As Singapore and India gear up to celebrate National Day on August 9 and Independence Day on August 15 respectively, the citizens are ready to witness weeklong celebrations of these momentous occasions through business conclaves/seminars, cultural performances, charity gala events and sports tournaments which are going to be organised in Singapore. Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and Global Citizen Forum (GCF) are organising the organising the weeklong programme. Connected to India is bringing you a curtain raiser of these events.
The events will be marked by performances by a number of celebrities, leaders and intellectuals including Sadhguru Jaggi Vasideva, Shiamak Davar, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shri Bibek Debroy (Member, NITI Aayog) and others.
Speaking about the importance of the event, BK Modi, Founder of GCF, said, “This is a conclave of great global significance in Singapore with the theme of ‘New India – Emerging Global Leader’. The event seeks to recognise the power of peace, co-existence and that India as a country can lead the world through its philosophy of peace, non-violence expressed through the concept of ‘Vishwaguru’.”
He added, “India’s greatest superpower is its spiritual strength and its longstanding image as beacon of peace and brotherhood. Singapore, on the other hand is a Smart Nation is largely regarded as the ‘Gateway to Asia’ and a leader of technological development. Combining the strengths of both these is imperative to any quest for peace in the world.”
What is a better way to start a historical and deep cultural relation between India and Singapore than delving in Sufi music? True to his name, renowned Sufi exponent Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will bring relief (rahaat) with the rendition of soulful Sufi classics. The programme will be organised at the Suntec Convention Centre on August 9 from 7:30 pm onwards.
The second day is reserved for GCF-SICCI Business Forum 2017. Famous experts will participate in these meetings shedding light on the contemporary events. The meet will focus on
1) New India- Emerging Global Leader – SICCI (Chamber of Commerce) Business Leaders round table talk
2) Alternative Global views – BRI / Maritime Route – A Discussion
3) Smart City – Singapore & India Perspective
4) Role of Global Indians as Global Leaders- A Discussion
However, the real attraction of the celebration will be the Singapore Cricket Club Twenty20 tournament. Singapore will get the chance to see the legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan in action. Stylish Australian left-handed opening batsman Ed Cowan will also participate in the tournament. There are eight teams participating in the tournament includingdefending champions Madras Cricket Club, Melbourne Cricket Club, Sydney Cricket Ground XI, Australia, Kowloon Cricket Club, Rowlin National Cricket Academy, Sinhalese Sports Club, Singapore Emerging Stars XI and Singapore Cricket Club.
For fitness buffs, a Yoga programme will be organised on August 14 from 7:30 to 9 am.
The icing on the cake will be finally on the Indian Independence Day on August 15. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudeva will deliver spiritual talk on this day where a crowd of 10,000 is expected. The spiritual guru has considerable fan following in different parts of the world and the event will give an opportunity to the Singaporeans to learn about the India’s spiritual journey.
The programme will finally end with the performance of the Shiamak Dance troupe at Singapore Indoor Stadium.