Author: Press Trust of India
Publication: Hindustan Times
Date: December 11, 2007
URL: http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=219000f9-4ded-40a0-98e7-942b03a18516
The 'Namaste Israel' group, a cultural troupe
comprising mostly of youth of Indian origin, will perform in different Indian
cities to celebrate 60 years of Independence of India and Israel and 15 years
of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The dancing troupe, which will perform shows
in New Delhi, Shillong and Mumbai, has been an integral part of Indian independence
and Republic Day celebrations in Israel for the past four years.
After enthralling locals here on the beats
of popular Bollywood music, the group will be joining hands with Israel Folklore
Dancing Group during the performances in India, showcasing diversity of the
people of Israel and their cultural roots and heritage.
The two groups will be jointly performing in New Delhi on December 13, Shillong
on December 15 and in Mumbai on December 18.
"I am very excited on my first visit
to India. I was born here but speak Hindi, eat Indian food and was raised
on a staple diet of Indian music. Finally my dreams have come true,"
said David Nigrekar, a Jew of Indian origin and founder of the 'Namaste Israel'
group.
"We have perfomed in the United States,
Canada and several other cities of Europe and everytime we met Indian origin
people, they were amazed to know that there are people here who can speak
Hindi," Nigrekar, who is also active in Israel folklore dancing group,
said.
