Hundreds of citizens were given the opportunity to gain further insight into Asian arts, culture and cuisine as the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) hosted its inaugural Asian Nights at the National Library of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain from April 17 to 19, 2024. The event highlighted cultural performances and presentations from India, Japan and Korea.

Asian Nights is in keeping with NALIS mandate to provide library and information services to facilitate cultural, economic, educational, political and social development of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

The opening ceremony featured remarks by Chairman of the Board of NALIS, Neil Parsanlal, Chargé d’ Affaires, High Commission of India, Raju Sharma, NALIS’ Executive Director, Paula Greene and Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and CARICOM Affairs, Neela Ram-Atwaroo.

After the opening ceremony, the High Commission of India and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation presented a yoga demonstration followed by cultural vocal and dance performances.

The Asian Nights exhibition, which was curated by NALIS’ Heritage Library Division, was opened for viewing and showcased artefacts and memorabilia from the three participating countries. The night ended with a taste of Asian cuisine such as samosas and chai tea from India, Kaki no tane and Sake from Japan and Gimbab and Soju from Korea.

On night two, the Embassy of Korea showcased the movie, Parasite, a 2019 South Korean black comedy thriller and winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 92nd Academy Awards, becoming the first non-English language film to win Best Picture. Korean beauty products were also displayed.

His Excellency Dongil Oh, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Diane Robertson, Television Programming Manager, TTT and Paula Greene, Executive Director, NALIS

High Commission of India’s Display

Embassy of the Republic of Korea’s Display

Hina Doll Set from the Embassy of Japan