Darpan Prasher: Connecting India and Georgia

For over a decade now, Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi and Yoga Day have been celebrated in Georgia and the Indian diaspora and locals have come together. This cultural fusion in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia is largely due to Darpan Prasher, a Punjabi man who is committed to building Indo-Georgian bridges.

An Indian-Georgian citizen with roots in Amritsar, Prasher first came to Georgia in 2002 for work. The warmth and hospitality of the Georgian people made him settle down permanently. Over the years he has been at the forefront of bridging the cultural gaps. His resolve became more pronounced after a gas leak in an Indian restaurant in December 2022 killed 11 Indians.

As the founder of the NGO Cultural Diversity for Peaceful Future, Prasher is working on building cross cultural bridges. When he first came to Georgia he never thought he would settle there. But today "both India and Georgia are equally important to me,” says Prasher.

Building Bridges Through Cultural Diplomacy

Prasher’s NGO, established in 2017, organises workshops, festivals and mentoring programmes. These initiatives connect the Indian diaspora with Georgian locals while celebrating India’s cultural diversity. Notable events include the Indo-Georgian Festival in Delhi (2020) and the Indo-Georgian International Cultural Exchange (2024) held in collaboration with Maharaja Agrasen College and the cultural department of Uttar Pradesh. These events create 'mutual respect' and understanding, he said, adding that Georgian artists even recite the Indian national anthem with enthusiasm during flights to India.

The NGO also brings Georgian students to India to introduce them to Indian culture. Young Georgian students are now learning about Indian traditions, creating deeper cultural bonds, Prasher added.

Supporting Indian Students in Georgia

With over 20,000 Indian students, mostly medical aspirants, in Georgia, Prasher’s work is vital. The NGO provides counselling, career guidance and emotional support. Festivals like Diwali and events like dandiya nights make students feel at home. Many students have told him they never feel away from home because of their support.

He also assists during monthly consular camps organised by the Indian Embassy in Armenia to address the issues of Indian nationals in Georgia. During the COVID-19 pandemic he arranged chartered flights, distributed essential supplies and helped students to continue their studies online.

Awards for Cultural Diplomacy

Prasher has been awarded several times for his work including Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (2021) by the President of India, honorary Georgian citizenship and recognition from the Georgian Orthodox Church. He is even known as “Darispan” in Georgia because of his fluency in the language.

Apart from cultural initiatives his NGO has conducted environmental clean-up drives and organised Indian classical music events in Georgian universities. Prasher’s young son, a musician, also contributes by engaging Indian and Georgian students through music.

Cultural differences should be seen as strengths not barriers, Prasher says. His mission is to bring two nations closer, one festival at a time.