Patil visits Shanghai Expo, mini India showcased in style

SHANGHAI - Exploring the concept of ‘Cities of Harmony’, the Indian pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 here showcases how tradition can exist harmoniously with modernity and how ecological sustainability can be achieved with national development.

The entrance of the pavilion has a carving of the Tree of Life inspired by the Sidi Saiyad Mosque of Ahmedabad and the exterior walls depict Jataka Tales, depicting stories of Buddha’s previous life.

The Central dome which is inspired by the Sanchi Stupa is made of bamboo. The pavilion dome is the largest bamboo dome in the world with a diameter of 34.4 metres covering its main display area.

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil visited the Indian and Chinese pavilions on Sunday and was impressed by the design.

“I appreciate the efforts of the Government of China in organizing this mega World Expo. During this mega expo the theme is ‘Better Cities Better Life’, which is now becoming of greater and greater interest. With increase in urbanization all over, it has become very necessary to plan and build our cities, in such a manner that human beings can live better lives,” President Patil said at the Indian pavilion.

The President, who is on a six-day visit to China, showed her keen interest in the iconic bamboo dome and appreciated various features of the pavilion that showcases India’s modern strides to becoming a global power.

“I have just visited India’s pavilion. The design, the architecture and presentation are unique. The use of bamboo as recyclable material and the green technologies of solar and wind power used, shows the attention to environment and sustainable development that we are committed to.

“The panels depict our journey from the ancient times through the medieval period to modern times, as well as our unity in diversity and our cultural diversity. This is another example of living in harmony,” she added.

Patil was received at the India pavilion by ITPO chairman Subas Pani and the Director of the Shanghai Expo Sun Weimin.

A short cultural programme titled “Suswagatam” (A Hearty Welcome) was presented in the pavilion’s amphitheatre.

The Shanghai Expo started on May 1 and will continue till October 31. By Praful Kumar Singh (ANI)