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Following months of preparation culminating in excess of one million
man hours of volunteerism, a dazzling Royal World Charity Premiere of
Mystic India was marked with the arrival of Their Royal Highnesses,
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall on the evening of 7
June at The Science Museum, London. The event was co-hosted by the Mayor
of London Ken Livingstone and BAPS Care International.
A host of celebrities including Rowan Atkinson, Raghav, Preeya Kalidas
and former High Commissioner for India Dr L.M. Singhvi joined a collection
of representatives from international embassies, business magnates and
senior politicians for the premiere in South Kensington. A high-profile
audience provided the ideal compliment to the fantastic large format movie.
The gates of the museum were draped with beautiful flowers, attracting
a large crowd in anticipation of the arrival of His Royal Highness and
the Duchess. The paparazzi of photographers captured images of the traditional
garlanding of the royal party, before customary threads of friendship
were tied to their wrists.
The Science Museum was transformed into an exhibition of Indian culture
and art with various artefacts, dances, musicians and craftsmen creating
an authentic atmosphere, providing an ideal prelude to the film. Over
50 young children from different nations across the globe assembled
together waving flags from their respective countries and were dressed
in their national attire as a symbol of such unity. Guests were guided
through the presentations and were offered a selection of Indian sweets
and snacks after the film to compliment their cultural experience, marvelling
at the breathtaking decorations.
The premiere raised funds for the Bhartiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST),
a charity founded by The Prince of Wales to enable the business community
to promote youth entrepreneurship. Sizeable pledges were donated by
a variety of guests in a generous show of support. An overwhelming response
of delight illustrated the success of the production, providing an inspiring
portrayal and unique experience of India, as guests expressed a desire
to visit the country following the film.
His Royal Highness praised the
efforts of B.A.P.S. volunteers and expressed his delight at the film
during his public address of the evening,
discussing the spectacular areas of India he wishes to visit: “Of
course what it does emphasise is how remarkable India is. Before long,
I hope I should be able to take my wife to the various parts of India
I haven’t managed to see yet.” Touched by the values
portrayed by the film, HRH emphasised the importance of the tradition
and timeless wisdom and knowledge of India, “Please don’t
let the world lose that, because it is the balance between modernity
and tradition, and the ancient wisdom which actually is going to ensure
the survival of all of us, and our grandchildren, and those who come
later.”
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