ShikhaSpeaks.com: KAIFINAMA is closing the South Asian Literature an...

ShikhaSpeaks.com: KAIFINAMA is closing the South Asian Literature an...: Sep 29, 2019 | San Francisco, CA For the first time, Montalvo Arts Center and Art Forum SF in collaboration with UC Berkeley Institute...

KAIFINAMA is closing the South Asian Literature and Art (SALA) Festival 2019

Sep 29, 2019 | San Francisco, CA



For the first time, Montalvo Arts Center and Art Forum SF in collaboration with UC Berkeley Institute for South Asia Studies brings to you one of the largest South Asian Literature & Art Festival (SALA) in the US that includes a film segment.
“2019 happens to be the birth centenary of my father Kaifi Azmi and we’ve done many things to celebrate him, and out of all that, the most important is Kaifinama because it really encapsulates his spirit through his work, through his poetry. In the current age, it is important to revisit people who were involved with progressive writers’ movement, people who believed that art should be used as an instrument to bring social change,” said Shabana Azmi in conversation with Art Forum SF.

“We are delighted to announce the grand finale at SALA 2019 is Sumantra Ghosal's KAIFINAMA, produced by Mijwan Welfare Society that looks at the life and art of the Urdu progressive poet Kaifi Azmi. Kaifi Azmi was both a poet for social change as well as one of the foremost lyricists in the Hindi film industry,” said Ambika Sahay, Executive Director – Art Forum SF with excitement.

Kaifinama a 90-minute documentary from India is in Hindi/Urdu language with English subtitles, won the Best Documentary Audience Choice/Poll Award at the DC South Asian Film Festival in on September 22, 2019.

SALA 2019 is excited to announce our Guest of Honor for the Film Segment is Ashvini Bhave, an Indian model, and actress known for her work in both Hindi and Marathi films and television serials. Ms. Bhave will be in attendance and available for a Q & A after the screenings.

The mandate of Art Forum SF includes encouraging emerging artists at SALA and hence, one is a short documentary titled GuruCOOL, produced by Mettle Films and directed by an Indo-Canadian Director Sangita Iyer that looks at the Indian educators in the 21st century education system. (India/Canada, 32 minutes, English).

These films are programmed by Tushar Unadkat and are jointly presented by Art Forum SF and BASAFF (Bay Area South Asian Film Festival) at Serra Theatre 200 Serra Way #37, Milpitas CA 95035 on Oct 13 | 2:00 pm.  Tickets are $15 and available www.artforumsf.org. Limited seating.

“One of the festival purposes is to elevate the perspective of the second and third generation of South Asians about our Literature & Arts Industry. We often hear about Bollywood events, religious celebrations, and other cultural activities which is important, however, we also need to highlight our prestigious literary talent (cinematic medium) who significantly contribute to the international art space,” said Tushar Unadkat, Film programmer at SALA 2019, who is also the Media and Public Relations Director Art Forum SF

Select Highlights of the festival include:

The Victorious trio of Netflix Original series SACRED GAMES - Author Vikram Chandra, Scriptwriter Varun Grover, and Director Vikramaditya Motwane, will be on one panel at the SALA Festival. Netflix India's Sacred Games is nominated for International Emmy Award 2019 in the Drama Category. The crime thriller is directed by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane. Witness an elaborate and enriching encounter with legendary actor, painter, and poet, Deepti Naval, in conversation with Prof Harsha Ram from UC Berkeley.

There is a special event on October 18th from 7:30 pm with critically acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap. Tickets are limited and for $25 only for this special event.

SALA Festival will be held at the Montalvo Arts Canter, Saratoga from October 6 – 13, 2019 from Noon till 5 pm. For all current updates, artist bios, tickets and other literary and art exhibits, please visit: www.artforumsf.org

For more information about media & marketing opportunities and to interview the celebrities, please contact MUKTA Advertising at info@m-a.ca | 416.716.8582.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @artforumsf
#SALA2019 #artforumsf #SALAfestival #kaifinama #gurucool


By Journalist Shikha Sharma

ShikhaSpeaks.com: The Victorious Sacred Games Trio at SALA Festival ...

ShikhaSpeaks.com: The Victorious Sacred Games Trio at SALA Festival ...: Oct 1, 2019 | San Francisco, CA For the first time, Netflix India's Sacred Games is nominated for International Emmy Award 2019 in ...

The Victorious Sacred Games Trio at SALA Festival 2019

Oct 1, 2019 | San Francisco, CA


For the first time, Netflix India's Sacred Games is nominated for International Emmy Award 2019 in the Drama Category. The crime thriller is directed by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane.

