The Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India, Meenakshi Lekhi, attended the award ceremony
The III Spain-India Forum reached its climax with an Official Reception at the Residence of the Spanish Ambassador to India, José María Ridao, on the occasion of the presentation of the IV Spain-India Council Foundation (SICF) Award to the Indologist Agustín Pániker and the Hispanist Vibha Maurya.
Juan Ignacio Entrecanales, President of the SICF, presented the winners and their merits, acknowledging their contribution to strengthening ties between Spain and India through the promotion of Spanish and Indian cultures.
A video tribute to Agustín Paniker was shown, highlighting his career and outstanding role in strengthening cultural ties between the two nations, followed by a message of thanks from the Barcelona-born Indologist.
President Juan Ignacio Entrecanales then proceeded to present the 4th SICF Award to the Hispanist Vibha Maurya, Hindi translator of the novel Don Quixote de la Mancha, marking a special moment of recognition. Vibha Maurya, on behalf of both laureates, expressed words of thanks, consolidating the connection between the laureates and the SICF.
The event culminated with a keynote address on the future prospects of Spain-India relations by India's Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi, who offered key words outlining the strong commitment and positive developments in the bilateral relationship.
The evening concluded with a cocktail dinner, providing a more informal space to continue conversations and encourage interaction among participants.