Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
Indian Embassy introduces its culture to Korean youth
Surabhi Kumar, third from right, spouse of Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar, helps students from Seongnam Youth Support Center draw images of Indian deity Ganesha during their visit to the embassy's Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, July 13. Courtesy of Embassy of India in Korea
By Kwon Mee-yoo
By Kwon Mee-yoo
The Embassy of India in Korea hosted an event for the Korean boys at Seongnam Youth Support Center and Youth Share House, introducing the country's rich culture at the embassy's Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, July 13.
The event, held in cooperation with the Seoul International Women's Association (SIWA) as part of the association's community-building initiative "Coming Together,” exposed underprivileged young Koreans to the rich heritage of India, providing an opportunity to explore and appreciate a different culture.
Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar stated that the embassy's workshop for Korean students was founded on the belief that cultural experiences and exchanges foster mutual understanding, increase awareness and cultivate friendships among different people.
"For the youth living in a globalized world today, I personally believe that such exposure is very critical," he said in a greeting to the students. “You all will get a glimpse about India and its incredible diversity and I do hope that it will also ignite further interest about our country.”
The embassy prepared an afternoon packed with cultural delights, beginning with a video presentation of India's vibrant nature and heritage, followed by an art workshop drawing Indian deity Ganesha led by the ambassador's daughter Aditi.
Experts from the center also taught lessons for the Indian dance “kathak” and yoga to the young boys from the shelter, which is run by Italian missionary Father Vincenzo Bordo, also known by his Korean name, Father Kim Ha-jong. The embassy also arranged Indian refreshments after the workshop.
The ambassador and his spouse said it was wonderful to share their country's culture with their young friends from the Seongnam Boys' Shelter after wrapping up the event.
"We would like to express our gratitude to Father Vincenzo for his unwavering commitment and dedication towards spreading hope and joy among these children and providing them with a supportive home environment," they said.
"Everyone enjoyed the different workshops and sessions on yoga, kathak and art and the introductory tourism video which showcased the incredible diversity of our country India ... We believe that cultural exposure and exchange helps in enhancing awareness, promoting mutual understanding among people and forging friendship. And for the youth living in an ever-globalized world today, such cultural exposure is critical."