Inaugurated by the High Commissioner of India in Cyprus

The Indian Book Corner of Indian Culture, inaugurated at the Library of the University of Nicosia (UNIC), by Dr R K Raghavan, High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Cyprus, in the presence of UNIC officials, opens up new avenues for cooperation and enriches the cultural relations between the two countries, while launching a series of joint activities.

Welcoming His Excellency the High Commissioner, Professor Philippos Pouyioutas, Rector of the University of Nicosia, indicated that “The Indian Book Corner will serve as a window to the rich ancient and modern culture and history of India, filled with knowledge that our students can access.” He also highlighted the existing cultural cooperation between the University and the High Commission of India through Mr Gaurav Vohra, Professor of Indian Culture, which will now be further enhanced through more cultural events, Indian film screenings, as well as other activities that promote Indian culture more widely. “As an international university, we are proud that students with different cultural backgrounds have the opportunity to learn about each other. Our countries have different cultures, but share common paths in modern history, particularly in the course of their independence”, he said. Prof. Pouyioutas added that the University pursues collaborations with well-known Indian universities and technology institutes in areas that revolve around 4th Industrial Revolution technologies, but also in the areas of culture, tradition and philosophy.

His Excellency, Dr R K Raghavan, stressed that the inauguration of the Indian Book Corner puts the Embassy on a course of varied joint activities with UNIC. He referred to his, as well as to his family’s, enthusiasm for the warm welcome they receive from the Cypriot people wherever they go. In his address, he also referred to Mahatma Gandhi and to his timeless philosophy on “Non-Violence”, indicating that Indian values include friendship and peace; values which his country actively shares with the rest of the world. The High Commissioner emphasised that Indian culture is unique and extended an invitation to everyone: “You are all welcome to visit the Embassy to get to know our culture better. This includes the courses on Indian languages that are already being offered”. The ribbon was then cut, officially inaugurating the Indian Book Corner at UNIC, which includes titles on Indian folktales, Indian cuisine, well-known Indian personalities, and even Indian cinema (Bollywood).

The High Commissioner completed his official visit by touring the UNIC Library, accompanied by Suresh Sharma (Cultural Attaché), the Chief Executive Officer of the University, Antonis Polemitis, the Rector, the Vice Rector for Research and Faculty, Prof. Constantinos Phellas, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Edna Yamasaki, the Dean of the School of Law, Prof. Achilles Emilianides, Mr Gaurav Vohra, Professor of Indian Culture, and the Director of Libraries, Mina Charalambous.