Wales will be the official partner of one of India’s biggest cultural extravaganzas, the Hornbill Festival. A partnership agreement to this effect was signed by Welsh government, British Council, and Wales Arts International representatives with chief minister Neiphiu Rio at the British Council office in Cardiff on Monday.
British Council Wales director Ruth Mari Cocks represented the Wales government during the signing of the agreement. The partnership of Wales with the festival would formally mark the end of Wales in India 2024, a year-long series of celebrations and events to strengthen ties between India and Wales.
Rio also met deputy first minister of Wales and cabinet secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies MS. As part of his visit to Wales, the chief minister also held talks with newly-appointed minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership Jack Sargeant MS.
He appreciated the Welsh government and British Council for giving him the opportunity to visit Wales and discuss the partnership for the Hornbill Festival. He said he had confidence that this partnership would strengthen ties between India and Wales, besides increasing people-to-people contact and open opportunities for young people.
He mentioned that Nagaland had a rich heritage, adding that he looked forward to welcoming Wales to experience the land of festivals. The delegation led by the chief minister also visited the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and the School of Sports and Health Sciences at the Cardiff Metropolitan University.
The delegation included Industries & Commerce adviser Hekani Jakhalu, adviser to chief minister Abu Metha, commissioner & secretary to chief minister Kesonyu Yhome, and press relations officer to chief minister Rusemtong Longkumer. Rio said he would be exploring avenues for students from Nagaland to embark on courses at these universities as well as for musicians and artistes to perform in Wales.
British Council’s India director Alison Barrett MBE said he was delighted that the Hornbill Festival was part of the Wales in India 2024 celebrations of two nations of culture and innovation.
He claimed that the two countries had a long association with festivals, and was looking forward to bringing artistes and speakers from Wales to the Hornbill Festival for collaboration, exchanging ideas and showcase their work to audiences in Nagaland. This was stated in a DIPR press release.