INDIAN COUNCIL FOR CULTURAL RELATIONS NEWSLETTER

JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2014

President ICCR holds RAC Meetings Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting of ICCR Kolkata was held on 14th January 2014, under the chairmanship of Dr. Karan Singh, President, ICCR. The meeting reviewed the functioning of Rabindranath Tagore Centre, Kolkata including ways to utilize the space of RTC to raise more revenue for the Council. The President emphasized strengthening of partnership with State Government and private organizations to co – host various cultural programmes with ICCR and gave his guidelines for modeling partnership with other institutions/artists and PPP/sponsorship model.

RAC meeting of ICCR Mumbai, attended by thirteen RAC members under the chairmanship of Dr. Karan Singh, President, ICCR, was held on 16th January 2014. The agenda of the meeting was to focus on ICCR scholarship programmes and activities of the regional office, guidelines/efforts for modeling partnership with other institutions/artists and PPP/sponsorship model to reduce the cost of Council’s activities and to host cost – effective programmes.

President ICCR’s visit to Nepal - Speaks on Srimad Bhagavad Gita

On 15th February 2014, at an event organized by Indian Cultural Centre Kathmandu, B.P. Koirala India-Nepal Foundation and Nepal India Friendship Association, Dr. Karan Singh, President, ICCR, shared his understanding of Srimad Bhagwad Gita. At the event, Dr. Karan Singh's two books, “Mero Katha”, the Nepali translation by Gopal Prasad Dulal of Dr. Karan Singh’s autobiography Atmakatha, and ‘Meetings with Remarkable Women’, were launched.

DG ICCR holds RAC Meetings

Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) of ICCR Ahmedabad was held on 13th January 2014, under the chairmanship of Shri Satish C. Mehta, DG, ICCR. During the meeting, DG, ICCR emphasized the importance of greater partnership between the State and ICCR for promoting cultural activities in the State. During his visit, DG, ICCR, also met some ICCR scholars and senior officials of the State Government.

DG, ICCR holds RAC Meetings

RAC meeting of ICCR Jaipur was held on 27th January 2014, chaired by DG, ICCR Shri Satish C. Mehta. The main agenda of the meeting was to review the effectiveness of ICCR’s work in the State and form partnerships with local partners, cultural organizations and the State Government to undertake more cultural events in the State. DG, ICCR, called on the Governor and met with senior officials of the State Government.He had a useful interactive session with ICCR scholars.

International Conference in Melbourne

Swami Vivekananda: Re-assessing the Man and his contributions ICCR, in collaboration with Monash University, Melbourne, Australia organized an International Conference on Vivekananda “Swami Vivekananda: Re-assessing the Man and his contributions” from 20th – 23rd February, 2014 which was also the closing conference of the commemorative year of 150th Birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda which ICCR started with the Interfaith Conference in March, 2013. The conference provided deep insights into the life, times and impact of Swami Vivekananda. The Australian media took keen interest in the conference.

Europalia.India Festival Concludes The historic Europalia.India cultural and literary Festival officially came to a close with a presentation of Bharatanatyam Dance by noted Indian exponent, Mrs. Alarmel Valli, in Belgium on 25th January, 2014. During the brief Closing Ceremony at the Wolubilis Cultural Centre in Brussels, Ambassador of India Mr. Manjeev Singh Puri, presented mementos to the General Commissioner of Europalia, Count Jacobs de Hagen, and thanked Europalia and the people of Belgium for their contribution to make this Festival a grand success.

The 4-month long multi-cultural Europalia-India Festival, jointly organized by the ICCR and Europalia International was, arguably, one of the largest in terms of its magnitude and grandeur in the history of bilateral cultural relations between India and any country in Europe. Europalia.India festival was successful in its endeavour to translate India’s immense cultural wealth into a multidisciplinary programme. Most importantly, through this Festival, ICCR was able to showcase the rich cultural and literary heritage of India to the people of Europe. The Festival left an indelible mark of India in Europe.

