Mr. Sufian Ahmed, Finance Minister of Ethiopia and a joint commemoration at the African  Union where the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church delivered the Millennium Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Lecture.

The 60^th Anniversary of India’s Independence

A Flag Hoisting Ceremony will be held on the occasion of the 60^th Anniversary of India’s Independence on Wednesday, 15^th August, 2007, at 9.00 A.M. in the Embassy premises [Arada District, Kebele-14].   All the members of the Indian community are cordially invited to attend the function along with their family members and be present at the Chancery premises by 8.45 A.M.

Special Workshop on Foreign Policy of a Developing Country and India-Ethiopia Relations

The Embassy of India organized a half day Special Workshop on 'Foreign Policy of a Developing the benefit of Country and India-Ethiopia Relations for Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign, Defence and Security Affairs and India-Ethiopia Parliamentary Friendship Group’ from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Monday 7th, May 2007 at Hilton Hotel.

Twenty seven out of twenty nine members of the Foreign Affairs Standing Committee led by Ambassador Mohammed Ali chairman of the committee and the nine members of India –Ethiopia Parliamentary Friendship Group led by chairman H.E Ato Tekle Tesema attended the workshop.

The workshop was chaired by H.E Mr. Gurjit Singh, Ambassador of India to Ethiopia and Djibouti who was also spoke on, entitled ‘India-Ethiopia Relation in context of the Foreign Policy of Developing Countries’, ‘Information Technology Development in India’ and ‘Important International Issues and the Developing Country Perspective on them (WTO, UN Reforms and Climate Change).

Other presenters spoke on Making of India’s Foreign Policy, Diaspora Issues, Investments in Ethiopia, Educational and ITEC Cooperation and Presentation on Pan-African E-Network Project.

This workshop was the first of its kind and provided valuable inputs on India’s Conduct of Foreign Policy and other development issues in Africa for the benefits of Ethiopian law makes.  

Seminar on Dimensions and Roles of Education in Development: India and Ethiopia

The Addis Ababa University Indian Teachers Forum (AAUITF) in collaboration with the Embassy of India held a one day seminar entitled ‘Dimensions and Roles of Education in Development: India and Ethiopia’ on May 12, 2007  at the Addis Ababa University Science Faculty Seminar Hall [B3/1] in Arat Kilo campus.

His Excellency Mr. Gurjit Singh, Ambassador of India to Ethiopia and Djibouti inaugurated the seminar and Dr. Tirussew Tefera, Dean, college of Education, Addis Ababa University delivered the key note address.

Papers were presented by scholars in different aspects of education and then there were lively debates on various issues concerning on the subject. Many of the presenters were provided tangible solutions to enduring problems. The seminar as a whole was able to address thorny issues concerning the education sector in Ethiopia and how these could be resolved by borrowing many successful ideas practiced in educational arena in India. 

The seminar was attended by the 130 persons covering university faculty, student bodies and scholars engaged in the field of education in Addis Ababa.

Holi - Festival of Colours

Indian Women Association (IWA), Addis Ababa celebrated the festival of Holi on Sunday, 4th March 2007 at the Indian Embassy premises from 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. with a lot of exciting games and fun activities. Around 300 people participated in the colorful festival.

59^th Republic Day

The Embassy of India celebrated the 59^th Republic Day of India on Friday, 26^th  January, 2007 at the Embassy. Ambassador of India to Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Gurjit Singh hoisted  the National Flag.

Indian National School

Indian national school, Addis Ababa celebrated 60^th anniversary of establishment on Saturday, 20^th January, 2007 at Addis Ababa City Hall.

Seminar

    The Embassy is also planning to organize a Seminar in November 2006 on the relevance of films on the social and cultural advancement of  societies across the globe.

Joint Trade Committee Meeting:

The 4th India-Ethiopia Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Meeting was held in New Delhi on 5th June 2006. The Indian delegation was led by H.E. Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Commerce. The 8-member Ethiopian delegation was led by H.E. Mr. Ahmed Tusa, State Minister of Trade and Industry . the JTC reviewed the existing economic and trade relations between the two countries and made various proposals to diversify and enhance this cooperation.

Exhibition entitled “Women by Women”:

            Embassy of India, in collaboration with Institute of Ethiopian Studies, Addis Ababa University, organised a 2-week exhibition entitled “Women by Women” from 12 May 2006 to 28 May 2006 at IES.  The exhibition consisted of 60 portraits drawn by women artists from India and was put together by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi.  The exhibition was inaugurated on 12 May 2006 by H.E. Ms. Hirut Delebo, Hon’ble Minister of Women’s Affairs in the presence of H.E. Mr. Mohamuda Ahmed Gaas, Hon’ble State Minister for Culture and Tourism, and H.E. Ms. Ubah Mohammed Hussein, Minister of State for Women’s Affairs.

Symposium entitled “Places and Spaces”:

            A seminar on women issues entitled “Places and Spaces” was held at the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, Addis Ababa University, on 13 May 2006.  Prominent women social activists from India and Ethiopia participated in the seminar, which was attended by 150 participants.

Gondwanaland Expedition Team:

            A 10-member Gondwanaland Expedition Team from India consisting of scientists and experts travelled across Ethiopia, i.e. Metema border in the north to Moyale border in the south from 6^th to 17^th May 2006.  While the team was in Addis Ababa from 12‑14 May 2006, its members called on H.E. Mr. Girma Wolde-Giorgis, President of Ethiopia and presented the goodwill message from Indian Prime Minister.  The team was flagged off by H.E. Mr. Mohamuda Ahmed Gaas, Hon’ble State Minister for Culture and Tourism, Government of Ethiopia on the morning of 14 May 2006 on its onward journey to Awassa.

Regional Conclave for Eastern Africa:

The CII and Exim Bank co-sponsored the first ever regional Conclave for eastern Africa in Addis Ababa on 28th April 2006. The 31-member strong delegation of 27 Indian participating companies was led by Mr. Sanjay Kirloskar, CMD, Kirloskar Brothers Limited. H.E. Mr. Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia delivered the keynote address at the Inaugural Session. In the three Technical Sessions, the regional and Ethiopian institutions, Indian companies and banks made presentations. The one-to-one meetings drew enthusiastic response.

Line of Credit:

India has approved an Exim Bank line of credit worth US$65 million to Ethiopia for a power project under the rural electrification programme. This was the first such line of credit which has been given to Ethiopia on their request.

EAM's visit to Ethiopia 4 - 6 July 2007