Indians, Papua New Guinean-Indians and friends of India gathered on Sunday evening to celebrate an annual mega event.
Organised by the India Association of PNG, India Nite, hosted at the new Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, was a mixture of glamour and authenticity.
India Nite is one of the cultural and charitable events in Port Moresby where eminent citizens gather to appreciate cultural performances and authentic Indian cuisine.
The president of the India Association of PNG, or IAPNG, Pradeep Panda, said the theme they were focusing on for their activities is “Modern India”, with the objective of bringing the people and cultures of India and PNG closer, and deepen mutual ties between the two countries.
Panda said: “Supporting the local community is the central theme and philosophy of IAPNG.
“IAPNG has been in existence for 37 years, and during that time, we have donated approximately K150,000 to K200,000 every year to different hospitals, charity organisations, NGOs and missionaries.”
Invited to the event was NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Minister for Commerce & Industry Wera Mori and Minister for Public Enterprise & State Investment, William Duma.
The three PNG leaders spoke of the valuable friendship enjoyed between the two countries and commended the association for its contributions to PNG.
Governor Parkop highlighted the partnership that has enabled the Meri Seif Bus initiative.
“I do not want to see segregation here between men and women in Port Moresby or other parts of PNG but sadly, this continues to be some of the realities that we face,” Parkop said.
“So we have to do this initiative, which is very critical for safety for women and girls in our city.”