20 November 2008 PA/13/08
Oz Haat Mela: An Exhibition and Sale in support of Indian NGOs at the Australian High Commission
On Saturday 22 November, over 40 community organisations from across India will participate in Oz Haat, an exhibition and sale in support of Indian NGO’s. Oz Haat is organised by the Australian High Commission, as part of its Direct Aid Program (DAP).
Held annually, this year's fair will be the largest to date. A range of handicraft products produced by Indian NGOs will be on sale, including paper craft, hand embroidered textiles and bamboo products. There will also be a special display of Christmas decorations. All proceeds will benefit community groups.
John McCarthy, Australia’s High Commissioner to India described the DAP program as: “a mechanism for the High Commission to play some part in the Indian community. We fund various groups across India and Bhutan to undertake development activities, with a special focus on the needs of women and children.”
“Oz Haat is an extension of the DAP program. It gives these NGOs an excellent venue to display their goods and access the Delhi market. I am pleased to see the enthusiasm of the NGOs taking part in Oz Haat. I am confident that the visitors to the fair will find the products interesting and good value," added the High Commissioner.
The Australian High Commission distributes approximately twenty grants to Indian and Bhutanese NGOs each year under DAP. Examples of projects funded by DAP in the past include the purchase of Braille machines, installation of sanitation and water management facilities, education classes, and health care services.
Oz Haat will be held on Saturday, 22 November 2008 from 10 am to 5 pm on the front lawns of the Australian High Commission. Entry is from Gate 1, 1/50 G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Snacks and refreshments available.
For further information, please contact Mr Shekhar Nambiar, Senior Public Affairs Adviser on (0) 98101 54167. For further information on DAP, please visit our website http://www.india.embassy.gov.au/ndli/DAP.html