Deputy Chief of Mission (Minister Counselor) M. Ashraf Haidari was invited as a Chief Guest to open the annual art exhibition of highly talented students from across New Delhi, co-hosted by Empowerment and the Academy of Art and Design at the Arpana Art Gallery, Academy of Fine Arts and Literature, in Delhi on February 9, 2013. This year’s theme was “Modern Art – an Inspiration,” allowing the gifted young artists to drive inspiration from the great artists and express their own thoughts on their canvas.
Accompanied by students’ parents and officials of the Academy, Mr. Haidari spoke to some 40 young artists, each of whom brilliantly explained to him their thoughts about what inspired and interested them in painting their particular work on display. Tolerance, diversity, pluralism, nature and its protection, as well as love and respect for India’s cultures and traditions were some of the motivating drivers behind their impressive paintings.
Following his enlightening interaction, Mr. Haidari delivered remarks, encouraging the gifted students to continue following their artistic dreams. He thanked Empowerment— which actively advocates using art and culture as a tool for social change and emancipation—for co-hosting the event, and invited them to consider organizing an exhibition where gifted Afghan and Indian school children could show their works and exchange ideas and learn from one another.
Moreover, Mr. Haidari thanked the people of India in supporting their government’s assistance programs for Afghanistan, in light of the Strategic Partnership Agreement the two countries signed in 2011, a key feature of which is cultural cooperation between the two countries. The program ended with Mr. Haidari presenting awards to the students.
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