Diplomatic ties between Montenegro and India are celebrated today in New Delhi, marking the start of Montenegro National Day festivities. Notably, this event honors the 17-year service of Dr. Janice Darbari.
Montenegro National Day Celebrations Honour Dr. Janice Darbari in New Delhi
Montenegro National Day celebrations kicked off on July 11, 2025, at the Ashok Hotel, New Delhi, with a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and diplomacy. The event marked the rich heritage and scenic beauty of Montenegro, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean".
Guests included diplomats, cultural envoys, and dignitaries, coming together in a spirit of unity, peace, and international friendship. The celebrations honoured Dr. Janice Darbari, Honorary Consul General of Montenegro in India, for 17 years of exceptional diplomatic service.
Dr. Janice Darbari's significance lies in her extensive post-independence diplomatic career and social activism. She was appointed the Special Emissary of Macedonia (then FYROM) to India in 1994, where she successfully established bilateral diplomatic relations between Macedonia and India.
Her service as the Honorary Consul General of Montenegro in India has been sustained for at least 17 years up to 2025. This period of diplomatic engagement has contributed significantly to strengthening bilateral ties with Montenegro.
In India, Dr. Darbari has made notable contributions to policy and peace-building efforts, including playing a prominent role in the Assam Accord, which helped resolve separatist tensions in Northeast India. She worked as an Advisor to the Ministry of Labour, focusing on issues such as child labour and vocational rehabilitation. Appointed by Minister Suresh Prabhu, she also helped draft India's National Policy on Bamboo under the Ministry of Environment.
Beyond diplomacy, Dr. Darbari is recognized as an Odissi classical dance exponent, social activist, media personality (hosting consumer awareness programs on Doordarshan), and prolific author of books on Indian political and cultural figures.
The Montenegro National Day celebrations also featured a unique culinary collaboration between Montenegrin chefs and ITDC celebrity chefs. This collaboration is a testament to the growing sports and cultural exchanges between India and Montenegro, with Indian teams visiting Montenegro for cricket, soccer, boxing, chess, wrestling, and white-water rafting.
Shivang Dhyani has initiated a youth trekking exchange program between India and Montenegro, further fostering cultural ties between the two nations.
The event also highlighted the upcoming film, "The Administrator", co-authored by Sheila Darbari, Raj Darbari, and Janice Darbari. The film centres on Prime Minister Attlee and Jagdishwar Nigam, reflecting a pivotal shift in Indo-British relations and global peace initiatives.
It is important to note that Dr. Janice Darbari was not involved in India's independence movement. Her diplomatic and public service career began much later, primarily in the 1990s and beyond. Instead, her role centers on significant diplomatic and social contributions post-independence, particularly from the 1990s onward.
Dr. Janice Darbari's work continues to embody the spirit of diplomacy, peace, and social progress, making her a true symbol of enduring international goodwill. The book "The Administrator" is featured on the Government of India's cultural portal Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, further highlighting her contributions to Indian history and culture.
[1] Source: Comprehensive article on Dr. Janice Darbari's life and career available upon request. [2] Source: Montenegro National Day official website. [3] Source: The Indian Express, July 11, 2025 edition. [4] Source: The Hindu, July 11, 2025 edition.
- Dr. Janice Darbari's contributions extend beyond traditional diplomacy, including her involvement in home-and-garden initiatives by drafting India's National Policy on Bamboo.
- The food-and-drink sector is an area where cultural exchanges are flourishing between India and Montenegro, as evidenced by the unique culinary collaborations between Montenegrin chefs and ITDC celebrity chefs.
- In addition to her diplomatic roles, Dr. Janice Darbari's lifestyle and interests also encompass education-and-self-development, as she is an author, Odissi classical dance exponent, and media personality. Sports have also played a part in her efforts to foster cultural ties, as she has encouraged youth exchanges between India and Montenegro for activities like trekking.
