ICCR celebrated its 74th Foundation Day around the world

Partha Roy, Kolkata: 74th Foundation Day of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), premier cultural diplomacy wing of Ministry of External Affairs of Government of India was observed across India and abroad where ICCR has its cultural centre. ICCR came into existence on 9th April 1950. It’s founder President was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad who was also first Education Minister of India after independence. ICCR has come long way since it’s inception. Today, ICCR scholar-alumini are present in all continents who had and are contributing in growth and development in large no.of nations as well as building bridges of goodwill.

On the occasion of the 74th Foundation Day of ICCR, President of ICCR, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe on his Foundation Day address said year 2023-24 is going to be observed as the year of ‘India Alumni’ by focusing on strengthening the India alumni platforms in countries where ICCR Cultural centres are present. In ICCR Kolkata, 74th Foundation Day of was observed by organising a cultural evening where ICCR scholars studying in various institutions of higher learning presented cultural performance.

Ms. Minakshi Misra Head and Zonal Director of ICCR Kolkata in her welcome address mentioned about role of ICCR in strengthening Cultural relationship between India and countries located in various continents through academic activities. ICCR scholars are studying wide range of subjects like arts, science, various branches of engineering, Information Technology, education, performing arts, and others.

Shri Arindam Mukherjee Governing Council member of ICCR in his address mentioned under leadership of visionary Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ICCR is planning to organise series of events to mark it’s upcoming 75th Foundation anniversary. Shri Mukherjee also mentioned ICCR is also working on to develop a roadmap to strengthen India’s cultural relationship & cultural diplomacy with various nations and open new frontiers of goodwill creation and promote collaboration during “Amrit Kaal”.

Devajit Bandyopadhyay archivist and musician presented historical songs from over 200 years which were specially created for dramas but influenced and played major role in Indian freedom movement and entertainment-scape of Bengal. Consul General of China, Consul General of Thailand, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh and diplomats from various countries graced the Foundation Day celebration in Kolkata.