For the first time, the Victorious trio of Netflix Original series SACRED GAMES - Author Vikram Chandra, Scriptwriter Varun Grover, and Director Vikramaditya Motwane, will be on one panel at the South Asian Literature and Art Festival.

For the first time, Montalvo Arts Center and Art Forum SF in collaboration with UC Berkeley Institute of South Asian Studies brings to you one of the largest South Asian Literature & Art Festival (SALA) in the US.
SALA Festival will be held at the Montalvo Arts Canter, Saratoga from Oct 6 – 13, 2019 from Noon till 5 pm.

“Absolutely thrilled to be attending SALA this year. Am hoping to share my insights and process of writing SACRED GAMES and interacting with the fabulous and knowledgeable delegates of SALA”, says Varun Grover, Scriptwriter for Sacred Games with much enthusiasm.

Besides, the victorious trio, to name a few writers and poets lined up for SALA Festival includes Shanthi Sekaran, Minal Hazratwala, Athena Kashyap, Tanu Wakefield, Siddharth Dube, Raghu Karnad, Nayomi Munaweera, Mitali Perkin, Naheed Hasant Senzai and Moazzam Sheikh, contemporary artist Rekha Rodwittiya, art collector Dipti Mathur and Priyanka Mathew will be sharing their insights and expertise.

There is a special event on October 18th from 7:30 pm with critically acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap. Tickets are limited and for $25 only for this special event.

Witness an elaborate and enriching encounter with legendary actor, painter, and poet, Deepti Naval, in conversation with Prof Harsha Ram from UC Berkeley.

“Art Forum SF is a platform to have a dialogue for poets, artists, and writers that are part of the emergent world of the subcontinent. They are young, vibrant and poised to tell their stories that affect all globally but need to be heard. A young poet, an established writer, a nonfiction writer, a screenwriter, an iconic artist, all gather to talk about what inspires them.” said Mayuranki Almaula, one of the Founder member, BOD and Literary Segment Curator.

Moving from the conventional understanding of the diaspora culture, usually expressed through stereotypical tropes like nostalgia, roots, homeland/soil, memory, etc. The participants exemplify the assimilation and absorption of various local and global sources that have drip-irrigated their works, to help break the conventional and to explore further. The talks will be moderated by academicians from UC Berkeley Institute for South Asia Studies and experts from the respective fields and will provide the audience an opportunity to interact with the speakers.

"The South Asian Literature and Art Festival is a wonderful platform to showcase the rich and diverse ‘contemporary’ work coming from the South Asian diaspora. There is a plethora of award-winning work in both literature and art, which usually goes unnoticed but a festival like this provides you an opportunity to experience it and raises the profile of such work”, said Ambika Sahay with passion, Founder and Executive Director Art Forum SF.

On October 13th the SALA Festival closing event will showcase two documentary films, one is a short doc titled GuruCOOL, produced by Mettle Films and directed by an Indo-Canadian Director Sangita Iyer that looks at the Indian educators in the 21st-century education system. (India/Canada, 32 minutes, English). The grand finale is Sumantra Ghosal's KAIFINAMA, produced by Mijwan Welfare Society looks at the life and art of the Urdu progressive poet Kaifi Azmi. Kaifi Azmi was both a poet for social change as well as one of the foremost lyricists in the Hindi film industry. (India, 90 min, Hindi, Urdu with English subtitles). These films are programmed by Tushar Unadkat and are jointly presented by Art Forum SF and BASAFF (Bay Area South Asian Film Festival) at Serra Theatre 200 Serra Way #37, Milpitas CA 95035.

“The soft powers of the world - Art, Literature, Music, and Dance allows people to express themselves and how they view the world. SALA embodies these powers,” said Kiran Malhotra with conviction, BOD - Art Forum SF, Arts Curator - SALA 2019.

The festival aims to offer a unique experience not just for established professionals but also for emerging professionals and young minds. Along with the presentations and discussions, there will be children’s hands-on craft activities, writing programs, South Asian food stalls, art-related exhibitors, and dance performances, all to suit individuals of varying tastes, interests, and ages.

For more information about media & marketing opportunities and to interview the celebrities, please contact MUKTA Advertising at info@m-a.ca | 416.716.8582.

For all current updates, artist bios, tickets and other literary and art exhibits, please visit: www.artforumsf.org

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @artforumsf
#SALA2019 #artforumsf #SALAfestival #kaifinama #sacredgames

By Journalist Shikha Sharma

ShikhaSpeaks.com: HIS EXCELLENCY ARIEL ANDRADE GALINDO AMBASSADOR OF...

