The High Commission of India, Accra in partnership with Silverbird Cinemas and Global Media Alliance on Friday inaugurated a five day complimentary screening of Indian films dubbed – ‘The Festival of Indian Films’, which started from the 2nd of October 2009 – 6th of October 2009. The auspicious ceremony in commemoration of 140th birthday anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was also convened to observe and highlight the internationally celebrated World Non-Violence Day. The weeklong celebration of Indian culture and colours, through the medium of Bollywood Cinema was graced and inaugurated by the Vice President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama. The Vice President along with the High Commissioner of India to Ghana, Mrs. Ruchi Ghanshyam and Mr. Edward Boateng, Chairman, Silverbird Africa, officially opened the event by lighting a lamp in the Silverbird auditorium. Lighting the lamp is the Indian tradition that symbolizes the eradication of darkness and ignorance through the light of knowledge and goodness. Later, Mrs. Ruchi Ghanshyam welcomed the guests, and thanked the wishful sponsors present at the event. The Festival of India Films hopes to highlight the Indian presence in Ghana and to showcase the Indian society and culture to the people of Ghana. Vice-President John Mahama, in his address, said the festival is a truly symbolic one because it also marks the centenary anniversary of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who also believed in Mahatma Gandhi’s principles and practice of non-violence. He also expressed his joy for the growing number of Indian businesses in Ghana by saying that India and Ghana relationship has always been solid. These warm words were followed by screening of the eight (8) Oscar winning autobiographical film, ‘Gandhi’. Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian Advocate who later fought to win independence from the British Raj through non-violence. He was not the commander of armies, nor the ruler of vast lands. He could not boast any scientific achievement or artistic gift. Yet men, governments, dignitaries from all over the world, have joined hands today to pay homage to “the little brown man in the loin cloth”, who led his country to freedom. At the plush Silverbird cinemas, the event attracted several dignitaries including Minister for Women & Children Affairs, Akua Sena Dansua Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Joseph Annan, Daughter of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Member of Parliament, Samia Nkrumah and Prof. Atukwei Okai, President of Pan African Writers Association, Mr. V. Sreedharan, MD, Bank of Baroda Ghana Ltd., Mr. Vivek Saraswat, Country Manager, Tata Africa Holdings Ghana Ltd., Mr. Bhagwan Khubchandani, Chairman, Melcom Group and Mr. Ashok Mohinani, Chairman, Poly Group. The gorgeous Ghanaian actress Jackie Appiah came in dressed like an Indian princess on a Horse Carriage. She was received by a great gusto of fans along with a carnival of Indian and African dancers rejoicing to the beats of both countries. Indian movies have had and continue to enjoy a huge success all over the world for their beautiful productions During the week, Silverbird Cinemas screened two complimentary Indian films; ranging from old films to some of the most popular Bollywood films. Mr. Edward Boateng, Executive Chairman of Global Media Alliance and Chairman Silverbird Africa, said he was delighted about the excitement with which the public have welcomed the festival. “I am amazed at the huge success of the festival. The caliber and number of people who thronged in just to witness the opening of the festival is so refreshing and goes to emphasize the fact that Ghanaians love Indian movies”. This festival is to become an annual event where each year the Indian community in Ghana will gather to celebrate and fraternize with each other while also fortifying and building new relationships with Ghanaians. The event was organized in kind courtesy of: Tata Africa Holdings, Ghana, PHC Motors, Melcom, Bank of Baroda, IPMC, NIIT, Somotex Ghana Ltd., M&G Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Param Farms & Kohinoor Restaurant, Essar Signages, Happy 98.9 FM, Y 107.7 FM, e.tvghana. Story by Brooke Nuwati/Global Media Alliance/Ghana