LUCKNOW: To further strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Indonesia, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has invited an Indonesian minister-led cultural delegation to participate in Deepotsava in Ayodhya this year.
He extended the invitation during his meeting with Indonesian ambassador Ina H Krishnamurthi at his residence here on Tuesday.
CM Yogi said that India and Indonesia enjoy “centuries-old” deep cultural relations.
“The two countries have had very close cultural and commercial ties since ancient times. Bali, Jakarta and Sumatra find mentions in the Ramayana by Maharishi Valmiki and Buddhist texts,” he said.
He said that the state government invites artists from Indonesia to perform in the grand Deepotsava which is celebrated a day before Diwali every year.
“Our shared cultural values can play an important role in taking our relations to new heights. In this regard, I wish that a cultural group led by an Indonesian minister should participate in this year’s Deepotsava,” he told the Indonesian ambassador to India and Bhutan.
During their meeting, ambassador Krishnamurthi informed the chief minister that ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) and Mission Shakti schemes of the UP government were “inspirational”.
“Taking inspiration from ODOP, we have started the ‘One Village, One Product’ in Bali which has boosted the economy at the grassroots level,” she said and also lauded the ‘Mission Shakti’ scheme of the state government.
The ambassador said that there should be a direct flight between Uttar Pradesh and Indonesia.