ICCR Foundation Day 12th April, 2023 celebrated at ZO(E), Kolkata
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) was founded in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Independent India’s first Education Minister.
Its objectives are to actively participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes pertaining to India’s external cultural relations; to foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries.
ICCR, since very beginning of its establishment has been offering scholarships to students from abroad, who are interested in pursuing their study in India.
India is well known as an education hub attracting international students from all over the world. And as a rapidly growing country with a leading technological edge, studying in India has much to offer, whether it is Engineering, Computers, Arts, Philosophy, Classics, Yoga, Ayurveda, Agriculture etc.
currently they have 388 number of students enrolled at esteemed Universities and Technical Institutions in the jurisdiction of Eastern Zone, which includes West Bengal and Odisha. The Zonal office of ICCR plays an important role in the scholarship programmes which is being offered by ICCR.
Apart from the Academic activities the international students are engaged in various cultural, academic and activities like Yoga and other Competitions viz. debates, elocution, quiz etc…
On the occasion of the 74th Foundation Day of ICCR, there was the message of President, ICCR, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe encouraging everyone to observe 2023-24 as the year of ‘India Alumni’ by focusing on strengthening the India alumni platforms.
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 its 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”.
The 74th Foundation Day of ICCR, was inaugurated in the presence of Excellency Mr. Andalib Elias, Deputy High Commissioner Bangladesh, Shri Arindam Mukherjee, Member, Governing Body ICCR, Dr. Devajit Bandhopadhyay, Ms. Minakshi Mishra, Zonal Director ICCR Kolkata and Consul General of Thailand and China were also present during the inaugural session with the representatives from the Consulates of Thailand, US and other eminent artists, International students and Media.
The cultural performances (Recitation, Music, Dance and Play) presented 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.
In ICCR Kolkata , 74th Foundation Day of was observed by organizing a cultural evening where ICCR scholars studying in various institutions of higher learning presented cultural performance. International Students from Visva Bharati, Shantiniketan, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata added the evening with diverse talent of India and abroad.
News Mania Desk
