According to Le Thi Thanh Giang, President of the Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations, Vietnam and India have a long-standing friendship. The relationship was founded by President Ho Chi Minh and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and has been cultivated by generations of their leaders through the exchange of high-level delegations and commitments to support each other in multilateral and international forums. Vietnam - India relations have been increasingly consolidated and developed extensively and strongly in all aspects over 50 years, thus creating a solid foundation for the close and trusting relationship between the two peoples.

“In the coming time, there will be more cultural exchange programs and bilateral cooperation activities between Can Tho City and Indian partners to strengthen the friendly cooperation relationship and further promote the Vietnam - India relation”, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee Nguyen Thuc Hien spoke at the meeting.

In his opening remarks, Vice Chairman Nguyen Thuc Hien said Can Tho City has recently coordinated with Indian partners to organize many cultural exchange activities such as the Vietnam – India People's Friendship Festival, the annual International Yoga Day, Bharatanatyam – Indian classical dance, etc. These cultural events help Vietnamese people gain a greater understanding of Indian culture, and at the same time promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.

Mr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, delivered a speech at the meeting.

Vice Chairman Nguyen Thuc Hien expressed his belief that there will be more cultural exchange programs and bilateral cooperation activities between Can Tho City and Indian partners to strengthen the friendly cooperation relationship and further promote the Vietnam - India relation.

Traditional Indian musicians perform at the show.

According to Consul General Madan Mohan Sethi, Bharatanatyam is a dance of Tamil Nadu in southern India. It traces its origins back to the Natyashastra, an ancient treatise on theatre written by the mythic priest Bharata. The word Bharatam is also seen as a backronym; with bha standing for bhavam, such as feelings and emotions; ra for ragam, such as melody or framework for musical notes; and tam being for talam, a rhythm. Originally a temple dance for women, Bharatanatyam often is used to express Hindu religious stories and devotions. It was not commonly seen on the public stage until the 20th century. The dance movements are characterized by bent legs, while feet keep rhythm. Hands may be used in a series of mudras, or symbolic hand gestures, to tell a story. With six performances each lasting seven to 15 minutes, the Indian repertoire group excited audiences through Indian stories.

Rajashree Das - Bharatanatyam dancer with impressive dance moves at the art program.

Consul General Madan Mohan Sethi said that cultural exchange and people-to-people exchange play an important role in strengthening relations between India and Vietnam. He also believes that the program would help promote effective cooperation between Can Tho City and Indian partners.