ShikhaSpeaks.com: HIS EXCELLENCY ARIEL ANDRADE GALINDO AMBASSADOR OF...: H.E. ARIEL ANDRADE GALINDO Ariel Andrade Galindo assumed the post of Ambassador of El Salvador in India on June 1, 2018, pre...

HIS EXCELLENCY ARIEL ANDRADE GALINDO AMBASSADOR OF A VERY BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY EL SALVADOR IN INDIA

H.E. ARIEL ANDRADE GALINDO

Ariel Andrade Galindo assumed the post of Ambassador of El Salvador in India on June 1, 2018, presenting credentials to the Honourable President of India, Shri. Ram Nath Kovind, on July 11. He is also concurrently accredited as Ambassador to Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Maldives, with residence in New Delhi. Previously, he held several high level posts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of El Salvador: Chief of Cabinet of former Minister Hugo Martínez, Director General for Foreign Policy, Director General for Planning, Institutional Development and Quality (twice) and Transparency Officer. Amb. Andrade is a career diplomat. He holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from the Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas and is a candidate for Master's Degree in Social Sciences from the same university. He also holds a degree in International Relations from the Universidad de El Salvador. He was born in 1975 in San Salvador and is the father of three children.

H.E. ARIEL ANDRADE GALINDO WITH JOURNALIST SHIKHA SHARMA

INDIA- EL SALVADOR FRIENDSHIP 

BY SHIKHA SHARMA

ShikhaSpeaks.com: RETD. MAJOR GENERAL GD BAKSHI A GREAT SOLDIER, MOT...

ShikhaSpeaks.com: RETD. MAJOR GENERAL GD BAKSHI A GREAT SOLDIER, MOT...: MAJOR GENERAL GD BAKSHI Maj Gen (Dr) GD Bakshi, SM, VSM(retd) is a combat veteran of many skirmishes on the LC and Counter-Terroris...

RETD. MAJOR GENERAL GD BAKSHI A GREAT SOLDIER, MOTIVATOR, INSPIRATION AND A TREMENDOUS POET AND A WRITER......

MAJOR GENERAL GD BAKSHI

Maj Gen (Dr) GD Bakshi, SM, VSM(retd) is a combat veteran of many skirmishes on the LC and Counter-Terrorist operations in J&K and Punjab. He commanded his battalion in active operations in Kargil and was awarded the Vishist  Seva Medal. Later he commanded a brigade in Counter-Terrorist operations in the very rugged mountains of Kishtwar and was awarded the Sena Medal for his distinguished services. He subsequently commanded the reputed Romeo Force during intensive Counter-Terrorist operations in the Rajouri-Punch Districts of J&K in the wake of Op Sarp Vinash and succeeded in pacifying the area. He has served two tenures at the highly prestigious Directorate General of Military Operations (during Op Pawan and Op Vijay) and was the first BGS (IW) at HQ Northern Command where he dealt with Information Warfare and Psychological Operations. He is a prolific writer on matters military and non-military and has published 35 books and over 200 papers in many prestigious research journals. His articles have also been published in various National Newspapers. He taught at the Indian Military Academy Dehradun and the Prestigious Defence Services Staff College at Wellington for three years each. He taught at the   National Defense College at New Delhi for two years and retired from this prestigious assignment in Jun08.   He holds a Masters degree in Defence Science and an M Phil in Strategic Studies from the University of Madras. He   completed his Ph.D. from the same University on” Limited Wars in South Asia”. He is an Associate member of the IDSA and a Distinguished fellow of the Centre for Air Power Studies. He had served as the Deputy Director Research at the Vivekananda International Foundation.  He was Senior Advisor Security with the Reliance Industries Ltd for  five years( 2012- 17).

RETD. MAJOR GENERAL GD BAKSHI

His books include, “Afghanistan-the First Fault line War,”  “War in the 21^st Century”, “The Indian Art of War” “The Paradox of Pakistan”, “The Rise of Indian Military Power: Evolution of an Indian Strategic Culture” and “Limited Wars in South Asia.” He appears regularly on all major TV News channels on the subjects of Terrorism and National Security. He also lectures regularly at the Army War College, National Police Academy, IAS Academy Mussoorie and the College of Defense Management and is regularly invited for Corporate talks on leadership and motivation.  He was recently invited to the Warwick University at UK for a Panel Discussion on ‘Indo-Pak Relations’.

JOURNALIST SHIKHA SHARMA WITH RETD. MAJOR GENERAL GD BAKSHI AT HIS RESIDENCE

He was something of a turnaround specialist in difficult combat situations.

