By Yunus S Saliu
A 20-member cultural delegation from The Gambia, dispatched by the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) to represent the country at the 39th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela Cultural Festival in India, has returned home after two weeks of successful performances.
The Gambian team performed at various venues across the festival, showcasing the country’s rich folklore through traditional dance and music, alongside contemporary creative expressions such as craftwork. Their performances were highly regarded by thousands of spectators, who described them as motivational, inspirational, and authentically classical.
In several instances, the delegation was invited to perform beyond their scheduled appearances, an indication of the strong impression they made and their ability to present the very best of Gambian arts and culture.
One of the highlights of the visit was a courtesy audience with The Gambia’s High Commission to India, His Excellency Mustapha Jawara, represented by Deputy Head of Mission Ebrima Mboob and other embassy staff.
Members of the delegation expressed satisfaction with what they described as the proactive and patriotic support received from staff at the Gambian Embassy in New Delhi. They noted that they were warmly welcomed and treated with the traditional Gambian teranga, which further motivated them in their role as cultural ambassadors.
The delegation also commended Ambassador Jawara for what they said was the second occasion on which he mobilised both personal resources and embassy staff to host them at Gambia House in New Delhi.
Commenting on the visit, Director General of the National Centre for Arts and Culture, Hassoum Ceesay, thanked the Ambassador for his continued support of Gambian arts and culture.
DG Ceesay described Ambassador Jawara as a strong patron of the creative sector, noting that he consistently receives Gambian artists visiting India and works with embassy staff to ensure they are well accommodated and feel at home.