As part of the cultural Exchange Programme initiated by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) since 2009, a team of 17 youth Ambassadors from various colleges of Taiwan visited Amity University,Sector- 125, Noida.
The Cultural Exchange Programme aims to enhance the mutual understanding and strengthen cultural exchanges between India and Taiwan, at the same time giving an opportunity to the youth of Taiwan to share their culture,values and traditions with their global counterparts and broaden their horizons.
Addressing the gathering and welcoming the Ambassadors, Dr. B Shukla- Vice Chancellor, Amity University said that Amity has always maintained cordial relations with Taiwan. She shared that AmityUniversity has been running Taiwan Education Centre since June, 2012 with 4 instructors from Taiwan who are qualified by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education and are very experienced in Mandarin Chinese teaching. She highlighted the unique activities organized byTEC including Chinese Food and Dance Festivals which lead to the seamless amalgamation Indian and Chinese culture.
Sharing her views, Ms. Frances Lee – Minister, Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India (TECCI) expressed her heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Amity for being so supportive and hostingyoung Ambassadors from Taiwan. Talking about her country Taiwan, she said that Taiwan, just like India, is a democratic country with traditional civilization dating back to 5000 years. She informed that Taiwan has been absorbing essence of other Asian civilizations,as a result of which both contemporary and traditional features co-exist in Taiwanese culture. She stressed that in Taiwan there are over 600 Indian students pursuing their higher studies but there are very few Taiwanese students studying in India. She expressedher hope that in future there will be more student exchanges between India and Taiwan, enhancing the mutual love and understanding between both the countries.
Also present during the occasion was H. E Mr. Tien Chung- Kwang- Ambassador, Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in India
Sometimes words are not needed to communicate and what could be more beautiful than dance to showcase one’s culture, values, cuisine and traditions. During the occasion, there were performances by Amitystudents and Taiwanese students which, very lividly, brought out the magnanimity and grandeur of cultures of both the countries.
Saevia Nag and Ahvayita Pillai from Amity School of Economics presented a beautiful fusion of Kathak and Bharatnatyam. Another student- Prachi Nautiyal from Amity School of Foreign Languages danced on the contemporary number, which was appreciated by one and all. Sreastha Majumdar -a budding manager from Amity Business School regaled the audience with her performance on a Bollywood song.
The 17 young Taiwanese Ambassadors through their mesmerizing performances apprised audiences with 9 Chinese words including Mountain, Ethnic Groups of Taiwan, Various Instruments used in Taiwanese DanceForms, Taiwanese Food etc. At no point of time, their boundless energy, passion or enthusiasm waned, which showed how deep rooted Taiwanese youth and people in general are rooted in their culture and traditions