He is currently Editor Indian Military Review. In 2018 he was given the Madhya Pradesh Ratna award in Bhopal and his book of poems Dances with the Cranes was short listed for the Rabindranath Tagore Literary Award given by the Maitriya Foundation of the USA.

GENERAL GD BAKSHI PRESENTING HIS BOOK BOSE OR GANDHI TO JOURNALIST SHIKHA SHARMA

BY JOURNALIST SHIKHA SHARMA

ShikhaSpeaks.com: I FEEL EXTREMELY PROUD TO INTRODUCE INTERNATIONAL ...

ShikhaSpeaks.com: I FEEL EXTREMELY PROUD TO INTRODUCE INTERNATIONAL ...: Naaz Is a name she has given herself, Naaz means pride, born on December 31st 1984 in middle class family, where ideology of born tr...

I FEEL EXTREMELY PROUD TO INTRODUCE INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITY AIZYA NAAZ JOSHI A TRANSGENDER WHO WROTE HER OWN SUCCESS STORY AND IS A TRUE INSPIRATION TO THE WORLD......

Naaz Is a name she has given herself, Naaz means pride, born on December 31st 1984 in middle class family, where ideology of born trans child was not accepted, her parents disowned her, it was the love of her Muslim mother and grandmother that they decided to send her to their distant relatives in Mumbai. She grew up in loneliness, at the tender age of 7 she found herself washing dishes at the roadside dhaba in Malad, and at the same time started studying at the local school, her nightmare began when her cousin brother who was then 24 and she was 11, gang raped her multiple times, she was hospitalized and on death bed, it was the power of saying her no to the odds that kept her alive. Soon after she got discharged from hospital she met Shabnam, who showed her the doors of dance bar. She danced at night and studied in day, she ran away from her uncle's home to feel safe and secure.

Since childhood she was big fan of Bollywood diva Sridevi, in 1999 she met her cousin sister Viveka babajee who showed her way to fashion industry.she started doing back stage help, and finally landed at NIFT Delhi, this time Delhi had new plans for her, she was not welcomed at NIFT But often mocked by fellow gay students, Naaz found job at Ritu Kumar and then Ritu beri, but she had to quit the Jobs because men would often want to make physical contacts with her, and deep down scars of her rape were still there. She wanted a peaceful life, but then she heard that her twin brother demised, she contacted her uncle and got the number of her home, she came back to home but her parents had a condition that she will not tell her true identity to this world. She stayed them for a while, but this seemed to be a bird living in a golden cage. Naaz took over her brother's fashion business but it didn't do well. She eventually decided to sell herself, she wanted to go for sex re assignment surgery but it had to cost her a bomb. After selling herself for four years naaz started modelling in 2012 and she captured the eye of ace fashion photographer Rishi Taneja who captured her life in black and white series, a television channel and a news magazine took note of her, where this big channel decided to do story on naaz's life the other had put on their cover.

GORGEOUS AIZYA NAAZ JOSHI

But this was not the end, she still found difficulty in getting work in fashion industry, her clients from fashion industry who were her clients used to blackmail her on being a prostituting and asked her to pack her bags.

Stubborn Naaz decided to launch her own event company mihm in 2015 and started working on women empowerment, by now she has done 11 beauty pageants under her company. She also happens to be India's first trans cover model on Indian and international magazine, and she is recorded in India book of records and Limca book of records and in Asia book of records.

In 2016 end Naaz caught up with auto immune disease which is non curable it's unknown disease, the only option is to take off the spleen, as that disease has left her with splenomegaly, she is on constant supplements so that her blood cells don't go down.

In 2018, Naaz has adopted a baby girl and became youngest transmother in the country to a just 15 days old baby girl, sharanaya Joshi, who is miss infant universe 2019 also.

Naaz never knew she will be a beauty Queen one day, the crown she saw on head of Sushmita and Aishwarya will come her way too. In 2017 miss world diversity announced its first edition of online contest and she became the inaugural queen of miss world diversity. In the year 2018, she went for ms World Diversity in Dubai, she won again but Indian media did not give her what she was looking for. Now Naaz is going to Mauritius putting all her hard work and money that if she wins this time and competing with natural born women, her country media will support her and inspire others by her story.

LOVELY PHOTOSHOOT OF AIZYA NAAZ JOSHI



BY JOURNALIST SHIKHA SHARMA

ShikhaSpeaks.com: MEET A VERY DYNAMIC PERSONALITY HIS EXCELLENCY MIC...

ShikhaSpeaks.com: MEET A VERY DYNAMIC PERSONALITY HIS EXCELLENCY MIC...: Michael Aaron Oquaye Jnr is Ghana’s High Commissioner to India with concurrent accreditation to the Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives....

