Ludhiana, Dec. 30 : Punjab takes pride in its rich cultural heritage, which it shares with other cultures to strengthen and promote cultural bonds. It was visible recently when a cultural troupe from Denmark arrived here.

A team of 28 gymnasts-cum-dancers from Denmark recently gave a scintillating performance during the Indo-Danish Fest held at Partap College of Education in Ludhiana.

The performers brought the Danish culture alive before the Ludhiana audience and won hearts through their precise movements in rhythmic gymnastic skills, dance, artistic vaulting and tumbling.

Students of the host Partap College of Education also presented folklores, songs, choreography, Malwai Giddha dance with zeal.

For Danish artists, it was a memorable occasion to interact with the people of Punjab and sample their culture.

Thomas, one troupe member from Denmark, said: "This has been very great for us because we will meet the local people. But we also show the Danish to play the gymnastic and ask to interact with the students, that gives actually a very good idea how the culture is and what the conditions are for the periods and we can tell about our country and the way we live in through that exchange of ideas and dialogues and we will actually learn more about each other."

Louis Cruz, another troupe member, said: "I feel very happy being in India, being able to see the culture of India and to show my culture to India. It''s very exciting."

The festival focused to promote international friendship across borders; build new relationships and strengthen international networking among sports and cultural bodies of the world, highlight sports to promote dialogue between cultures.

Partap College of Education has signed an agreement with the Danish Government for academic-cum-cultural exchange between India and Denmark. Under this, the Danish group will be visiting various colleges and universities in Punjab and interacting with the students.

Dr. Balwant Singh, Director of Pratap College of Education, said: "The overall objective is to develop and strengthen human relations between Denmark and India. To develop the personality of students through Student Exchange Programs. Students of Denmark, they come to the Pratap College of Education and our students go and visit Denmark institutions. They attend workshops, exhibition, seminars and conference. Students coming from Denmark also participate in similar programmes. We try to meet the East and the West together in this way."

The Punjab cultural Promotion Council is committed to work for `culture of peace'', international friendship, and cultural exchange with other states and nations.

The council has 53 international folk dance festivals to its credit. Its dancers have performed in over 500 concerts in national and international festivals to propagate the mission of peace and goodwill. (ANI)