75th Foundation Day of ICCR celebrated in Kolkata

Partha Roy, Kolkata: Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) celebrated its 75th Foundation Day around the world on 9th April 2024. ICCR was established on 9th April 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of Independent India. Currently ICCR functions under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

ICCR was established to promote India’s soft power diplomacy, which has been a key component of India’s foreign policy. Shri Kumar Tuhin, Director General of ICCR in his message on 75th Foundation Day of ICCR said, ” …..ICCR strives to build bridges between cultures, transcend boundaries and meaningful connections, our endeavours have not only enriched cultural tapestry of our nation Bharat but have also contributed to more interconnected global community…..” ICCR Kolkata organised a cultural evening and art exhibition to celebrate Foundation Day.

The program was organised under leadership of Ms. Minakshi Misra Head and Zonal Director of ICCR Kolkata. Cultural performance was presented by ICCR Scholars from various countries who are studying at Vishwabharati University Santiniketan, Rabindra Bharati University Kolkata, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Utkal University Bhubaneshwar. Students from Bangladesh

performed on Ramayana episode, while students from Nepal sang folk song in Nepali. The program was attended by students from Bangladesh, Nepal Afghanistan, Vietnam and several other countries. Italian Odissi dancer Padmashree Dr. lleana Citaristi and her team presented several composition through Odissi dance.

An art exhibition involving painting and sculpture by students from Bangladesh opened as a part of the celebration. Diplomats from Japan, Italy France, Russia attended the program. Padmashree Dr. lleana Citaristi spoke about extremely supportive role of ICCR in her exploratory journey of Odissi dance form for over 45 years. lleana Citaristi mesmerized the audience by her performance of Odissi dance. Kathak dancer Ms. Tanni Choudhary anchored the program. The program was coordinated by Shri Ramesh Chand Program Officer of ICCR Kolkata.