CM back after participating in 'The Days of Delhi in Moscow'

New Delhi, Jun 02 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, along with a seven-member official delegation, today returned after representing the national capital in the cultural event 'The Days of Delhi in Moscow' at the Russian capital.

The event was organised in Moscow from May 29 to 31 as per the protocol signed between the Moscow administration and Delhi government.

Ms Dikshit described the show as a great success, where they were able to showcase the country's rich cultural heritage.

A joint statement was also signed yesterday between Moscow and Delhi, wherein both sides expressed their sincere desire to strengthen and develop mutually beneficial bilateral relations.

They also expressed their willingness to take active steps towards development of cooperation in the areas of healthcare, water supply, recycling of used water, city transport, education, culture, tourism, social security, women and youth affairs and IT.

Both sides also agreed on organising exchange programmes for teachers and school children.

Apart from this both sides would explore possibilities for organising children's games.

It was also agreed that the 'Days of Moscow in Delhi' would be organised in 2007-08 as a run up to the Year of Russia in India.

Ms Dikshit was accompanied among others by Education Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely, Delhi Travel and Transport Development Corp CMD, Secretary (Art&Culture) and Delhi State Industrial Development Corp MD.

Inaugural cultural programme at the 'The Days of Delhi in Moscow' had performances by legendary Indian Classical singer Kumar Gandharva's daughter Kalapini Komkali and Sarod Maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.

Before this gala ceremony, an Indian apparel show 'Shakti' was organised representing Indian ethnic and contemporary fashion by internationally acclaimed fashion designer Payal Jain.

Garba, Raibans, Bihu, Terehtali Hoodo, Rampaa, Borodance, Purulia Chhau, Raas Garba, Kalbelia&Dandia dance troupes also performed showcasing the best of Indian traditional folk music and dance.

Two shows of Indian films 'Parineeta' and 'Chokher Bali' were also held.

Javed Akhtar, Dr Kailash Vajpai, Dr Alok Rai, Mr Upamanyu Chatterjee and Shabana Azmi participated in a literary at the show.

Shabana Azmi recited Kaifi Azmi's poetry.

Apart from this an extravaganza of contemporary dance and music performances by Asad Deboo, Aditi Mangaldas and Indian rock band Euphoria was also organised.

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