A stimulating opening address by Professor Alan Finkel, the Chancellor of Monash University, who is a noted scientistic, philanthropist and inventor and his comments on Vivekananda’s links with Western science set the right tone for the deliberations. High Commissioner of India Mr. Biren Nanda gave the welcome speech and Ms. Manika Jain, Consul General of India, Melbourne, delivered the vote of thanks.

From Our Cultural Centres Abroad Kathmandu

Maharshi Arvind Foundation, Mumbai in association with the Indian Cultural Centre Kathmandu, conducted a workshop titled Path of Divine Life at ICC. In the workshop, participants learnt the ancient technique of the purification of five elements that our body is composed of. The technique called Bhutshuddhikriya uses the cosmic power of sound energy to activate the dormant natural energy of the cells that leaves a positive effect on body and mind. Lecture Demonstration on Breathing Exercises Ms. Yogita Mehta, Yoga teacher at ICC, demonstrated breathing techniques for stress relief. She discussed about yogashana and breathing exercises such as meditation, deep breathing, or guided imagery that can quiet one down. She mentioned that these Cooling Breath techniques are borrowed from the yoga practice of pranayama. JNICC, Indonesia

JNICC conducted a classical dance workshop at DPS Texmaco. Bharatanatyam Dance teacher Ms. Sindhu Raj gave a presentation on the history of the Bharatanatyam classical dance, explained different aspects of Indian dances and gave a dance performance.

A joint exhibition by JNICC and ASEAN Secretariat titled “Historical links between India and Southeast Asia” was held at JNICC based on archival and contemporary photographs. The inaugural function was followed by a short cultural performance of Kathak dance by Ms. Pratishtha Saraswat.

DAAI TV, one of Indonesia’s most popular TV channel, visited JNICC for a programme called “Gulalie”. They covered JNICC’s Yoga and dance classes at the centre. Through such programmes, JNICC is able to reach out to a large audience, especially children, to spread knowledge about India’s culture, diversity and history.

Riyadh An Exhibition of Paintings/Photographs depicting the work of eminent Indian artistes on historical monuments of India was organized at Tuwaiq Palace on 26th January 2014 coinciding with a Reception hosted by Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao. Chief Guest HRH Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh, appreciated the exhibition.

Embassy of India organized flag hoisting ceremony at the cultural centre. Thirty students from two Indian schools participated at the ceremony. The students rendered National Anthem in chorus and sang a few patriotic songs on the occasion. Indian Diaspora in association with International Indian School, Riyadh organized a Career Expo for the benefit of the students.

A ten-day Republic Day celebration event was organized in association with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) titled “Essence of India” at Makarim Riyadh Hotel, from 16th – 26th

January 2014. India’s culinary heritage was exhibited during the event including a variety of Indian food and flavors from various regions. The aim was to showcase traditional cuisine of India, which duly provided an opportunity for visitors to experience authentic Indian dishes prepared by an Indian Chef.

Suriname On the occasion of Holi (Phagwa) the Department of Culture, Government of Suriname and the Indian Embassy, Suriname organized a dance- drama ‘Maharaaslela’ choreographed by the dance teacher of the ICC, Ms. Radhika Shah and her students. The dance-drama was based on the epic of Lord Krishna with Gopis. Mr. Stanley Sidoel, Director, Ministry of Education & Community Development, Directorate of Culture, Paramaribo, was the Chief Guest of the event.

MACIC, Cairo

MACIC organized a function in its premises on 6th February 2014, during which Ambassador Navdeep Suri handed over the certificates and diplomas to 87 students who had successfully passed Hindi and Urdu courses conducted by the Centre in the last one year. Since the establishment of MACIC, two Indian languages – Hindi and Urdu – are regularly taught at the Centre. Interest in both the languages is growing rapidly, especially among young Egyptians. Talented youngsters are nominated for Hindi scholarships offered by the Central Hindi Institute in Agra. India Day at El Sawy Cultural Wheel

MACIC organized an Indian cultural performance on 27th February 2014, as part of the 10th Sakia Exhibition for Cultural Services at the El Sawy Cultural Wheel. The programme consisted of Indian film songs and dances performed by talented Egyptian students of MACIC, screening of documentaries and a stall put up by MACIC displaying musical instruments and literature on India. Five hundred viewers attended the dance performance.

