3rd Kalanirvana International Artist’s Residency Concludes

The 3rd Kalanirvana International Artist Residency (KIAR) finally came to an end today at KIIT University campus. Addressing the valedictory function Hatem Tageldil, Ambassador of Egypt to India said, “the relationship between India and Egypt is very strong and old. Both India and Egypt were the co-founders of non alignment movement. Art is the best media to establish cooperation and peace between countries. Egypt believes in art which is soft power. Therefore Egypt gives more importance to art and culture rather than buying weapons”.

Dr. M A Abdulraheman, Cultural Counsellor of Egypt Embassy said, “there are many similarities between Bhubaneswar and Cairo of Egypt. There are close ties and bilateral relations between India and Egypt”. Hemida Mohamed, renowned Egyptian artist and Ashis Pahi, Director of Kalanirvana International Art Centre too spoke on this occasion.

Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS in his welcome address said, “there are similarities between Indian and Egyptian culture. Both Indians and Egyptians worship river, cow, snake and sun. Ancient Indian civilization and Egypt civilization are contemporary. There are similarities between Indian and Egyptian Civilization”. He expressed his pleasure over the organization of international artists residency, which is first of its kind in India.

The 12-day event witnessed the participation of more than 45 artists from 25 different countries including USA, Germany, Austria, New Zealand, Cyprus, Mexico, Romania, South Korea, Turkey, Belarus, Morocco, Lebanon, Tunisia, Kuwait, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.