Celebrating India at 75 and showcasing the achievements, diversity, and rich cultural heritage of the country, the India Pavilion was one of those few pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai with over 1.5 million footfalls during 6 months of the event. The India Pavilion had hosted numerous conferences, B2B meets, cultural programmes, food festivals, online workshops, cinema screenings, debates, and various competitions. World leaders, celebrities from various fields and corporate leaders graced the India Pavilion.
In his message Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India had said: “The world’s economic revival is linked to the growth of India. The country is ready to do whatever it can to further global good and prosperity. This is a nation that is reforming, performing and transforming.”
Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, had graced the Expo2020 to unveil the India Pavilion on 1st October 2021. The India Pavilion was one of the biggest platforms that offered a golden opportunity to showcase India to the world. The event opened on 1st October 2021 and ended on 31st March 2022.
In his address, Goyal had stated: “I must acknowledge that India’s participation at Dubai Expo has been something which is a matter of pride for all of India, for every Indian, and I would like to express my deep appreciation for the wonderful work that FICCI has done to make the Dubai India Pavilion happen.”
Nestled at the Al Forsan Park, adjacent to the ‘Opportunity’ district of the Expo 2020 Dubai, India Pavilion was created on the theme of “Openness. Opportunity. Growth.” The India Pavilion projected the country as the next hub for growth and innovation. The India Pavilion reflected India’s commitment to the philosophy of लोका: समस्ता: सुखिनो भवन्तु (Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu), meaning, “May everyone, in the whole world, be happy.”
The India Pavilion focused on 11 primary themes – Climate and Biodiversity, Space, Urban and Rural Development, Tolerance and Inclusivity, Golden Jubilee, Knowledge and Learning, Travel and Connectivity, Global Goals, Health and Wellness, Food Agriculture and Livelihoods, and Water, each with a dedicated zone all underneath one gigantic roof. The vastness of the theme allowed visitors to explore and experience India’s strengths and achievements in all their glory. Apart from various thematic sections, The India Pavilion also had an amphitheatre, conference rooms, state pavilions, restaurants, souvenir shops, and much more.
The India Pavilion had represented India’s vast cultural diversity, sectoral expertise and the business potential of the participating states. Mirroring the theme of the Expo, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, the India Pavilion has showcased the country’s sectoral expertise, key business areas from the states and innovative ideas from budding entrepreneurs across the country.
The India Pavilion has also hosted many states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Northeast states, and UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, who had showcased their business attractiveness along with rich cultural heritage and have garnered investment opportunities from leading global investors during their participation.
India Innovation Hub and Elevate pitching sessions for startups, at the India Pavilion displayed innovations of over 500 Indian startups. The platform had captured the attention of Indian as well as global investors assisting the startup ecosystem bloom.
Various Festivals of India, falling from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, were celebrated with glittering performances. The India Pavilion had witnessed an array of cultural activities during Dusshera and Navratri celebrations. These included folk dances, storytelling and music for countless visitors and dignitaries. During Diwali there were colourful installations, lighting in the form of Swarangoli or LED rangoli, virtual display of firecrackers and performances.
Commenting on the success of the India Pavilion, Dr. Aman Puri, Consul General of India in Dubai & Dy. Commissioner General for India at Expo 2020 Dubai said, “We witnessed a strong visitors falls during the
six months of the mega event. While the India Pavilion showcased more business opportunities for collaboration and investment, the popularity of India’s festivals, food, and cultural performances, had been crucial aspects in attracting visitors from across the globe.”
Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE said, “We were proud to represent India at EXPO2020 Dubai and the entire journey has been phenomenal. The India Pavilion, for the past 6 months, has achieved various accolades by being one of the most visited, one of the largest and most iconic pavilions at the EXPO. Various states and sectors have leveraged the platform by collaborating with global governments and businesses, thus helping our nation grow. Our journey has been a testament to the fact that India is growing at a rapid pace, and this has been communicated through the Pavilion successfully.”
