Distinguished guests, esteemed members of the diplomatic corps, ladies and gentlemen,

I am delighted to welcome you this evening, as we gather to witness the artistry of Maitreyee Pahari and her dance troupe. In this elegant setting, where cultures converge and stories unfold, we celebrate the timeless bridge between our nations through the sublime language of dance.

India's cultural heritage is a resplendent tapestry, woven over millennia from the threads of philosophy, spirituality, and artistic expression. From the ancient Vedas to the grandeur of our epics, it embodies a profound harmony between the human spirit and the cosmos—a richness that has inspired civilizations across the globe. At the heart of this heritage lies the exquisite tradition of dance, which transcends mere movement to become a vessel for emotion, narrative, and transcendence.

Among India's various dance forms, today we present you two, Kathak and Chhau, which stand as  jewels from different states of India.  Kathak, originating from the sacred lands of Uttar Pradesh, has its intricate footwork echoing like rhythmic poetry, graceful pirouettes that evoke the whirl of eternity, and expressive mudras that paint vivid tales. Chhau dance is a vibrant, semi-classical Indian dance that blends martial arts, acrobatics, and folklore

This evening, we are happy to experience this artistry under the guidance of Maitreyee Pahari, whose choreography has illuminated stages worldwide, including  performances for the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Notably, during India's G20 Presidency in 2023, her evocative creations graced summits in Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Lucknow, and Varanasi, captivating global leaders with depictions of India's vibrant folk traditions and classical elegance. 

The ICCR, as an autonomous arm of India's Ministry of External Affairs, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor, as it nurtures global cultural dialogues through exchanges, scholarships, and centers like The Gandhi Centre here in The Hague. Since 2011, this centre has offered classes in Kathak, yoga, tabla, and Hindi, enriching Dutch audiences with India's artistic essence and strengthening bonds of mutual respect.

Indeed, the cultural relations between India and the Netherlands are a testament to enduring affinity, spanning over four centuries. From the early days of Dutch traders engaging with the kingdoms in North India —where even Rembrandt drew inspiration from Indian miniatures—to our diplomatic ties established in 1947, we share a legacy of curiosity and collaboration. Today, bolstered by a vibrant Indian diaspora, including the Surinami-Hindustani community, our exchanges flourish in architecture, performing arts, and literature. As we mark this shared journey, events like tonight's performance underscore our commitment to a future of deeper cultural harmony.

Ladies and gentlemen, as the curtains rise, I invite you to immerse yourselves in the enchantment of Maitreyee Pahari's Kathak and Chhau dances. Let its rhythms resonate within you, bridging hearts across continents. May this evening inspire us all to cherish the beauty that unites humanity.

Thank you.