WELCOME TO DELHI 

Delhi, the centre stage of Indian politics represents the best in the country. It is a city where empires rose and fell before the dawn of history; where citadels of emperors appeared and disappeared; a city of mysterious  eternity whose old ruins proclaim a majestic and imperial past and whose present pulsates vibrantly with the ever flowing life of India.
The eternal Yamuna bears witness to the glorious and tumultuous 3,000 year of its story. A story, which begins in 1400 BC with Indraprastha of the Pandavas transformed from a barren gift given by the Kauravas, into an idyllic haven impregnated with almost all major events of Indian history. Those who are interested in history will know that Delhi encompasses all the various kings and emperors who fixed their royal citadels here-- Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Quila Rai Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Delhi Sher Shahi or Shahjahanabad. Combined and integrated into one, these 'new cities' have always been called Delhi and howsoever many names it may have acquired, Delhi has always been intrinsically identified with power and imperial sway. There have been at least eight cities around modern Delhi, and the old saying that “whoever founds a new city at Delhi will lose it” has come true every time -- most recently for the British who founded New Delhi in 1911.

The historic Purana Qila standing witness to Delhi's rejuvenation, periods of anarchy, and the rise and fall of empires, brings alive history of the capital. Gorgeous palaces within the Red Fort tell the story of lavish life-style of Mughal emperors. Delhi is witness to the death of many empires and resisted bloody attempts to eliminate her. Taimur Lang's brutalities, Nadir Shah's plunder and Abdali's massacre, all had tried to demolish the city but it regained its lost glory each time.

While the old city reflects the glorious Mughal-period, New Delhi gives imperial aroma of British rule. Architecture of Slavedynasty's Qutub Minar, Indo-Persian art reflected in Jama Masjid, exuding amalgamations of North and South Indian art styles in Chhatarpur temple Complex, and architectural designs of Gurdwaras like Sheesh Ganj and Bangla Sahib and Churches such as St. Thomas and St. Columbus speak volumes of Delhi's landscape. The Bahai Lotus temple representing the Bahai way of worship is a splendid architectural design. The Tibetan monastery near Kashmere Gate represents the Tibetan culture in Delhi. Delhi comes as a merger of the modern lifestyles with the old traditions. While there is the sound of Qawwalis of Nizamuddin Shrine, Gurbanis of Bangla Sahib and Aartis of Birla Mandir, one can hear the loud and blaring music of pubs and discotheques at the same time. It is this diversity that makes Delhi so lively and colorful.

Delhi was the focal point for the first war of independence in 1857 and it became a thorn in the eyes of the British. As the English shifted their capital from Calcutta to Delhi, all the activities during the freedom struggle were directed towards Delhi. Thus, Delhi also bears the marks of the freedom struggle. The ultimate goal of the Azad Hind Fauj was to capture Delhi; the slogan Dilli Chalo given by Netaji is still being used by many.

The maze of narrow lanes laden with shops, each devoted to specialties, dates back to the time Ch a n d n i Ch owk ma d e i t s simmering debut in the moonlight. Old Delhi is a pure gastronomic pleasure where some of the best Indian delicacies were conceived. Here time stands still in the ancient monuments but flies once you hit the shopping trail. New Delhi, on the other hand, is a paradigm shift from the chaotic semblance of Old Delhi, a graceful embodiment of British charm reflecting Victorian-style architectural grandeur of India Gate with an ambience of openness in the Viceregal Lodge (now the Rashtrapati Bhawan), Parliament House and Cannaught Place. Its beautiful government vistas and administrative buildings cushioned along spacious streets, adorned with beautiful tree lined avenues make New Delhi one of the greenest cities in the world.

Today, Delhi has emerged as a metropolis with a cosmopolitan o u t l o o k a n d s e a t o f governance.  Urbanisation has made rapid strides but the classical charm of the city has not lost its allure. Commercialisation runs deep but Delhi has also retained its place as the art and cultural center of India. The city's repertoire of tourism delights has placed Delhi as one of the best travel destinations. Delhi's educational horizon has spread globally, spearheaded by its highly respected educational entities: IIT-Delhi, Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Milia Islamia, AIIMS and of late it has also become a global hotspot for fashion, IT, sports, business and services industry. Every year a number of events, viz. Trade Fair, Auto Expo, Book Fair etc are organised. Delhi provides perfect environment and venue for scientific meets of all hues both national and international. The forthcoming Common Wealth Games will be an event of great international importance for which entire Delhi is being given a new look. Immediately after that important international event comes ANCIPS 2011, which is expected to be a unique and memorable experience in all respects. Delhi eagerly awaits your participation.

Dr. R.C. Jiloha
Vice Chairman
Organising Committee

Protect Cultural and Heritage Sites 

Shopping & Tourist places within 6 Kms of Ashok Hotel   l   Monuments of Delhi