New Delhi buzzed with cultural excitement as Greece’s Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni led a high-profile delegation to the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) near India Gate. The visit centered on the captivating Ghika exhibition, showcasing the works of renowned Greek artist Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika, whose mid-20th-century ties to India have long fascinated art enthusiasts.
Kefalogianni, spearheading the group, was joined by key figures including Secretary General Vasiliki Koutsouko, GNTO President Angeliki Varela, and Greece’s Ambassador to India Aliki Koutsomitopoulou. The delegation received a specially curated walkthrough, masterminded by NGMA Director General Dr. Sanjeev Kishore Gautam and conducted in the presence of Director Puja Hally.
This meticulously guided tour delved deep into Ghika’s artistic journey, his engagement with global modernism, and his profound intellectual connections with Indian culture during the 1950s. Minister Kefalogianni expressed profound admiration for the exhibit, stating, ‘Visiting the Ghika exhibition at the prestigious NGMA is a true honor. Culture remains the finest bridge for nations and peoples to explore and experience one another.’
She extended a heartfelt invitation to Indians to visit Greece, echoing Ghika’s own explorations: ‘Come discover our shared similarities and differences, just as Ghika did decades ago. We look forward to deeper cultural collaborations between Greece and India.’ Dr. Gautam echoed this sentiment, highlighting the visit’s role in strengthening diplomatic ties through art. ‘Hosting such a distinguished Greek delegation at NGMA is a privilege. The Ghika show exemplifies the deep artistic and philosophical bonds between our ancient civilizations,’ he remarked.
The event underscored NGMA’s pivotal role as a hub for international cultural exchange, fostering dialogue through art and heritage. As discussions opened doors to future collaborations in art, culture, and tourism, this visit marks a significant step in the evolving India-Greece relationship, promising richer exchanges ahead.