MEET A VERY DYNAMIC PERSONALITY HIS EXCELLENCY MICHAEL AARON OQUAYE JNR HIGH COMMISSIONER OF GHANA IN INDIA.....

Michael Aaron Oquaye Jnr is Ghana’s High Commissioner to India with concurrent accreditation to the Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives.  Mr. Oquaye is a Lawyer (Barrister) by profession. He is an International Investment Corporate Lawyer with an extensive experience in Project Finance, Infrastructure, Mergers and Acquisitions, General Contract and Commercial Transactions. His Global experience is mainly focused on emerging businesses and markets – Countries of Business include UK, USA, ECOWAS Region, and South Africa.

His varied areas of Legal Practice are in the Sectors of Energy (Oil and Gas, Biofuels and Renewable Energy) Media and Technology, Telecommunications, Commodities and Agri-Business among others.

His work experience spans many years in both the UK and Ghana. His last job in the UK was at 9 Kings Bench Walk, Chancery Lane, London, where he worked with Renowned Barrister AI Mustakim. In Ghana, he is currently a Legal Practitioner at Exusia Law Consult with renowned lawyers such as Dr.Yeboa Amoa (First Managing Director of Ghana Stock Exchange) and Mrs. Essie F. Cobbina (Cocoa Board Ghana).

He was called to the Bar of England and Wales at the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn and later called to the bar in Ghana. He holds a BL from BPP Law School in Holborn, UK and an LLB from the Oxford Brookes University in Oxford. He is also pursuing an LLM in Oil and Gas at Dundee University, Scotland, UK.He is married to Maureen Oquaye with three children.

H.E. MICHAEL AARON OQUAYE

H.E. MICHAEL AARON OQUAYE WITH JOURNALIST SHIKHA SHARMA AT HIGH COMMISSION OF GHANA

 BY JOURNALIST
SHIKHA SHARMA

ShikhaSpeaks.com: INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITY AIZYA NAAZ JOSHI & MIHM HO...

ShikhaSpeaks.com: INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITY AIZYA NAAZ JOSHI & MIHM HO...: Mihm presented three shows in one day, which is a record in it's own, Mihm Miss India, Mihm Mrs India home makers,  Mihm queen Univer...

INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITY AIZYA NAAZ JOSHI & MIHM HOSTED THREE GRAND SHOWS IN ONE DAY, WHICH IS A RECORD IN IT'S OWN.......

Mihm presented three shows in one day, which is a record in it's own, Mihm Miss India, Mihm Mrs India home makers,  Mihm queen Universe 2019, India's most diverse pageant system with age group of 3 and half year old girl to 63 years old plus size vijay laxmi, the show was put up by international director and miss world diversity 2018 Naaz Joshi along with her national director and her best friend Neha Agrawal, north east director and lifetime ambassador Kiran Boro and other queens and directors. Show was hosted at Bristol where girls were judged on fitness, their personal interview, a project and charity raiser cause for empowering transgenders,  and on stage q and a. Girls displayed immense strength of enthusiasm, zeal and perfection, made it difficult for judges to take a call. Show was judged by superstar and king Universe 2019 Dinesh Mohan, Sanjeev Nagar, queen maker and super queen universe 2019 Rita Gangwani, Dr Kappil Kishor, Celebrity Journalist Shikha Sharma and ace cosmetologist Dr. Prateek Sondhi. Girls who walked away with titles are mihm mrs India home makers Anindita Das from Assam, Mrs India home makers classic from chhatisgarh Rajni Arora, mihm queen Universe went to DrPooja Tripathi Pandey of Gorakhpur. while queen universe classic went to Simran Tolani of ulhasnagar Maharashtra, miss queen Universe was bagged by Daisy Basumatary from assam, while queen UNIVERSE elegance went to madhu Mehta, queen UNIVERSE plus was a new initiative to encourage plus size women and the title went to 63 years old Mrs Vijay laxmi, princess universe went to khanan sheth from Gujarat, while prince universe also went to Gujarat to 7 years old daivik jain, teen princess went to krupali Patel from Maharashtra and teen prince to Mihir from Gujarat. While Mrs queen Universe went to prateema panda from Odisha. The winners of this spectacular show walked away with various gifts and hand made beautiful crowns and larger than life trophies

WINNERS & TITLE HOLDERS

SHIKHA SHARMA, RITA GANGWANI, ASMA GULZAR

DINESH MOHAN & RITA GANGWANI

DR KAPPIL KISHOR WITH WINNERS

AIZYA NAAZ JOSHI WITH HER DAUGHTER MISS INFANT UNIVERSE 2019

SHIKHA SHARMA WITH WINNERS & TITLE HOLDERS

SHIKHA SHARMA WITH WINNERS

PROUD MOMENTS FOR AIZYA

RITA GANGWANI WITH WINNERS & TITLE HOLDERS

.
BY JOURNALIST
SHIKHA SHARMA

ShikhaSpeaks.com: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR GENE...

