The Diplomat
Millet as a sustainable superfood and India’s increasingly active position on the international political scene were the focus of Ambassador Dinesh K. Patnaik’s speech at the reception he hosted at the Círculo de Bellas Artes for India’s 74th Republic Day.
The Ambassador also reviewed bilateral relations with Spain, which, he said, “continue to progress satisfactorily in many sectors, from chemicals to engineering, and also extend to cultural exchanges between our countries”.
Dinesh K. Patnaik also underlined the significance of celebrating Republic Day, which commemorates the coming into force of the Indian Constitution on 26 January 1950, and highlighted the growing profile of his country on the world stage, with its commitment to development, multilateralism, security and democracy.
Therefore, taking advantage of the fact that 2023 has been declared International Year of Millet by the United Nations, the ambassador insisted on the importance that his country attaches to the research being carried out on this cereal, of which India is one of the main producers and which is considered a “sustainable superfood” that could be a solution to the problems of famine in the world.
During the reception, the attendees were able to visit the “Millet Corner”, where they were informed about its multidimensional benefits.
The event featured a performance by the Embassy’s Professor of Indian Culture, Purnata Mohanty, and artist Vinatha Sreeramkumar. A photographic exhibition, curated by renowned Indian photographer Venkateshwar Acharya, was also on display.
The more than 200 guests at the reception, including numerous ambassadors and representatives of the Spanish administration, also enjoyed a flash mob dance and a bhangra performance by Jasvinder Singh, which closed the event.
