By Yunus S Saliu
Honourable Hamat NK Bah, the Minister of Tourism and Culture (MOTC) joined by the senior staff of its Ministry and National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Tuesday received the 18 members of the Gambia Cultural Group in his office after their return from the Surajkunda International Craft MelaFestival and Fair held in India from the 2nd to 18th February 2024.
The just concluded event Surajkund Mela and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs held in India was the 37th edition of the festival and it provided a platform to showcase not only India’s rich cultural heritage but coalesce of a diversity of cultural heritage and craftsmanship from around 50 countries.
Welcoming back the group after their meritorious performances at different venues in India, Honourable Hamat NK Bah applauded them saying they have effectively represented the country.
“In India, you were able to carry the Gambian flag, very high. I saw some of your videos, and I was very impressed. You represented this country. You represented the government of the Gambia and the Gambian people, and we never regretted sending you to India to represent the country. We are grateful for all the efforts you have invested in promoting the Gambian culture,” he expressed.
The Minister informed them that their performances did not go unnoticed as they are been watched all over the world “through TV, Youtube, and other media channels, this country, the Gambia is very rich in culture!”
Meanwhile, members of the cultural group were given a token amount of money to take to their family “because you have been away, and this is just a token of appreciation.”
He, therefore, appreciated the member of parliament for “coming along with the group and for working hard throughout for their success and in extension to the Gambia High Commission to the Gambia and his staff.”
Mr. Hassoum Ceesay, Director General of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) thanked the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for the opportunity extended to the cultural group to showcase their talents to the world.
He stated that the delegation was at the 37th edition of the festival on the invitation of the government of India to the Gambia, “And the group was among over 50 countries that participated at the cultural jamboree.”
According to him, the group performed at various venues and they were honoured with certificates and prizes while The Gambia High Commission to India, His Excellency Mustapha Jawara supported the Gambia delegation physically, morally, and financially
DG Ceesay commended the High Commissioner for his support to the Gambia Cultural delegation while he disclosed that the cultural group delegation comprised Kora, Harlem, Riti, tamal, players, dancers, musicians, goldsmiths, and fashion designers, and the group was led to the festival by Mr. Sanna B Jarju, Performing Officer at the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC).
