The rise of Africans, who came to India as slaves to positions of military and political authority is reflective of India's "openness", according to the country's Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin.
Akbaruddin was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of an exhibition documenting the fascinating story of rise of African slaves in India to positions of military and political authority that opened at the UN headquarters in New York yesterday.
"The rise of Africans, who came to India as slaves to positions of generals and princes is reflective of India's openness," said Akbaruddin.
Christened "Africans in India: From Slaves to Generals," the exhibition is curated by Dr Sylviane A Diouf, Director of the LapidusCenter for Historical Analysis of Transatlantic Slavery at the SchomburgCenter and Dr Kenneth X Robbins, collector and expert in Indian art.
On display at the UN headquarters till March 30, the exhibition tells the history of enslaved East Africans in India, known as Sidis and Habshis, who rose to positions of military and political authority.
Through colourful photographs and texts, it conveys that their success was also a testimony of the open mindedness of Indian society in which they were a small religious and ethnic minority.
The exhibition also sheds light on the slave trade in the Indian Ocean and the history of Africa and its diaspora in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Akbaruddin said there are great opportunities for the African diaspora in India today.
He mentioned Ugochi Latoya Igwilo, a Nigerian who is among India's top models.
The exhibition is part of the observance of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which is commemorated every year on March 25.
The theme for this year's observance is "Remember Slavery: Celebrating the Heritage and Culture of the African Diaspora and its Roots".
The exhibition has been taken to UNESCO in Paris and a number of cities in India.
It was also shown at the Third India-Africa Forum Summit in October 2015 in New Delhi.
