H.E. Ambassador Mr. Hamid Ali Rao and Mr.Karomiddin Gadoev, Charge d’Affaires a.i of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
By A. Rangarajan.
A colourful Navruz reception was hosted at the OPCW premises on Thursday, 23rd March 2017. Navruz, signifies the “Festival of Spring, Renewal and Peace in Uzbekistan”. It also marks the beginning of the new year.
The reception was jointly hosted by The Charge d’Affaires a.i of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr. Karomiddin Gadoev and the Deputy Director-General of OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Hamid Ali Rao. Speaking first and welcoming the audience, Mr. Rao drew attention of the audience to the fact that India, his country, was home to several traditions and all festivals were celebrated with much gaiety and Navruz was one of them.
Mr. Hamid Ali Rao described the work of OPCW as something more than disarmament- it was a commitment to peace. He asked all countries, on the occasion of Navruz renewal, to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. He further added, “As Navruz transcends borders, interests, and religious divides,our common commitment to peace must prevail, and unite us in our common humanity”. Mr Rao recalled his younger days when he looked forward to the Navruz feast.
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Greeting the audience peace next, Mr. Gadoev found it befitting that the reception was held in the OPCW as on the occasion of Navruz, he was happy to point to the importance of peace and the work of OPCW in removing chemical weapons from the face of the earth.
He also pointed out that in a short span of time Uzbekistan was set on the road to prosperity and development. Mr. Gadoev pointed to the fact that in 2009 Navruz was included into the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World. The UN acknowledges that this feast promotes the values of peace and solidarity, reconciliation and good-neighbourhood. In February 2010 the 64th session of the UN General Assembly declared 21 March as “International Day of Navruz”, he added.
While sharing the essence of Navruz is compassion, Mr. Gadoev said, “During the Navruz days any offence and quarrels are forgotten, and all the residents of our country – the old and the young –assemble around a plentiful table and with open souls strive to share the bliss of the holiday with their close ones and friends, wish everybody a good health, happiness and prosperity.The deep significance and essence of the holiday of Navruz is to underline the importance of living in harmony and friendship, show respect to each other and to elder people, render assistance to sick, lonely persons and orphans, without exception to all who is in need of care.”
The brief speeches were followed by music and dance from Uzbekistan. Artistes performed their dances with much grace and rhythm and the audience seemed enthralled. The Uzbek musical instruments like the Doiera (drum), Tor (the stringed lute) and the Qayroq (castanets) made distinct folk music that were pleasing to the ears.
Guests present were then treated to a sumptuous dinner buffet, drawing from Uzbek cuisine. The Pulav and the stuffed breads were part of an authentic spread which transported people, at least gastronomically to the Uzbek countryside.
More music and merry dancing by artistes and guests in traditional clothing brought a pleasant evening to a close.
