On 16th September 2019, the 20th Melting Pot Consular Corps Charity Carnival was organized by the Consular Corps in Mumbai, at The Trident, Nariman Point where an enthusiastic participation from 27 Consulate offices was seen; each of whom that displayed the best in their food and culture.
The Melting Point Consular Corps Charity Carnival is an annual cultural charity fundraising event where an entire evening is dedicated to celebrating international food, culture and music. This year, 27 countries came together to display their heritage and more at this mega event, all while raising funds for the underprivileged kids.
The concept of the event was the brainchild of Mr. Gul Kriplani, Hon. Consul General of Iceland and the conveyor of the event.
The participating consulates included Argentina, Belgium, Canada, China, Ethiopia, Gabon, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Rwanda, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, and India, which was represented by Mission Muskan.
Stellar Guests of Honour like Ms. Piloo Tata, Mrs. Rajashree Birla, Mr. Madhusan Agarwal and Chief Guest Mr. Pravin Pardeshi – Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai graced the carnival for the evening. The Ambassadors of Iceland, Mr. Gudmundur A. Stefansson and the Ambassador of Rwanda Mr. Ernest Rwamucyo, also flew in from New Delhi specially to attend this event.
The highlight of the event was the display of various cuisines prepared individually by the arriving Consulates. Guests moved from one country to another, tasting and relishing in completely new flavors. The dishes were raclette from Switzerland, bimbimbap from Korea, Roast Lamb from Iceland, Kunafa from Jordan, Injera from Ethiopia, Gud Rasgulla from India, Belgium Chocolates, Argentinian Empanada and many more.
Cultural diversity wasn’t left behind when it came to entertainment as well. A Kathak and Flamenco fusion dance, Mehmood Curmally doing an Elvis Presley enactment and a BellyBollywood dance were all presented for the event. There were also live art and jewellery auctions and various silent auctions including stays in Isprava luxury villas, Aluara art gallery and several more.
CELEBRATION WITH A CAUSE
Throughout the years, Melting Pot – Consular Corps Charity Carnival has supported underprivileged kids and over 50 NGOs. Here are the NGOs that were braced for this year’s Melting Pot event:
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- Cankids: The NGO runs 59 Cancer Centres, 24 Outstation Support Units, and 07 Care Centres in 26 cities and 19 States of India, treating more than 15,000 new cases of cancer in children, each year. The organization also runs 4 Home away from Homes (HAHs) – a low-cost housing model for children with Cancer and their families while they undergo treatment.
- Oscar Foundation: OSCAR Foundation (Organization for Social Change, Awareness, and Responsibility), a Mumbai-based football club is focused on creating youth role models in low-income communities.
- Lions Club: One of the dream projects undertaken by District Governor, Lion Deepak Chaudhary is constructing 51 Check Dams in Palghar District.
- Pragati Pratishthan: ‘Pragati Pratishthan’ is a non-government, non-political, not for profit organization registered under the Public Charitable Trust Act and the Societies Registration Act (1860)
Speaking about the 20th Melting Pot event, Mr. Kripalani said, “Melting Pot – Consular Corps Charity Carnival took shape 20 years ago, with the objective of offering a common platform for various consulate offices to come together and celebrate their uniqueness through food and culture, while raising funds for social welfare and upliftment of the underprivileged. Today, after 20 years, I am ecstatic with the encouraging response the event has been gaining, both from participating consulates as well as from the general public at large. We look forward welcoming more and more people and consulate offices to join in the celebrations and contribute towards bringing about social change.”
