India, Denmark bond over cultural institute

The Prime Minister of Denmark inaugurated the Danish Cultural Institute in the Capital which is the first of its kind in an effort to strengthen Indo-Denmark ties.

A major milestone for Denmark-India relations was reached Delhi becomes the first city in South East Asia to provide a platform to Denmark by opening the Danish Cultural Institute in India. Danish Prime Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, in the presence of Prof. Flemming Besenbacher, chairman of the Carlsberg Group and the Carlsberg Foundation, accompanied by other distinguished guests, officially inaugurated the institute on Saturday.

The Cultural Institute is based in the southern part of New Delhi and will from here act in other parts of India, where in near future local centres for culture and knowledge are planned to be built, which could be relevant for the interplay between Danish and Indian experiences. Camilla Mordhorst, CEO of the institute in India, said “India is one of the most important countries of the world. It is a country with deep cultural traditions and the Indian scene for art, culture and knowledge is uniquely dynamic and vibrant. This is why; we are very enthusiastic about finally opening a Danish Cultural Institute in New Delhi.”

For the opening in New Delhi, the organisers invited Danish artists like author Leonara Christina, rapper Alowala a.k.a Shivani Ahlowalia, Malene Bach, designers Janne Meier and Tushar Bhartiya and many more. The art installation “A Beautiful Act of Patriotism” by the artist duo Hesselholt & Meilvang, was a magnificent display in the house. Through their work, the duo pose open questions about symbols and structures, inviting to reflection and dialogue. The new institute in New Delhi also draws on a sound network, established since 2012 through the Danish-Indian culture project “India Today – Copenhagen Tomorrow”.

Speaking on the occasion Thomas Sehested, director of the institute in India, also stated: “The Danish Cultural Institute in India will work to create new partnerships, new collaborations between our two countries. We are excited to be here. India is such a huge source for inspiration when it comes to culture and we look forward to long lasting partnerships between our people - also in the field of cultural exchange”.

During the inauguration, the vibe in the air reflected how the institute could help in strengthening the ties between the two countries by attributing to the development of new ideas. Since 2012, the institute was planned to be present in India. Now that it has happened finally, diplomats are really looking forward to it. Even though India and Denmark are different in size, geography, natural resources and historical experience, we have a strong set of shared values. We believe in democracy as bedrock for society, equal rights are an integrated part of our agendas and we have a thoroughly social outlook governing our actions; we are concerned about the many, not just the chosen few.

The agreement to open a cultural institute in India was settled in April 2018, as Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Lars Løkke Rasmussen met during the Nordic-Indian Summit in Stockholm. The cultural institute in New Delhi will be the second of its kind in Asia, after the opening of an institute in Beijing in 2005.