India-Hungary 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations

A symposium on "Hungary, India and the European Union" was inaugurated on 26th November by Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, Minister for Human Resource Development, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Hungary. The well-attended Symposium was co-inaugurated by the Hungarian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Janos Herman and the resource persons included former Foreign Secretary Shri A.P. Venkateswaran, Dr. V.A. Pai Panandikar, President and Chief Executive, Centre for Policy Research and Prof. R.K. Jain of J.N.U. Dr. Joshi dwelt upon the long history of cultural contacts between India and Hungary which were diversifed into a multi-faced relationship during last 5 decades. He expressed hope that Hungary's impending entry into EU would add another dimension - multi-lateral - to the traditionally warm and friendly ties between the two countries.

Other items on HRD Minister's programme to commemorate the event included unveiling of a plaque at the birthplace of well-known painter Amrita Sher-Gill of Indo-Hungarian parentage and attending a special Reception at Ambassador's Residence.

During his stay, Dr. Joshi had cordial and fruitful discussions with Prof. Janos Hamori, Minister for National Cultural Heritage, Dr. Janos Martonyi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Zoltan Pokornyi, Minister of Education. HRD Minister also paid visit to Department of Indology in ELTE, the oldest university in Hungary, where, inter alia, he also presented more than 50 books on Sanskrit language and literature. The Minister also paid visit to the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and saw their 'Oriental Collection' including some Sanskrit manuscripts over two centuries old, as also collections of the well-known Hungarian Indologists of the past, such as Sandor Csoma Korosi.

Tomorrow the Minister is due to call on the Hungarian President Dr. Arpad Gonez, whose special affection and regard for India is well-known.

A 6-page special supplement on India was also brought out by Hungary's most popular prestigious daily, 'Nepszabadsag' to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations.

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