ShikhaSpeaks.com: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR GENE...: Ambassadors are not those who revel themselves in the routine glories of their unbridled communities. They are of tribe of humanity...

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR GENERAL CHRIS OWUSHI EZE HIGH COMMISIONER OF NIGERIA TO INDIA....

Ambassadors are not those who revel themselves in the routine glories of their unbridled communities. They are of tribe of humanity who invite people to their selfless acts by the jingles of their good deeds, and who would readily patronize the local humility of dining and caring for the least of his fellow compatriot. These men like His Excellency Major General Chris Owushi Eze, the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of India, beat any contender as the diplomat of choice.

The Ambassador has made diplomacy into choreography such that his slight frame easily yields to the flow of its rhythm. He has turned diplomacy into poetry of a line much too practiced that he speaks and breathes diplomacy! His polished sureness in social behaviour is quite admirable. He has also got an estimable benignant voice, which when switched into language of diplomacy, unconsciously adopts a certain tone meant to echo his true identity: A proud Nigerian.

His Excellency Major General Chris Owushi Eze in his exclusive interaction with Journalist Shikha Sharma discussed in details about India- Nigeria relations. He said on the official level things are good and promising but on ground level few things should be taken into consideration. 

Relations between Nigeria and India have traditionally been warm and friendly. India established its diplomatic mission in Nigeria in 1958 and that was two years before Nigeria gained its independent in 1960. Both countries have been in the forefront of the international struggle against colonialism and apartheid and have closely collaborated in various international forays.  Commonalities of our colonial past, a large multi-ethnic, multi-religious and developing societies with a large percentage of youth have brought the two countries even closer. We both share common perspectives on international political, social and development issues as manifested in various meetings at the United Nations, World Trade organization, etc. The two countries strongly oppose all forms of terrorism.

The bilateral relations between the Republic of India and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have considerably expanded in recent years with both nations building strategic and commercial ties.

His Excellency also mentioned a consular dialogue between officials from MEA and their counterparts from the Nigerian ministry of Foreign affairs to resolve outstanding issues and reflect reciprocity in bilateral relations is already going on.

Oil-rich Nigeria stated recently that India has replaced the United States as its largest crude importer, as it covered 20–25 percent of India's domestic oil demand. India, however, now purchases some 30% of Nigeria's daily crude production which currently hovers around 2.5 million barrels. With bilateral oil trade valued at US$10 billion, Indian oil companies are also involved in oil drilling operations in Nigeria and have plans to set up refineries there.

Apart from this His Excellency's few concerns are that “Indian hospitality is most famous in the world, However we are still waiting for the day when Africans will also enjoy hospitality to the fullest, and feel at home here the way Indians feel at home in Nigeria. 

From popular misconceptions among Indian students about them being drug peddlers to difficulty in getting internships, the students rue the fact that they aren’t gaining any valuable experience from their college life. The source of their ire is the casual — sometimes even unintentional — degradation; being snubbed by landlords and employers; and exclusion from the community.

There is a multitude of problems that African nationals face in India, apart from their negative portrayal as criminals. Many in India often refer to the African people as “Nigerians” — almost as a term of abuse. In some instances, African students, conscious of their skin color, said they feel isolated.

There are approximately 60,000 Africans of different nationalities residing in India. Many have faced racial discrimination at some point of time during their stay in the country. Majority of Africans who have come to reside in the country are either pursuing higher studies or working.

According to the Association of African Students in India (AASI), about 25,000 Africans study in Indian universities, drawn by their high academic standards, low fees and the use of English language as the medium of instruction. Nigeria sends the highest numbers to India, followed by Sudan and Kenya.

“Most of the Africans in India are seen as criminals. I hope that Indian Citizens will develop the broad outlook which globalization demands so that the negative profiting of entire communities which results from ignorance is minimized. 

Lots of African students give their complaint in High Commission which is very disheartening and tragic. With several confirmed reports of discrimination and racially motivated violence against Africans in the NCR, the issue of racism has gained significance in the public eye over the past few years.

 However, the community’s grievances are far from attended.

