News and Events

Newsletter and circulars

2009 will mark the shift from paper to mail communication, where possible. For that we ask for your cooperation. Please mail your name and the e-mail address where you want to regular correspondence and invitations to the Secretary, davegurnani@gmail.com

Farewell Reception for Ambassador Sabharwal

De Wittenburg in Wassenaar hosted the December 17^th reception to say goodbye to the Ambassador of India to The Netherlands. Warm words were spoken by the presidents of the NICCT, FCCI, IBC and NIA who, in the spirit inspired by the Ambassador, jointly organised this evening.

This was also a befitting occasion for the presentation of the book that could be seen as a parting gift of Ambassador Sahbarwal. Many of the almost fifty people that have helped to create "Changing Images, Lasting Vision: India and The Netherlands" in such a short time, were present to launch the volume. The texts treat many of the wide variety of links between the two nations that formed over the last four centuries. One of the authors, Prof. D.H.A. Kolff reminded the audience of the irregularities of their editor and the evening's main guest.

Diwali Celebration

Our October 27^th event, celebrating Diwali, drew around 165 people. The artists packed the Cultural Programme with lots of variety. Mayur Restaurant lived up to its reputation for delivering excellent catering. We are composing a webpage with pictures from the event. If you have some you would like to share, please send them to the Secretary at davegurnani@gmail.com

Queen's Day Celebration

Spring’s tulips just appeared in The Netherlands. Along with Queen’s Day, this was reason for us to celebrate together. 150 guests joined in for the Spring Festival and Koninginnedag celebrations on May 18^th, 2008, in Voorschoten.

Mrs. Riva Ganguli Das, Charge d' affaires of the Indian Embassy was kind enough to grace the occasion with her presence.

We had a packed cultural programme, starting off with the reverend tones of the Bhajans, brought by Ms. Chetna Sahni. Then the Mastimakers took the floor, with present-day performances of song&dance by the young, the younger and the older, organised and integrated into a story by Mrs. Naznin Mogrelia. After things quieted down a bit, Ms. Yolanda Boejharat and two apprentices took us back through the centuries with several Bharata Natyan as well as Kathak dances. Our buffet dinner was catered by India Palace Restaurant of Scheveningen. Here are the pictures. Do send in more.

60th Independence Day

The celebration of the 60^th anniversary of India's Independence took place in the auditorium of the Chamber of Commerce in Amsterdam on August 15^th 2007.

The celebration was organised jointly with the Foundation for Critical Choices for India (FCCI), the Netherlands India Chamber of Commerce & Trade (NICCT), the Indian Business Chamber(IBC) and the Netherlands - India Association, as well as with the Embassy of India and the Chamber of Commerce in Amsterdam.

The Mayor of Amsterdam, Mr. Job Cohen, and the Ambassador of India, H.E. Mrs. Neelam Sabharwal, were our guests of honour on this occasion, speaking to an audience of 175, that later enjoyed the dance and Bhangra performance followed by reception.

Cricket Match

Previous year's cricket match was enjoyed by all who played on the field as well as those who watched from the sidelines. Therefore, we have organised another match this year. The team of Prof. Dr. Luigi van Leeuwen, the Mayor of Wassenaar, played in a friendly match against the team of H.E. the Ambassador of India Mrs. Neelam D. Sabharwal. The Mayor's Eleven won the match, cheered on by 75 supporters.
As you can see here it was a lovely day. Here are some more details

We would like to thank Concordia Holland for co-sponsoring the Cricket Match.

New direction for NIA

The Board presented a vision for NIA at Kasteel Wittenburg in the presence of the Ambassador of India to the Netherlands. More than 150 people attended the meeting. The key element of the vision is further strengthening of the orientation to members. The Board has invited members for their valuable comments, which can be sent to the Secretary, Mr R.D.D. Gurnani. For a copy of the full presentation, please click here

Dutch Indian Cultural Center

NIA will take an active interest in the development of the Dutch India cultural center. Comprehensive ideas have been worked out by a group of persons closely linked to NIA. The Board will further progress the ideas and seek funding as the main priority. All your ideas and support are welcome. Please contact the NIA President, Drs. Badri N. Madan.