Sailing Through Centuries: ‘Rihla-e-Dosti’ Exhibition Charts 250 Years of India-Kuwait Camaraderie

A major exhibition entitled ‘Rihla-e-Dosti’ has inaugurated at the National Library of Kuwait, commemorating the amazing 250-year-old partnership between India and Kuwait. The exhibition, according to the National Council for Culture, Arts and Literature (NCCAL), the Indian Embassy and the Kuwait Heritage Society, showcases the historical, cultural, and economic relationships dating back to 1775 and is a major initiative. 

 

Fahad Ghazi Alabduljaleel, President of the Kuwait Heritage Society, spoke about the exhibition's importance, mentioning that the idea was suggested during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Kuwait. "India and Kuwait have partnered since 1775. This is over two centuries of shared history, and this exhibit shows how deep those ties run," he said. 

 

Numerous rare manuscripts, historic books, coins, and artifacts were found at the exhibition. Multiple belonged to Kuwaiti families who lived in Indian ports, including Calicut and Kerala. These of course illustrate the historical connections both countries shared based on trade and cross-maritime endeavors. Panel sessions included personal narratives by the grandchildren of Kuwaiti people who lived in India and historians discussing the impact of Indian words relative to the Kuwaiti language and maritime trade. 

 

Indian parliamentary delegation from all parties, led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, toured the exhibition as part of their diplomatic visit to Kuwait. During the visit, they addressed their Indian diaspora and reaffirmed India's solidarity against international terrorism, and the further strengthening of the joint working group on counter-terrorism between India and Kuwait. Panda underscored the "tremendous support" of India's messaging, and thanked the Kuwaiti government for building cooperation with their counterpart on counter-terrorism. 

 

The ‘Rihla-e-Dosti’ exhibition exemplifies the enduring relationship established between India and Kuwait while showcasing the multi-century bond of shared heritage, trust, and respect that thrives today. 

 

Source: The Tribune India