Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre Survey

The Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC), under the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) is conducting a study on Indian Diaspora in Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia. The purpose of the study is to understand the expectations and concerns of overseas Indians in their engagement with India. Those interested in participating in the online survey can do so through the link: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1050171/Overseas-Indian-Facilitation-Centre-Survey-2012-HCI

Information for U.K. Nationals

It has been decided that with effect from Thursday, November 01, 2012, no consular services will be provided in the Netherlands to British nationals resident in or transiting through the Netherlands. The applicants may please contact the Consular Section in the Indian High Commission in London for such services.

Odissi Dance Performance

A magical and scintillating programme of Odissi Dance performance by Guru Ms. Aruna Mohanty and her eleven member troupe was organized at the Gandhi Centre on October 2^nd, 2012 on the occasion of first anniversary of Gandhi Centre. The programme was attended by more than 150 people, including H. E. Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Ambassadors & members of diplomatic corps and other distinguished guests. All guests were welcomed in traditional Indian style and all women were greeted with putting traditional “Biindi” on their forehead.

In her opening speech, H. E. Ms. Bhaswati Mukherjee, Ambassador of India to Netherlands underlined the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s message of non-violence in today’s world. One year old Gandhi Centre has become fully operationalized with strong support of Indian Council of Cultural Relations. There are future plans of starting Yoga, Dance and Tabla classes in Gandhi Centre.

Guru Smt. Aruna Mohanty is one of the finest Odissi Dancers in the field of Odissi Dance, a classical dance of Odisha in eastern part of India. She and her troupe mesmerized all audience with their perfect body movement, facial movement and choreographic finesse. Spiritual, classical and dramatic aspects of Odissi dance were well praised and received standing ovation. Overall the performance was a fitting celebration of the first anniversary of establishment of Gandhi Centre. The programme was also comprehensively covered by the local newspaper/magazine.

Passport Seva Kendras

The 77th Passport Seva Kendra has been established at Srinagar last month. It is important to note that these Kendras are based on electronic receipt of passport application forms and are connected electronically with police stations for police verifications. There is a provision in order to help the disadvantaged and poorest sections of the society for manual submission of passports.