A cultural program and live music marked the annual gala hosted by The Society for the Promotion of Indian Culture and Experience (SPICE-Indian Club) at the UN Express Bar Feb. 6. The event was presided over by Vijay Nambiar, U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on Myanmar and Ambassador Palitha Kohona, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations.
The venue was decorated with colorful Indian saris and flower garlands, and guests networked over cocktails. The evening started with dance performances of different genres ranging from classical to Bollywood, from fusion dance to folk bhangra, from the unique belly dance-Bollywood fusion to the fascinating Gypsy drum solo Belly dance. Performers included Nritya Saagaram Dance Academy, Naseeb Dance Group, Ajna Dance Company, Navrang Dance Academy and the PBA Bhangra Academy.
The SPICE-Indian Club was established in 2007 as one of the clubs under the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNSRC) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The club’s main objectives are to stimulate interest and promote diversity in Indian arts and culture, and foster a spirit of harmony and understanding. Its membership is open to staff members of the United Nations (including U.N. specialized agencies, programs and funds), missions to the United Nations, members of the press accredited to the United Nations, and NGOs, and their families.