NEW DELHI – The youth delegation from Kazakhstan visited India on March 5-13 to attend the Central Asia – India Youth Forum as a part of a broader 100-member youth delegation from all Central Asian international locations on the invitation of the federal government of India.

Kazakh youth in entrance of Agra’s Taj Majal. Photo credit score: India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

In a world usually divided by borders and beliefs, the go to of the delegation to India in March fostered the ability of cultural trade and mutual understanding. 

Along with Central Asian fellows, the 20-member Kazakh delegation visited Delhi, Agra and Ahmedabad. 

Formal connections

As a part of their go to, the delegation met with India’s senior authorities officers, together with Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Minister of Youth and Sports Anurag Thakur.

Minister of External Affairs and Central Asian delegation earlier than the assembly in Delhi. Photo credit score: India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Addressing the corridor with Central Asian youth, Jaishankar famous Central Asia and India have centuries-old bonds. 

“We should look for what unites us, not what separates us. If we do that, that means really the way towards building a better world,” stated the Indian minister. 

Anurag Thakur, Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, and delegates from Kazakhstan at a gala dinner. Photo credit score: India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

These conferences with the ministers stood out probably the most to Abira Kuandyk, a delegation member and a specialist working to enhance kids’s rights in Kazakhstan.  

“Their genuine interest and interaction with young people, along with their impactful speeches and openness, greatly enhanced my appreciation for this visit,” stated Abira Kuandyk in a remark for this story. 

Abira Kuandyk on the Dandi Kutur, India’s main museum, constructed on the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Photo credit score: Kuandyk’s private archive

Immersing in architectural wonders 

Arriving late to India’s capital metropolis, Delhi, the group had just a few hours of sleep earlier than taking over a journey to the long-lasting Taj Mahal, an emblem of affection that transcends time and geography. Though drained after the flight and an almost five-hour drive from New Delhi to Agra, for a lot of of them, it was a dream realized. 

“Exploring the Taj Mahal in India was an enchanting experience that left a lasting impact on me. This globally renowned masterpiece, steeped in history and architectural brilliance, is a true marvel to behold. Every aspect of the monument, from its meticulously manicured gardens to the exquisite calligraphy gracing its walls, tells a tale of romance and devotion,” Bauyrzhan Auken, a delegation member who works in Astana-based assume tank, stated in a remark for this story.

Bauyrzhan Auken. Photo credit score: Auken’s private archive

He was astounded by the size of the undertaking and the unimaginable talent of the craftspeople concerned, noting how over 20,000 artisans from various backgrounds converged to convey Shah Jahan’s imaginative and prescient to life. 

“As I stood in front of the Taj Mahal, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. It is more than just a structure – it is a timeless symbol of love, craftsmanship, and human creativity. My visit to this extraordinary monument will forever remain in my memory as evidence of the enduring legacy of one of the most remarkable architectural achievements in the world,” he stated. 

While in Agra, the delegation additionally toured the Red Fort, which served because the residence of the Mughals till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The fort encompasses an space of roughly 380,000 sq. meters. Inside, it homes a fancy of palaces, mosques, and gardens, showcasing a mix of Persian, Islamic, and Hindu architectural types.

The Red Fort and the Taj Mahal are each UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage websites.

In Delhi, the Central Asian youth witnessed the grandeur of Humayun Tomb, one other UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pioneering instance of Mughal structure, which was in-built 1570. 

For Yerdana Yerzhanuly, a journalist from Astana, visiting India’s main sights made him “feel a sense of warmth and connection.” 

“It was like uncovering a hidden thread that tied our histories together, creating a colorful tapestry of shared experiences and traditions. It was a reminder of the beauty of cultural diversity and rich human history that we all contribute to,” he instructed The Astana Times.

Yerdana Yerzhanuly in entrance of  India’s External Affairs Ministry. Photo credit score: Yerzhanuly’s private archive

Visiting the Mahatma Gandhi Ashram (a non secular hermitage or monastery) and Dandi Kutur Museum in Ahmedabad was an extremely shifting expertise. It provided a glimpse into the life and legacy of one among historical past’s most extraordinary figures. 

Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Gandhi based the ashram in 1915 and have become the guts of his nonviolent wrestle for India’s independence.

Walking by way of the ashram, one can really feel a profound sense of peace and ease that Gandhi advocated all through his life. The dwelling quarters and the objects on show painted a vivid image of his day-to-day life, emphasizing the rules of self-sufficiency, non-violence, and fact that he lived by. It was enlightening to see his spinning wheel, spectacles, and writing desk, making his presence virtually tangible.

Engaging with India’s youth

One of probably the most enriching elements of the journey for delegation members was the time spent at India’s main universities. In Ahmedabad, the delegation visited the Indian Institute of Management and the National Forensic Sciences University. In Delhi, they toured the Indian Institute of Technology. 

In Ahmedabad, the group visited the Indian Institute of Management. Photo credit score: India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Engaging with Indian college students and college opens eyes to the colourful spirit of India’s youth and their openness and hospitality to fulfill folks from different international locations. 

The delegation visits the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi. Photo credit score: India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

“This kind of exchange are useful for strengthening diplomatic relations between countries. Young people are the future leaders and decision-makers. Fostering relationships, mutual understanding, and getting to know each other through education and culture is important for current and future partnerships,” stated Abira Kuandyk.

“Personally, I return home with several ideas on how to connect the youth of India and Kazakhstan that I want to implement for even more strengthened relations,” she added. 

The group additionally had an opportunity to be taught extra about India’s textile trade throughout their go to to a textile manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad. Photo credit score: India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

While in India, Kuandyk noticed similarities between India and her house nation. 

“Indians and Kazakhs share profound similarities, notably our inherent hospitality and caring nature towards others. Both nations prioritize peaceful and respectful relations, fostering an environment where all ethnicities and religions are respected. Additionally, we cherish strong family traditions, tight-knit family bonds, and vibrant celebrations and festivities, which I believe are great to have for one nation,” she stated. 

Shared moments, lasting impressions

But it wasn’t all formal exchanges. The delegation loved informal strolls by way of bustling markets, tasted the myriad flavors of Indian delicacies, and skilled the heat of Indian hospitality. 

The delegation from Kazakhstan presents a cultural efficiency at a gala dinner. Photo credit score: India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

“One of the most fascinating experiences and also discoveries I had while in India was exploring the deep historical bond between our communities, particularly through the shared architectural heritage found in both India and South Kazakhstan. It was truly enchanting to observe the common peculiarities in the buildings, their planning and ornaments, which spoke volumes about the enduring connections between our cultures,” stated Yerdana Yerzhanuly. 

He believes such visits are profound not solely as a result of they foster cultural trade and understanding between completely different areas but additionally “cultivate a sense of unity within Central Asia itself.” 

“By exploring shared histories and cultural heritage, participants were able to develop a deeper sense of connection and solidarity,” he added. 

Bauyrzhan Auken additionally sees the significance of such trade in “fostering mutual understanding and strengthening international relations by facilitating people-to-people connections and cultural exchange.” 

“Through these exchanges, individuals gain profound insights into diverse ways of life, beliefs, and values, thereby nurturing mutual respect and understanding among communities,” he added. 

The great thing about this journey lay not simply within the locations the delegation visited however within the hearts and minds of the folks they met. It exhibits that regardless of variations, there’s a lot we share: hopes, goals, and the need to make the world a greater place.