Even I as journalist observed so many things related to all such issues. Also few months back I took my African friends to Superintendent of Police in Greater Noida for help and to complain against the Society people who are harassing them , without any second thought their complaints has been registered and matter has been solved. According to me it’s not the government mistake as they took action immediately and consider these cases seriously.  It’s we the people who has to change our thoughts and just avoid been stereotype. As I observed that African people have beautiful heart, they are culturally very rich and they are also Human Beings.

So folks through this article I appeal for positive change and acceptance which is benefit for both the nations.  

His Excellency Major General Chris owushi Eze brief profile is attached below-

1. Born at Obollo Afor, Enugu state of Nigeria, on 25th July 1953.

2. Joined the army on 4th July 1974.

3. Had military training at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst England, Command and Staff College Jaji, Nigeria, National Defense College Abuja Nigeria.

4. Held various appointments in the army including battalion and brigade commands, Directing Staff in Nigerian and Ghanaian staff colleges, Director of Administration in Defence Headquarters and Chief of Policy and Plans in Army Headquarters.

5. Retired from the army in December 2006 and went into politics.

6. Served as the pioneer secretary of the now ruling All Progressives Congress in Enugu state also on the Presidential Campaign Committee and Presidential Transition Committee after APC won the 2015 elections.

7. Appointed High Commissioner of Nigeria to India and assumed duty on 1st November 2017.

8. Married with four children, two males and two females.

9. Loves reading serious books and watching sports especially football.

BY JOURNALIST SHIKHA SHARMA

H.E. MAJOR GENERAL CHRIS OWUSHI EZE

JOURNALIST SHIKHA SHARMA WITH H.E. CHRIS OWUSHI EZE AT HIGH COMMISSION OF NIGERIA, DELHI 

ShikhaSpeaks.com: IKRANT SHARMA IS AN ADVOCATE WITH HIGH VISION ALSO...

ShikhaSpeaks.com: IKRANT SHARMA IS AN ADVOCATE WITH HIGH VISION ALSO...:  Ikrant Sharma, Son of Sh. Pratap Singh Sharma started his carrier as an advocate by profession. In year 2000 I got enrolled with Delhi...

IKRANT SHARMA IS AN ADVOCATE WITH HIGH VISION ALSO HE IS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF DELHI BAR ASSOCIATION.

 Ikrant Sharma, Son of Sh. Pratap Singh Sharma started his carrier as an advocate by profession. In year 2000 I got enrolled with Delhi Bar Council after completing my Law degree from Allahabad University since then I am dealing in civil and criminal matters. After engaging into the advocacy profession I managed to work with many Governmental Departments/agencies following are my key work areas where I have gained the experience:

1.      In the year 2003, I was appointed as the Counsel for Municipal Corporation of Delhi to represent the department in overall Delhi Courts/Tribunals. I worked so hard to get the knowledge and enhance my working capability to represent the department.

2.     In the year 2006, I was appointed as the Central Zone Retainer of North Delhi Municipal Corporation to represent the department.

3.     After that I was appointed as the counsel for North Delhi Municipal Corporation, South Delhi Municipal Corporation, Delhi Jal Board, Khadi Borad, SC/ST Finance Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Financial Corporation, to represent the departments the Delhi High Court and other Delhi Courts/Tribunals.

4.     Since then I was working in these governmental departments and served my best to them.

5.     Then in the year 2014 I was appointed as Government Pleader of Union of India to represent the department in Delhi High Court.

6.     Then in the year 2017 I was appointed as the counsel for GNCT Delhi on Civil Panel to represent the Delhi Government in Delhi High Court.

7.     Then in the year 2017 I got elected as Sr. Vice President of Delhi Bar Association, Tis Hazari Courts, Delhi.

8.     After that, in the year 2017 itself I became the Additional Advocate General of Nagaland Government to represent the state in the Supreme Court of India.

9.     Then in the year 2017, I was also appointed as the Standing Counsel of Nagaland Government to represent the state in the Supreme Court of India.

10.            I am the owner of two law firms, namely: M/s Ikrant Sharma & Associates and M/s M.S. Attornies & Consultants.

11.            Then in the year 2018 I became the Chairman of Legal Department of Disabled Sporting Society.

12.            Then in the year 2019 I was appointed as “A” Panel Counsel for Union of India to represent the department in Supreme Court of India.

13.            That recently in 2019 I was appointed as Sr. Vice President of All India Cricket Association for physically challenged which is going for world cup in August 2019.      

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY JOURNALIST 

SHIKHA SHARMA

ADVOCATE IKRANT SHARMA

ShikhaSpeaks.com: I am Sure you will be the next Super fan for "VARU...

