India's Pravasi Parichay Kicks Off in Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: The Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia inaugurated the 2024 edition of its flagship diaspora engagement event, Pravasi Parichay, at the Embassy Auditorium in Riyadh. A week-long cultural celebration began with "Classical Languages of India," highlighting the country's linguistic diversity.

Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, India's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, inaugurated the event. Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh welcomed attendees.

The event featured a unique play showcasing all 11 classical languages of India: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Odia, Pali, Prakrit, and Sanskrit. The play, a blend of narration, poetry recitals, conversations, dances, and songs, was performed by members of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia. The audience particularly appreciated the poetry recital in Pali and Prakrit.

Further enriching the inaugural day, a quiz and a painting exhibition by women artists were also organized.

Pravasi Parichay, a cultural event launched in 2023 by the Indian Embassy in partnership with Indian diaspora associations in Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of External Affairs' Diaspora Engagement Division, has gained prominence. The first edition took place in October and November 2023.