VALLADOLID, SPAIN, November 17, 2006: The House of India, a center for the expansion and spread of Hindu culture has opened in the ancient historic city of Valladolid, Spain, 201 km northwest of Madrid. At the inauguration ceremony, India’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anand Sharma, pointed out that “With this center, Valladolid has created a permanent link with India.” He also identified tourism and language as two of the most important elements of exchange among both countries that could gain potential with this new center. Pilar del Olmo, counselor of the Treasury, represented the regional government in the inauguration of the new cultural pavilion, which included an exposition of photographs of the Hindu film maker Satyajit Ray (1921-1992), provided by the International Cinema Week of Valladolid. Ms. Del Olmo said her wish was that the center will expand the knowledge of Hinduism and Hispanic cultures among both peoples.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs unveiled a sculpture of the Indian poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore in the garden at the entrance of the building. He also took part in the floral offering and listened to the Indian national anthem composed by Tagore.
The House of India in Valladolid will host cultural activities, expositions, concerts and informative workshops and will serve as the starting point for collection of different resources and collaborate with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indian Council of Cultural Relationships. HPI adds: Valladolid is a city of approximately 400,000 in central Spain. See English language web page of the India House (Casa de la India) here.