Chairman of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and Columnist Sudheendra Kulkarni delivered a lecture on the topic "Mahatma Gandhi in the Internet Age" at the Centre on 24th February 2014. Former Vice Prime Minister, Dr. Yehia Al‐Gamal was the Chief Guest at the function which was well attended.

Sri Lanka

As part of the celebrations of 65th Republic Day of India, the India - Sri Lanka Foundation organized a musical performance titled “One World-One Voice Spiritual Symphony” by the renowned singer, Ms. Sonam Kalra of The Sufi Gospel Project.

Indian Culture Centre, Colombo organized a classical dance programme titled “Nrithya Samarpanam” to mark the Mahashivarathri Festival on 21st February 2014. The dance programme was performed by artists of Nruthana Dance School, Natya Kala Mandir, Nirmalanjali School of Dance and Swasthic Academy. The programme was presented by Media Manthra in association with the Indian Cultural Centre.

The India-Sri Lanka Foundation and the Indian Cultural Centre supported ‘Abhee: A Dance Drama’organized by Moksha Art of Dance, Colombo, as a tribute to Indian Cinema. NWCC, Bhutan

NWCC organized a lecture – demonstration on Odissi Dance by Ms. Paulami Guha, Secretary, Centre for Cultural Studies and Development (CCSD), New Delhi.

Sao Paulo 65th Republic Day of India: Flag Hoisting Ceremony

The flag hoisting ceremony was held at Indian Consulate, Sao Paulo. The Consul General, Mr. G. V. Srinivas read out the ‘Republic Day Message’ from the President of India. To mark the celebration of 65th Republic Day of India, screening of patriotic videos and performances of Indian Classical Dance by the students of Indian Cultural Centre and Ms. Anandini Dasi (Odissi style) represented the State of India. Mahatma Gandhi’s Martyrdom Day On 30th January 2014, the Indian Cultural Centre arranged the traditional floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue near Ibirapuera Park on Tulio Fontoura Square. The ceremony was attended bymany Brazilians and Indians including Consul General Mr. G. V. Srinivas and Ms. Lia Diskin, Coordinator of the Palas Athena. Mahashivaratri: 27th February 2014 The second edition of the Mahashivaratri festival at the ICC was a huge success. The artistic part of the festival was organized by Odissi teacher Silvana Duarte with the performances of Mr. Raphael Lopes (Odissi), Ms. Gourangui Marzullo (Bharatanatyam) and Ms. Erika Strauss (Odissi), all young and active professionals of the classical dance in Brazil.

Lecture: The Bhagavad Gita Seen Through the Raja Yoga Light: 11th February 2014

ICC Sao Paulo, organized a lecture on “The Bhagavad Gita Seen through the Raja Yoga Light”, Sister Luciana delivered the lecture. A large audience came to hear about the most famous Indian treatise of all times, the ‘Bhagavad Gita’

Abu Dhabi Viswa Hindi Divas Under the Promotion and Propagation of Hindi abroad, the Indian Cultural Centre Abu Dhabi, organized Viswa Hindi Divas on 9th - 10th January 2014. Workshops on story writings & theater were conducted on the first day of the event, where 64 students from 13 Indian schools of UAE participated.

65th Anniversary of India’s Republic Day To celebrate the 65th Anniversary of India’s Republic Day, an instrumental music performance by Subhash Ghosh was organized on 26th January evening by the ICC for Foreign and Indian dignitaries.

