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HomeSportCricket Connect Exhibition thrown open to public at SCG

Cricket Connect Exhibition thrown open to public at SCG

To strengthen India – Australia Cricket Relations, an exhibition has been organized by Ministry of Culture, Government of Indian in collaboration with ICCR, High Commission of India, Canberra and Government of Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground.

The exhibition was inaugurated on October 20, 2016 and will end on October 27. The program started with the lighting of lamp by Consul General – B. Vanlalvawna, Maurice Newman, Micheal Kasprowicz and Barry Robert O’ Farrell.
The exhibition is focused in connecting people from both the nations through cricket by providing them information via various images, documentaries, archival sources, audio and visual clips etc based on cricket. The exhibition is divided into various sections with a sole motive to highlight the passion and love for cricket in both India and Australia.

Consul General welcomed all the guests and appreciated all the efforts for putting up the exhibition. He said that is it a part of Confluence Festival which is all about collaborations

Consul General invited Maurice Newman – Chairman of Bradman Foundation on the stage and share his views.
Being the Chairman of Bradman Foundation , Maurice Newman facilitated the organisers with many archival material for the exhibition.

In his address, Maurice Newman said , “It is a pleasure to say a few words at this Cricket Connect exhibition, part of the wonderful Indian Government initiative, Confluence Festival of India in Australia. This truly is a spectacular display of the richness and colour of Indian culture.”

“Of course we don’t underestimate the importance of our growing commercial ties. Trade and investment create employment and prosperity on both sides. While we are behind schedule on where Prime Minister Modi told Prime Minister Abbott he wanted to be, I am still hopeful a mutually beneficial economic co-operation agreement will be signed soon.”

“But as valuable as trade and investment are, nothing is more important than people to people contact and cultural awareness. It has become a cliche to say the least, that Australia and India are united by cricket, even though there are many other things which bind us,” adds Maurice.

“We don’t forget India’s often unsung contribution to the war on the Gallipoli Peninsula where 16,000 gallant Indian soldiers died alongside the ANZACs,” says Maurice.

“But that said, cricket is the first thing that springs to mind. Indeed, Australian cricket will be a major beneficiary of Indian migration. In years to come expect to see many more Indian names included in our Sheffield Shield teams and in Australian sides. Interestingly, we seem to revere each other’s heroes more than those of other cricketing nations. Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar, are household names throughout our lands,” he adds.

“Our mutual passion for the game is therefore deeply rooted and the Bradman Museum, along with the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai, ably led by Shivaprassad Khened, is delighted to have been jointly involved in curating this very important exhibition which reflects the passion,” says Maurice.

“The Cricket Connect exhibition looks at the synergies and commonalities between India and Australia. The brief introduction covers the historical development of the game in both countries with photographic accompaniment,” adds Maurice.

“It covers the first Australian team tour to India in 1935-36 sourced from our joint archives. The first Indian tour to Australia in 1947-48 is covered with cartoons and photos. There are plenty of unforgettable moments of cricketing ties and, the 2001 test in Calcutta, where India pulled off an amazing win. I am sure you will agree this is a wonderful exhibition and the multi-media and interactive corner give it a wonderfully contemporary feel.”

Michael Kasprwicz while addressing the gathering said, “It is pleasure to be a part of this exhibition. It is great to have such events as it helps the nations to understand each other in a better way.”
He also talked about his 17 years love affair with India and his love and passion for cricket.

On a funny note Michael said, “ As this season, Australia is playing against Pakistan , so I think it will be the first time that India will be supporting Australia.”

Barry Robert O Farrell- 43rd Premier of New South Wales also spoke on the occasion and appreciated the efforts.
The curator of the exhibition Shivaprasad Khened – Director at Nehru Science Centre Mumbai and National Gallery of Modern Art Mumbai – Nehru Science Centre and National Gallery of Modern Art Mumbai hailed the efforts of all those who are involved in setting up this exhibition.

In his concluding note, Shivaprasad Kenned thanked all for their support and also talked about India -Australia relationship.

Counsel General also unveiled the Cricket Connect Book with Maurice Newman , Michael Kasprwicz , Barry O’Farrell and Shivaprasad Khened.

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