An artwork from Indradhanush exhibition.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

The India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, regarded as one of the most-visited pavilions, recording 350,000 visitors in less than 50 days of inauguration, has also been recognised as ‘One of the Most Iconic’ among country pavilions participating in the event, by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

The external façade of the India Pavilion is made of 600 individual colourful blocks and is capable of kinetic movements, symbolising the theme – India on the move.

Visitors also get to experience the immersive AI and VR technology at the Pavilion, which transports them to a virtual India. While the traditional Indian elements showcase the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the nation, the modern architectural concepts display economic and scientific capabilities of India.

The Pavilion is built on a 1.2-acre plot, with a state-of-the-art building that will be a permanent structure and will become a part of District 2020. It will remain for posterity as part of India’s legacy in the UAE.

On the achievement, AIA President Daniel S Hart said: “We are pleased to be a part of India’s journey and success at the Expo 2020 and are happy to celebrate the achievement. “At AIA, our primary goal is to ensure the safety of the planet with a focus on sustainable practices. The India Pavilion has achieved the same, while representing the diverse cultural background of the country.

“The Pavilion not only showcases the rich history of the country, but also represents the numerous opportunities, possibilities and offers a window into the future.

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” The Pavilion, since its inauguration on October 1, by Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Government of India, has hosted several sector and state specific events to highlight the country’s success and the roadmap of the future.

Additionally, it has represented India’s rich cultural heritage and has organised many cultural events with an amalgamation of culture, technology and business opportunities, represented by India.

Talking about the India Pavilion, Dr Aman Puri, Consulate General of India in Dubai said: “We are delighted to see the response towards the India Pavilion and the work done by CP Kukreja Architects, led by Dikshu Kukreja.

“We would like to thank AIA for choosing the India Pavilion as one of the most iconic pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai. We believe the theme of ‘Connecting minds, creating a future’ has been translated through the pavilion structure.

“As India represents a rich blend of cultures and influences, the same is also represented in our architectural heritage. “India is home to 1/6th of the humanity, and is an enormously diverse nation; the India Pavilion beautifully captures this diversity and tells the story of India.

“Every day, we see thousands of excited visitors who are mesmerised by the interactive nature of the Pavilion. We are looking forward to hosting many such visitors and sustaining the momentum,” Dr Puri added.

On the AIA recognition, Principal Architect of India Pavilion, Kukreja said: “It is a great honour to be recognised by AIA and we are delighted to showcase our country at the Expo. “We understand the importance of Expo 2020 Dubai and the Pavilion has been designed to showcase India’s diversity, heritage and the numerous opportunities presented by the country on a global pedestal.

“It has been a pleasure to show the world that India’s architecture has evolved greatly from the ancient monuments and is now at par with the global contemporary architecture. “Our primary goal was to show the transformation our country has gone through since independence, while keeping in mind the expo themes of sustainability, mobility and connectivity.

“The kinetic façade, which changes with the Expo themes, has been crucial in showcasing the diversity of our country and interacting with the visitors,” he added.

Thanking AIA for acknowledging India Pavilion as one of the most iconic structures among participating countries, Kukreja also said that “our goal of representing India’s cultural and economic growth has been translated into a tangible achievement.” Earlier, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, Ramdas Bandu Athawale and Dr Puri inaugurated a group art exhibition and walk art show titled “Indradhanush” (Rainbow), on the theme of Tolerance on November 11, at the Indian Consulate Auditorium, Dubai.

The Consulate General of India, Dubai, in association with PaintBrush Art Community, has organised the exhibition. It remains open at the Consulate Auditorium till November 30. The Consul General congratulated participating artists for putting forward a vibrant art exhibition under the broad theme of tolerance. He said: “It is gratifying to see that through their arts, these 48 artists of various nationalities have contributed in projecting a message of coexistence and integration.”

 Sonal Purohit, curator of Indradhanush exhibition.

One of the key highlights of the inaugural event was the participation of Indian workers, who walked the ramp wearing T-shirts hand painted by the participating artists.  Another key moment was when the artwork, Hussain Vs Hussain, created by Hussain MA, was bought by a collector from India for an astounding sum of Dhs125,000.

The event was attended by Ahmed Abdelrahman Mohamed Ali, Acting Consul General of the Republic of the Sudan in Dubai; Dhiraj Srivastava, Commissioner Rajasthan Foundation, Government of Rajasthan; Dinesh Kothari — Founder Delhi Private School; S Harmeek Singh — CEO Plan B Group; Ruby Sajan — Danube Group; Azhar Sajan — CEO Casa Milano; Jacob C, Founder of Zygo Art; Gregor Cameron, SPEA Representative and other art lovers in the UAE.