THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI

Ambassador Lakshmi M. Puri Ji,

Prof. Minu Bakshi Ji,
Chairman, Indian Heritage and Healthcare Centre,

 Sh. S. Nasir Ali Ji,
The hosts for the evening, Dr. M. Wali Ji, 

Ejaj Hussain Ji and Kamal Amrohi Ji
Distinguished guests including from media

    It is a pleasure to join all of you this evening, at the India International Centre, for Dayar-e-Ishq – Realm of Love, an event, that brings together, literature, music, and reflection in a manner, that is both culturally rich, and intellectually engaging.

    At a time, when much of our public discourse, is shaped by urgency and pace, gatherings such as this provide, an opportunity, to pause and engage with forms of expression, that have a deeper, and more enduring reso-nance.

    The idea of ishq, or love, as reflected in our literary, and artistic traditions, has never been confined to a single meaning. It has been explored as devotion, as longing, as creativity, and as a pathway to understanding, both the self, and the world around us.

    In that sense, this evening’s programme brings together, multiple strands of India’s cultural heritage—poetry, music, and thought—each of which has, historically contributed, to shaping our civilisational identity.

    I would like to take this opportunity, to acknowledge and commend, the organisers for curating an event, that brings together, distinguished individuals from diverse fields, while maintaining a common theme thread.

    This evening is also an occasion, to recognise excellence, and contribution.

    I would like to congratulate Ambassador Lakshmi M. Puri, my highly regarded senior colleague on being awarded, the Fakhr-e-Hind Award. Ambassador Puri’s career, reflects a combination of diplomacy, public service, and intellectual engagement. Over the years, she has contributed significantly, to India’s diplomatic outreach, and has played an important role, in advancing global conversations especially on gender equality, and development, during her tenure at the United Nations.

    I would also like to congratulate Prof. Minu Bakshi, a rare confluence of art, intellect, and compassion. Her work for underprivileged women, and children, reminds us, that true accomplishment, lies in uplifting others.

    It is in this context, that events such as this, highlight the importance, of cultural spaces in urban life. Cities like Delhi are, not only, centres of governance, and economic activity, but also spaces, where cultural and intellectual traditions, continue to evolve. Institutions such as the India International Centre, play an important role, in sustaining these conversations.

    They provide platforms, where ideas, art, and dialogue, can intersect, contributing to a more informed, and culturally aware society.

    At a time when global interactions, are becoming increasingly complex, cultural expression continue, to serve, as an important bridge.

    It allows for engagement, that goes beyond formal structures, creating connections, that are often more enduring, and meaningful.

    This evening’s programme, reflects the richness and diversity, of India’s cultural landscape. It brings together individuals, who have contributed to public life, literature, and the arts, while also creating a shared space, for reflection, and appreciation.

    I once again commend, the organisers for their efforts, in bringing this event together.

    I wish you all, an enriching and enjoyable evening.

Thank you.