India’s longstanding relations with Qatar highlighted the launch of ‘India Utsav’, organised on Sunday by retail chain LuLu Hypermarket to celebrate the South Asian nation’s 75th anniversary of independence.
Festivities for ‘India Ustav 2021’ held at LuLu Hypermarket Al Gharrafa brought together a host of key players from the Indian community in Qatar led by Indian ambassador, Dr Deepak Mittal, and officials from government ministries, Qatar Chamber, banking, retail, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.
In his speech, Mittal underscored India’s significant role in Qatar’s food security efforts, as well as both countries’ well-established partnership in the field of energy security.
“We are grateful to our great friend and partner, Qatar, for being a strong partner in energy security,” said Mittal, citing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s energy roadmap, which, the ambassador said, would deepen Qatar and India’s partnership in terms of energy security.
Mittal, who inaugurated the event along with Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group International, and other dignitaries, said: “This journey has become possible because of the support of wise leadership of Qatar, the Qatari people, and the Indian expatriate community in Qatar.”
Mittal said LuLu’s celebration of ‘India Utsav’ also represents the “very strong bond” between Qatar and India, especially in food security initiatives.
“Our prime minister has spoken on ‘Think Local, Go Global’, which is about connecting and building resilience in the supply chain for food security, thus enhancing the partnership between both countries. We are so deeply interconnected to meet the requirements of each nation and enhance the connection of our peoples,” said Mittal.
The ambassador also lauded Qatar and India’s historic relations, citing the famous Hyderabadi pearls that were imported from Qatar through ancient shipping routes. “This reflects the deep-rooted trade relations between the two countries,” he noted.
He also congratulated Althaf and LuLu Group for being brand ambassadors of India in the region, especially in Qatar, as well as Lulu Hypermarket “for being a torchbearer and flagbearer of India and Qatar.”
The week-long festival dedicated to Indian culinary and food tradition will be showcasing a range of Indian cuisines, fresh vegetables and fruits, grocery lines, and saris, with exciting offers.
The event was also highlighted by a recognition ceremony for prominent Indian physician Dr Mohan Thomas, who received a plaque of commendation from Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, who was joined by Mittal, Althaf, and Doha Bank CEO Dr R Seetharaman.
The ambassador’s wife, Dr Alpna Mittal, also inaugurated a promotion on ‘Indian Silk and Ethnic Wear’ at the hypermarket’s Saree Section, which showcases a wide assortment of pure natural and synthetic silk from India, including saris, readymade garments, and dress material available at good discounts.
Indian silk is one of the major categories of the country’s exports worldwide. Fair Exports India, an export distribution centre of LuLu Group, has been the recipient of the ‘Best Exporter Award’ for Indian silk saris and garments by the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council since 1996.
The festival will also highlight India’s diverse culture and heritage that was handed down through the centuries symbolising one India. As a nation, India is famous for its rich cultural and culinary heritages, vast landscape, religions, and languages.
The culture of contemporary India refers collectively to thousands of distinct and unique cultures of various religions and communities prevalent since time immemorial, which constitutes the ultimate essence of ‘Unity in Diversity’.
 
 
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