PM launches Festival of India in Japan

Tokyo, Dec 14 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today launched the Festival of India in Japan, which he said would bring out the vibrancy of India's culture in all its diversity.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Singh said the festival would also capture the youthful dynamism of contemporary India's free and open society, and the great transformations that were taking place in the country.

The Prime Minister, who arrived here last night on a four-day official visit, said India was also looking forward to the Festival of Japan in India, which will showcase both modern and traditional Japanese culture that is catching the popular imagination in India.

Dr Singh and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe also launched the joint logo of the India-Japan Friendship Year 2007, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the Cultural Agreement between India and Japan.

Indian Council of Cultural Relations President Karan Singh was amongst those present on the occasion.

"More than a thousand years ago, the peoples of India and Japan initiated a vibrant civilisational relationship, when Buddhism traveled to Japan. The gentle message that was brought from India to Japan was a message of love, compassion and universal brotherhood," he said.

The Prime Minister also had a word of praise for the members of the Indian community here, many of whom were present at the inaugural function.

"I applaud their efforts to keep the culture, spirit and idea of India alive in their adopted home. They are our true ambassadors to the world since they represent the dynamism of a new India on the move," he said.

"I am confident that they are building new bridges between our two nations through their diligence, creativity and enterprise that have become the hallmark of the Indian diaspora all over the world," he said.

Dr Singh had a special word of praise for Mr Shinzo, who had come to the event with his wife, Akie Abe.

"Excellency, we regard you as a valued friend of India, who has taken personal interest in developing enhanced partnership between our two countries," he said.

Earlier, at the ceremonial reception for him at Mr Shinzo's official residence this afternoon, Dr Singh told his Japanese counterpart, "Ever since you have taken charge, there is a new spring in our relationship." UNI SA RP VV1706