The Hindu : National : Modi mollifies Israeli troupe

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Friday, Sep 29, 2006
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Modi mollifies Israeli troupe

Special Correspondent

It was ordered to withdraw from Navaratri festivals

GANDHINAGAR: Timely intervention by Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, has saved the relations between Gujarat and Israel from reaching a flash point after an Israeli cultural troupe was ordered to withdraw from the State-sponsored Navaratri festivals.

The State-owned Tourism Development Corporation, main sponsor of the Gujarat Navaratri celebrations in the State capital, had asked the dance group, Kamea, to leave the stage following alleged complaints that the dress worn by Israeli girls was bordering on obscenity.

The troupe had given its performance on Sunday when the Chief Minister was present but many people raised objections. Following the alleged complaints, the organisers asked the Israeli troupe to pack up. The group disagreed that their costumes and presentation could anyway be termed vulgar. It was a folk dance of Israel and there was nothing obscene about it, a troupe member said.

The Israeli Consulate in Mumbai took a strong objection to the troupe being given the marching orders from the stage without any reason. The troupe was sent to participate in the Navaratri celebrations officially by the Israeli government as part of cultural exchange after Mr. Modi's recent three-day visit to Israel.

When the Israeli Consulate took up the matter with the Chief Minister, Mr. Modi summoned the Tourism secretary, R.M. Patel, and other senior officials and asked them to apologise to the Israeli group.

The issue was later amicably resolved and the troupe agreed to continue with their performance and also to visit other parts of the State.

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