European team visits CCVA in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: A group of 12 Europeans from Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Iceland, France, UK and Australia visited the Cultural Centre of Vijayawada and Amaravati (CCVA), as part of the international cultural exchange programme organised by Round Table India (RTI) and Forty One Club, said Dr E Sivanagi Reddy, CEO, CCVA on Thursday.

The team led by Dandamudi Sitaram, RTI, experienced the Indian way of life. Dr Reddy briefed the team on the activities of the three constituent wings of CCVA, viz., the literary wing, the art gallery, and the cultural centre (Studio), where a good member of art, craft and literature related activities are conducted on a regular basis, for the past four years.

He highlighted on the art and sculpture shows, book launch and reviews, capacity building programmes for artisan communities engaged in making Kondapalli Toys, Pedana Kalamkari and Tummalakunla Leather Puppetry.

Later, the visitors were taken round the Art Gallery to witness photo exhibition of archaeological sites and historical monuments. Dr Sivanagi Reddy also explained on the flagship events of CCVA such as Amaravati Poetic Prism (International Multilingual poets Meet) and Preserve Heritage for Posterity (PHP).

The visitors evinced keen interest in the PHP programme and appreciated CCVA for its sincere commitment in safeguarding the antiquarian remains by sensitising the local communities throughout the state.

Sitaram and the Indian members of the Round Table India thanked Y Harish Chandra Prasad, founder & chief mentor, Malaxmi Group and chairman, CCVA, and Dr E Sivanagi Reddy for arranging the visit of the European team. Chimpiraiah, director and staff members, Malaxmi Group participated in the programme.