ShikhaSpeaks.com: I am Sure you will be the next Super fan for "VARU...: When the Gods churned the Ocean of Milk, amongst the many treasures that emerged there was a lady called VARUNI, daughter of the sea...

I am Sure you will be the next Super fan for "VARUNI – Goddess of Wine - SHIRAZ"

When the Gods churned the Ocean of Milk, amongst the many treasures that emerged there was a lady called VARUNI, daughter of the sea-god Varuna, who was the Goddess of Wine. Actually goddess of alcohol, but wine sounds so much better than alcohol. 

VARUNI – Goddess of Wine - SHIRAZ : 

Varuni is 100% made from Shiraz grapes – the Native Grape of Australia.

Shiraz grapes after France, grows best in Australia at par with French one.

Varuni wines in bottling stage in the  production facility from our hand-picked Sauvignon Blanc & Shiraz  which are grown in South Eastern  Australia ( Jacob is Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon).

 Our Shiraz brings the flavourful nose packed with plum and dark berries with the hints of black pepper and mint, on palate this wine produce some big upfront juicy, dark berry fruits and finish with a long dry palate.

 EASY DRINKING WINE

 GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY

VARUNI – Goddess of Wine – SAUVIGNON BLANC

·  It is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

·      It is more aromatic.

·      The vibrant & fresh palate of Sauvignon Blanc is enticed with green apple and tropical fruits along with the crisp acidity and the nose is packed with passion fruits and pineapple displaying a fruity but dry finish.

·      EASY DRINKING WINE

·      GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY

·      Our Classic offers wines, extraordinary tasting wines over a wide choice of prevalent assortments and mixes. Made to drink presently, our Classic wines are perfect for those who look for great esteem and dependable quality for each day enjoyment.

Varuni-Goddess of Wine, being manufactured in SE Australia and after a very successful instinct/ launch in Melbourne and Sydney is now being shipped to India and also Dubai. Let me tell you VARUNI – Goddess of Wine are one of the very rare Brands which got success in Australia from the very 1^stday.

Delightful Red & White Wines

VARUNI – Goddess of Wine owner is an Indian, who has moved to Australia for doing MBA and is creating wonders, a real genius girl, just 33 Years. Her name is Ms Muskaan Ahuja and my pleasure to share her ladder of success:-

Muskaan Ahuja CMD

Focused and enthusiastic professional offering highly effective client rapport, marketing know-how and business-to-consumer sales expertise with established lead generation skills and an eye to penetrating lucrative business opportunities.

Extremely Courteous and cordial, committed to developing new and maintaining existing customer accounts, analyzing and optimizing sales to increase profitability and establishing long term client relationships. Possess strong knowledge of all aspects of Sales Management with a steep learning curve and great proficiency in computers, and handling office equipment. Won several awards for bringing innovative policies to support corporate values and enhance organizational efficiency while adhering strictly to professional ethics.

An achiever, highly recognized with instinct for new business development, accomplished in developing two corporate organizations; VARUNI GODDESS OF WINE and COSMOGONY EDUCATIONAL FIRM with effective business plans to achieve long-term account and business growth.

Muskaan Ahuja

In India VARUNI –Goddess of Wine is being distributed by: Mr. Neeraj Arora

Mr Neeraj Arora , MD, UNIVERSAL BRANDS CORPORATION, who has Custom Bonds in Delhi, Gurgaon and UP besides business operations in Dubai.  A very young & enterprising personality who is based in Dubai runs his Company very professionally with his dynamic Team and is one of the leading Bonder of India. With his experience and family support of his Father, brother and family, VARUNI-Goddess of Wine will grow in a very professional way and respectfully.

Neeraj Arora

Chief Advisor is Mr. C B Srivastava for Varuni – The Goddess of Wine. Under his guidance Varuni – The Goddess of wine soon touches Sky. Right now its launched in Uttar Pradesh with a Pricing of Rs. 1100 and it will soon be launched in other Northern states too.

Vineyards

C B Srivastava

Founded by Varuni, The Beverage Angels - The Varuni Wine Company creating and acquiring world-class wineries came together as Estates & Wines. Our wines have broken new ground by pioneering new or forgotten regions, or through distinctive winemaking techniques.

The Varuni Wine Company is a fastest growing winery committed to growing, producing and selling the finest quality wines of the highest value to our customers. The Beverage Angels Wine Company’s diverse family of brands is sold in few countries worldwide in addition to being distributed throughout Australia.

The Beverage Angels Wine Company is vertically integrated, from the vineyard to the table, focused on crafting wines for the Australian table.

 By Shikha Sharma

Journalist/Blogger/Tv Host