May 4, 2016

Delhi to host mega language festival this month

India might be home to thousands of languages, but come May 7, it will be the first time that the country will host the International Festival of Language and Culture (IFLC).

The fourteenth edition of the festival will feature students from countries such as Brazil, Germany and Russia in a culturally-rich program at the Talkatora Stadium. "With the theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - The world is one family," says Bilal Acikgoz, IFLC spokesperson, "The festival will see participation from 17 countries, which will include 43 students and 18 guide teachers from abroad."

"From the Indian subcontinent, 350 students will be taking part in the festival. The Indian students will present a special song and dance program that will showcase the rich heritage of India," he adds.

With a focus on universal harmony, the festival will be a celebration of various cultures in the world and, as Acikgoz says, "It will spread universal peace through our young emissaries."

He continues, "The 14th IFLC is an ideal platform where youths from diverse cultural backgrounds and nationalities can share their ideas and experiences with the world at large to create an environment of peace, harmony and brotherhood." "The International Festival of Language and Culture is an annual celebration that showcases the range of linguistic talents and cultural diversity from around the world. IFLC started in 2003 with students from 17 countries.

In 2015, 145 countries took part in the events with more than 2000 participants. In 2016, IFLC will be organised in 30 countries with over 60 venues," he explains. The festival will be attended by the likes of Sushma Swaraj (Minister of External Affairs), Venkaiah Naidu (Minister of Parliamentary Affairs), Najma Heptullah (Minister of Minority Affairs), Mahesh Sharma (Minister of Tourism and Culture), Arvind Kejriwal (CM of Delhi) and others.

Published on India Today, 5 May 2016, Thursday

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