The national capital is preparing to roll out a cultural red carpet for the visiting spouses and family members of Brics leaders, with a tight-packed itinerary taking them from India’s political history and modern art to its traditional crafts, even as multiple quick reaction teams (QRTs), Delhi Police companies and ambulances are being deployed to secure their movements.
Track LIVE updates on BRICS Summit here The programme, planned alongside the three-day Brics summit beginning September 11, will take the visitors to some of the Delhi’s most prominent cultural institutions, including the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy, Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) and Central Cottage Industries Emporium. The visiting dignitaries are staying at three of Delhi’s prominent hotels. The spouse of Burundi’s President is staying at The Lalit, while the spouse of the Philippines President is staying at Taj Mahal Hotel. The daughter and son-in-law of Iran’s President, along with the spouse of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, are staying at The Oberoi.
The group will also visit the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy, where a special Brics Bazaar is being organised on September 12. “A designated museum official will accompany the visitors and take them through exhibits documenting India’s political journey and the lives and contributions of its prime ministers. “The emporium is expected to remain closed to regular customers for several hours to facilitate the VIP visit. “The carefully planned programme is more than a ceremonial diversion.
An officer aware of the matter said the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya is expected to be among the first major stops. The bazaar will feature crafts and products from Brics countries, turning the event into a showcase of the grouping’s cultural diversity,” he said, asking not to be named. Another official said that the Central Cottage Industries Emporium at Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan is another key stop. The spouses are scheduled to visit around 2pm, with the programme expected to continue until about 4pm,” she said. It offers India an opportunity to showcase its political heritage, contemporary art and traditional craftsmanship to representatives of the expanded Brics grouping,” said the second officer cited above.
