TIA correspondent
ABU DHABI (UAE): The President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Tuesday inaugurated the Indian Islamic Centre here. Speaking on the occasion, the President said, the Centre would prove to be a valuable cultural bridge between UAE and India. She said that while inculcating pride among the community members about their Indian heritage, the Centre would also serve to highlight among the local communities the close and friendly ties between the two countries.
Established in 1971, the Centre did not own an office building. The foundation stone of the building was laid by then Indian prime minister late Indira Gandhi in 1982 during an official visit to the UAE.
Built at a cost of 12 million dirhams ($3 million), the new building is a milestone for the centre, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2011, said IIC president P. Bava Haji. The centre would works for communal harmony by involving all Indian religious communities in its activities.
Earlier in the day, the President Patil also visited Abu Dhabi Indian school. A host of cultural programmes were organised on the occasion. The President also interacted with the students.
