African dancers and musicians, alongwith gifted sportspersons, may soon enthrall audiences in busy market places in a move to showcase the softpower of the continent to the Indian masses.
On the lines of Raahgiri, these events are expected to remove cultural differences and rectify perceptions and bring down incidents of targeting of African nationals in various parts of the country.
Brainchild of the External Affairs Ministry, the proposed events to be conducted on a large scale in front of mass audiences are part of the five-year plan to highlight the “soft power” of Africa in India, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry Amar Sinha said on Wednesday.
He said Africa has a rich history and huge talent bank of gifted dancers, musicians and sportspersons and their prowess exhibited in front of common Indians will help in forging closer ties. He admitted these events like a dance performance by an African group in an auditorium in New Delhi on the occasion of Africa Day recently drew limited audience, who were especially invited.
“Why not have Raahgiri-type events on weekends in New Delhi and other parts of the country to spread awareness,” Sinha said while elaborating upon the five-year plan. The Ministry was working upon it and besides dance shows and showcasing sporting skills, African artisans will also exhibit their handicrafts in these melas, the official said.
On the issue of recent attacks on African nationals in New Delhi, Sinha said the incidents were condemned at the highest level; and President Pranab Mukherjee too expressing concern. Sinha, who is visiting three African countries next week including Ghana, Namibia and Cote d’Iviore (Ivory Coast), said these incidents will not cast shadow over the high profile tour.
“We don’t feel this will cast a shadow over the relations between India and the African countries. Our relationship is built on a much solid foundation. These Governments and their authorities understand that this is not driven by State policies. State policy is just the opposite. So they will not hold the President or highest office bearers of the country resposible for the acts that are very criminal in nature,” he said.
Elaborating upon the action taken by the Government, Sinha said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has written to seven States asking them to take quick measures on the issue of attacks on African nationals both in terms of police action and prosecution, underlining that such individual acts reflect on the nation.
Sinha also said the Ministry and the Government have engaged with the African students very closely. “We are also setting up a monitoring mechanism so that after the first two days of the incident, we don’t lose the sight of it. African ambassdors are satisfied with the action taken by the Indian Government,”
he said.
Moreover, Ministers of State for External Affairs VK Singh was directed to hold meeting with the African envoys every quarter, he said. Also, a joint secretary level officer in the External Affairs Ministry has been asked to get regular feedback from various States about the status of action taken against those indulging in these type of incidents.
Meanwhile, seeking to play down the recent row over his remarks that people of Goa in general are unhappy with Nigerians, Chief Minister laxmikant Parsekar said on Wednesday all foreigners, including Nigerians, are welcome in the State which is committed to providing security to everyone.