Art & Culture Furthers India, Portugal Relations

World Trade Centre Mumbai witnessed the inauguration of a painting exhibition ‘My Journey to Portugal’ on August 4, 2017. With a view to strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and Portugal, the Consulate General of Portugal in Goa, in association with World Trade Centre Mumbai organized the exhibition to showcase the paintings of Mr. Deviprasad C. Rao, noted 'Artist of the Intuitive World'. The Exhibition was inaugurated together by Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai, Mr. Y. R. Warerkar, Executive Director, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai, Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai, Mr. Rui Carvalho Baceira, The Consul General of Portugal in Goa and Mr. Deviprasad C. Rao. This exhibition is part of the bilateral cultural agenda of India and Portugal, presented by Portuguese Diplomatic Missions in New Delhi and Goa.

Mr. Baceira said, “India-Portugal bilateral relationship is at a great moment today with the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Portugal and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa’s visit to India in January 2017. I take this opportunity to announce the appointment of Captain Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai as the Honorary Consul of Portugal in Mumbai”.

Captain Somesh Batra said, “I feel deeply honoured that the Portuguese Republic has reposed faith in me through this significant honorary diplomatic assignment. I pledge my continuing commitment to enhance bilateral relationship between India and Portugal to the mutual benefit of both the nations. This painting exhibition inspires me to recall the well known Indian architect Mr. Charles Correa who designed a beautiful diagnostic centre in Lisbon.

Portugal is a country with exuberant natural landscape where the mountain and natural parks are dotted with palaces and farms bursting with history and culture. I am sure this exhibition will provide glimpses of Portuguese culture and heritage and thereby promote bilateral relationship. ”

Mr. Deviprasad C. Rao said, “The paintings displayed in this exhibition depict the historical heritage of Portugal with the present day state of each city and town. The paintings showcase most of the central and northern cities of Portugal such as Lisbon, Sintra, Obidos, Porto, Braga and a few others. I thank World Trade Centre Mumbai for giving me the opportunity to display my paintings.”

Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai said, “I thank the Consul General of Portugal in Goa for giving us an opportunity to exhibit the paintings on Portugal. This exhibition is a great opportunity to promote the culture and tourism potential of Portugal. The paintings of Mr. Rao depict various historical and cultural sites in Portugal. In the past, World Trade Centre Mumbai has organized similar exhibitions to promote tourism and culture of various other countries. India’s annual bilateral trade with Portugal has grown considerably from USD 157 million in 2000-01 to USD 812 million today. I expect the bilateral trade to grow further in the coming years.”

Mr. Y. R. Warerkar, Executive Director, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai and Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai were also present at the inaugural ceremony.

In Photo (L-R): Captain Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai (left) felicitating Mr. Rui Carvalho Baceira, The Consul General of Portugal in Goa (centre). Also seen (L-R): Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai (second left), Mr. Deviprasad C. Rao, Artist (second right) and Mr. Y. R. Warerkar, Executive Director, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai (right).