In the second photo: Sofia University Vice-Rector Prof. Reneta Bojankova gives Ambassador Sanjay Rana the Honorary Badge of the Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. The next photos are from other moments of the event.

The 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and India was celebrated with a special event at the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” on December 5, 2024. The ceremony attended by high-ranking officials, diplomats, government representatives, and members of the general public was organized by the Indian studies Department of the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and the “Friends of India” Club,  East-West Indological Foundation, Devam Foundation in association with the Embassy of India in Sofia.

Among the high-ranking official guests were H. E. Zakia El Midaoui, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco and doyen of the diplomatic corps in Bulgaria, Vice-Rector of Sofia University Prof. Reneta Bozhankova,  Mr. Roussi Ivanov, Foreign Policy Advisor to the President, Ms. Iva Trifonova, Advisor to the Minister of Tourism; Mrs. Natalia Misheva, Director for the Asia, Australia, and Oceania Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mrs. Yordanka Boyanova, President of the East-West Indological Foundation, Dr. Antoaneta Zarkova, President of the Bulgaria Ayurveda Association, and Prof. Mauna Kaushik, President of the DEVAM Foundation. A message of greetings from, Ms. Daniela Kaneva, journalist from BNT and the President of the Friends of India Club were also read at the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Sanjay Rana spoke of close friendship and regular high-level contacts between India and Bulgaria. He said Bulgaria is regarded by India as a strategic partner and one of its closest friends within the European Union.

The Indian leadership led by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi gives high regard and priority to India’s relations with the Republic of Bulgaria. 

The cooperation between the two nations continues to advance across various areas of mutual interest, including, increased trade and investment, and growing cultural, educational, and capacity-building cooperation. 

On the occasion, the Vice Rector of Sofia University, Prof. Reneta Bozhankova on behalf of the Rector, Prof. Georgi Valchev presented Ambassador Sanjay Rana with the Honorary Badge of the Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” acknowledging his contribution to fostering academic collaboration between the two countries and his significant role in enhancing the partnership with Sofia University through joint educational and research initiatives.

The program featured a rich cultural performance, including traditional Bulgarian folklore dances by the students from the Indira Gandhi School Lyulin and Slavey Folklore Ensemble. Dances and songs from the Southern states of India was presented by the Kaya Dance Group. A special publication in Bulgarian language presenting the southern Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu was launched at the event highlighting the cultural and historical significance of these regions in India.

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