More than four hundred guests attended the evening despite the sky being overcast and a light drizzle beginning just before the event started. The occasion was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests both from Norway and India including the Norwegian Deputy Minister, Mr. Halvard Ingebrigtsen, Indian Minister of State, Mr. Pallam Raju and Director General, TERI, Dr. R K Pauchauri.
Ambassador Ann Ollestad launched Norway’s new strategy for India, stating that the strategy reflected Norway’s increased focus on India, which includes stronger representation in the country and a number of new mechanisms for Norwegian–Indian cooperation in priority areas and was a 'good background' for a renewed Norway - India partnership. The Norwegian Government’s strategy is aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries and will focus on areas such as- climate and environment, health, international political issues, cultural and business sectors.
Also speaking at the occasion, Norwegian Deputy Minister Ingebrigtsen stressed the increased cooperation in the business, research, education, transfer of technology and health components between the two countries.
The Indian Minister of State, Mr. Pallam Raju, complimented the Norwegian Government on the launch of its strategy for India. Adding a private sector’s dimension to the theme, he stated that there are significant opportunities for the private industry to partner.
Secret Garden, an award winning Irish-Norwegian duo enthralled the audiences with their unique take on instrumental music and songs like ‘You Raise Me Up and ‘Nocturne’.
Shankara, a group of artists with varied backgrounds and rooted in both Indian and Norwegian music, presented a perfect example of artistic co-operation between the two countries. The audiences were enchanted through their musical intensity and soulful performances. It was a concert of strong emotions expressed in art and music.
Senior corporate leaders, both from Norway and India, including CEO’s and Chiefs of Telenor, SN Power, Tandberg, DnBNOR Unitech and UniNor attended the evening.