Recent Events

The Embassy organized a Lecture cum Film Show on October 2, 2007 to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, which has been declared by the United Nations as the International day of Non-Violence. The event was organized at Slavyanska Besseda hall in Sofia on October 2, 2007 from 1700 hrs to 1900 hrs. Ambassador Shri Lal Dingliana welcomed the gathering and spoke on the importance and significance of the day. Dr.Violina Stoycheva Atanassova, a research scholar from the Institute of History of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and an expert on cultural and social history of modern India, gave a short lecture on the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and its relevance in the present day world. This was followed by screening of the two documentaries on Mahatma Gandhi – (i) A film on Satyagraha and (ii) Mahatma – A Great Soul of the 20th century. A small reception was organized after the film show. Around 100 people attended the event including officials from the Foreign Office and other Ministries; Vice-Rector of Sofia University; faculty members and students of Indology Department of Sofia University; members of the Friends of India Club and East-West Indological Foundation; members of the Indian community including officials from the Management Board of Kremikovtzi Steel Plant; officials of the Embassy and media-persons. The event was covered by the Bulgarian National TV and broadcasted during its Daily News on October 3, 2007.

The Embassy organised a Presentation on the subject “Indian Economy and Opportunities for economic and commercial cooperation between India and Bulgaria” with the cooperation of Bulgarian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) at BCCI on March 9. Mr. Tsvetan Simeonov, CEO of BCCI made the introductory remarks followed by Ambassador’s address on the subject. A detailed Powerpoint presentation was made on the subject, which was followed by screening of a short documentary on India titled “India Unlimited” and a cocktail. The event was attended by around 70 participants from different Chambers of Commerce in Bulgaria, importers and exporters, key contacts of the Mission in different Ministries apart from print and audio-visual media. The event was widely covered by the media.

The Mission organised the Second World Hindi Day on March 15 at Sofia University with the kind cooperation of the Indology Department of Sofia University. The event got an overwhelming response with participation in various events by students of Indology Department; Indira Gandhi School, Sofia and Indira Gandhi Kindergarten, Pravetz. Ambassador addressed the gathering and outlined the growing popularity and usage of Hindi language in the world. Essay writing and Poetry competitions in Hindi at two levels were organized at Indology department and Indira Gandhi School respectively for which prizes were given to winners on the occasion. There were dance performances by students on Bollywood songs, poetry recitation and anchoring of the event in Hindi apart from Bharatnatyam and Kathak performances by two local groups. The event was covered by the local media as well.

To celebrate ITEC Day for 2006-07, a Reception cum Buffet dinner was held at the Embassy Residence on March 26, 2007. H.E. Mr. Feim Chaushev, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria was the Chief-Guest for the function. Ambassador spoke on the ITEC programme of MEA on the occasion. The function was well-attended by the ITEC alumni over the past several years and the ITEC participants this year, PCFD participants; alumni of Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, Agra; officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy and Energy, State Agency for IT and Communication and from other Ministries; members of Friends of India Club, East-West Indological Foundation and Indology Department of Sofia University apart from prominent media persons.