Top Indian Culture coming soon to The Netherlands
The Indian Surinam diaspora: A forgotten child

This year, a well developed, excellently designed Indian cultural centre is expected to open in The Netherlands. This exclusive centre will be a gateway to Indian culture on the western European continent.

Philanthropist Rajkumar Jagbandhan, whose great grandparents originate in Uttar Pradesh, has positioned himself to deliver the best of Indian Culture to The Netherlands. India and The Netherlands have pursued and developed commercial ties. The Dutch have always been keen to cultivate and preserve excellent bilateral ties with the star of South Asia. Rajkumar Jagbandhan, managing director of Qualit Datamatics explains why cultural events do not always find their intended audiences:

Indian culture deals with both positive and negative effects from the past. As long as these past cultural developments are not understood by the Dutch, India will remain- from their point of view- a dream world made up solely of Bollywood stereotypes. The importance of India as the world's largest democracy has great potential significance for commerce. The Indian education system is amongst the best in the world, turning out technical and professional personell par excellence. The people of The Netherlands are very receptive to other cultures, and India is taking a place of pre-eminence.

G.V.S. Bharadhwaj, cultural relations officer of Qualit Datamatics, explains the opportunity India House perceives in Amsterdam: "We have the attention of cultural organizations from all over India who are positioned to bring the whole history, art, modern art, culture and more to Europe". It is because of these ties with Qualit Datamatics that this enterprise is possible. The Indian diaspora in The Netherlands can showcase their culture, as well as learning more about the culture of their country of origin. Europeans are ever present in the history books, but Indians living abroad are almost entirely missing. Filling this gap of real attention for the successes and sentiments of Indian history puts India on a much higher platform as well. The Surinam Indian diaspora is definitely not to be underestimated. It is the largest Indian community in Europe after the UK. 200,000 Surinam Indians give Indian culture, and the culture of its diaspora, an important role in cultural terms. The Dutch meanwhile give importance to travel and are curious about other cultures, and other cuisines. They are keen to know the histories and cultures of other nations. Surinam Indian culture is a vibrant mix of Indian and Surinamese culture. This makes them unique. It's important to mention at this juncture the abundance of Indian art, past and contemporary, and the art of Indians abroad.

The proposed India House is also a window for India into Dutch culture. It aspires to exhibit India- from the oldest culture to the latest trends- in The Netherlands. India's light has yet to fully shine on The Netherlands, though a few rays of sunshine peek through, hinting at the majesty of this rich culture. India House will soon illuminate Europe with India's brightest and best, starting from here in The Netherlands. The alluring, the elegant, the rich and the poor, strong and weak, salty and sweet, from all over India will all be packed and ready to present at India House in Amsterdam.

Due often to a lack of takers or a lack of encouragement, many Inidan artists are not able to exhibit their work outside of India. India House will provide space and support for these talented creators.

When people from two different countries, and two different continents, try to move closer together there is a need to bridge the cultural gap. Thus a platform is needed to understand and translate matters of cultural difference to each party. This platform is India House. The team at India House are experts and professionals under the supervision of the Jagbandhans. India House members visited India in February 2009 to get the moral support of prominent people, skilled in a variety of fields, who are eager to support this unique concept.

More information needed? Please contact:
Communications Officer: media@indiahous.eu

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