the bond between the two has grown in the areas of culture

micevan1l6

The High Commission of India in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the Guyana National Museum held an exhibition titled ‘Velha Goa’ at the National Museum on Wednesday last.Velha Goa or Old Goa was the capital city of Portuguese rule in India and was known as the ‘Rome of the East’. Renowned art historian and photographer Benoy K. Behl photographed and documented the churches and culture of Goa over a period of 23 years and these photographs formed the basis of the exhibition.High Commissioner of India to Guyana, His Excellency Mr. Subit Kumar Mandal said he is honoured to have the exhibition displayed at the National Museum as well as the opportunity to present to Guyana this part of India.The envoy stated that India has been over the years the point of greeting people from different lands, different cultures and ethnicities.He noted that the exhibition will take persons to Goa, the isolated and uninhabited splendour, which history dates back to the 3rd century BC and which was involved in major Indian dynasties till it fell to the Portuguese in 1510. Goa was returned to India in 1961.According to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, the Ministry is pleased to collaborate with the Indian High Commission to host the historic photographic display.He stated the exhibition is a manifestation through which Guyanese can learn of the long, rich, cultural tradition and history of India and also strengthen the existing bond.Minister Anthony stated that it is a bond through infusion of new cultural, religious and spiritual traditions that Guyanese proudly share with India. Over the years, it was noted, the bond between the two has grown in the areas of culture, education and sports.