GIFT TO ALIF SOCIETY BY INDIAN HC

The luxurious reception hall of the Indian High Commission in Ebene was decorated in Eid images, and its parking lot was full to the brim with the cars of the guests who were mostly notables of the local Muslim Community. The occasion was Eid Milan, and Mr. Anurag Srivastava, the sympathetic Indian High Commissioner, and his staff hosted us at 1830 hours in the majestic style that the Indian High Society usually does.
The MC, an elegant lady member of the staff, welcomed the guests in Lucknowi Urdu with special quotes from the Urdu literati. Lines from Mir Taki Mir and Mirza Ghalib sounded like the pieces of Ravi Shankar and Ustad Zakir Hussein.
The MGI presented a dance to the tune of Laal Meri and Lalmohamed Group gave us a treat with five of their best pieces. The Indian Architecture with Muslim imprints was another showpiece that took us on a journey through the era of Mogul India.
The High Commissioner, true to the commitment of plural India, spoke about the vibrant India’s Muslim population and their contribution to the economy, art and education of their country. He further laid emphasis on the resilience of the local Muslim community and the links they maintain with India especially through Aligarh Muslim University.
Finally the guests were treated to a sumptuous Indian buffet with carrot halwa and Qulfi Malaye as dessert.
In the name of Alif Society and the happy guests, I would like to thank the Indian High Commission with which we have had relations for a very long time for its bridge-building. India is bigger than the individuals or the political, cultural and social organisations that claim to represent this giant of a sub-continent.