H. E. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and H. E. Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister for International and Cooperation and Development, UAE, also attended the reception. Musical Evening with Ms. Sutapa Talukdar and Ms. Pramita Mallick The ICC in collaboration with Jadhavpur Alumni Association UAE, celebrated 150th birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on 7th February 2014. Ms. Sutapa Talukdar and Ms. Pramita Mallick from Kolkata presented group dance and Tagore songs on this occasion.

From Our Regional Centres in India Patna: ICCR, Patna and Rabindra Parisad jointly organized ‘Horizon Series Programme’ Hindustani classical vocal by Subhankar Chatterjee, on 6th

February, 2014.

‘Spirit of India in Odissi’ – the dance concert by renowned Monalisa Ghosh & group, in association with Rabindra Parisad on 28th February, 2014.

Cuttack: Solo Odissi dance performance by Rahul Acharya, in collaboration with Orissa Economics Association at Rimuli College, Rimuli, Keonjhar on the occasion of 46th Annual Conference.

Kolkata: Rabindranath Tagore Centre Kolkata, in collaboration with American Centre, organized a show on 04th February 2014, entitled “Call to End Violence against Women & Girls featuring BETTY”the all women rock band from New York.

A Dance Drama by Nrittyangana, conceived and choreographed by Odissi Dancer Maya Bhattacharya, on issues of global warming and its effect on nature based on Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s poems translated into Hindi. New Delhi: ‘Heal Kashmir, Gitanjali and Digital Arts’ Exhibitions are showcased in ICCR’s Art Gallery by a group of young painters from Kashmir, K. Jayakumar and Sanjay Mehta.

Guwahati: A programme of Sattriya dance by Ms. Sangita Phukon, Ms. Shrutimala Medhi, Ms. Padmalochana Konwar, Ms. Priyambada Bharati & Ms. Malati Rajput was organized on 14th February 2014 at Rabindra Bhawan Guwahati, in collaboration with Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Govt. of Assam. Eminent Theatre Director Shri Dulal Roy was present. Srinagar: ‘AAMAD-E-BAHAR’- A music concert on the advent of spring season was held at J&K Academy of Art and Culture. The programme was jointly organized with J&K Academy of Arts Culture & Languages to welcome the spring season.

Bhopal: A musical evening by singer Ms. Nayansee Sharma and Accordion player Shri Sanjeev Sachdeva was presented in collaboration with MANIT Bhopal.

ICCR’s Scholars NIT, Silchar:

Orientation Programme cum International Students’ Day at NIT Silchar, in January 2014 at NIT, Silchar.

Ahmadebad:

ICCR Ahmedabad in collaboration with Tourism Department, Gujarat organized a tour for 34 ICCR students from 22 countries to New Delhi, Mumbai, Saputara, Rajkot and Ahmedabad as part of the International Kite Festival during January, 2014. At the National Education Summit January 2014 inaugurated by Hon’ble CM, Gujarat at Gandhinagar, students from around 40 countries wearing Gandhi caps with the slogan ‘ONE INDIA – BEST INDIA’ participated. Special Camp: ICCR arranged a special camp for ICCR scholars at Chilkamangalur for the National Convention from 27th

to 31st January, 2014, in collaboration with SPIC MACAY. Chennai: Puppet Show organized in collaboration with the University Centre for International Relations, University of Madras, Chennai at the Madras University, for the benefit of the newly arrived International Scholars on 10th February 2014.

Horizon Series March –April 2014 Venue – Azad Bhawan Art Gallery

Exhibitions: 04th – 09th April, 2014 – Madhubani painting Ms. Rajni Kiran Jha, Delhi based artist. She is a Madhubani artist and got seven awards on all India level. 11th – 16th April, 2014 – Painting exhibition by Ms. Priyanka Nijhawan, Delhi based artist. Her works are not only a profession but a way of expression. 17th – 23rd April, 2014 - Painting exhibition by Shri Supriy Sharma. His work reflects the struggle between the feelings of challenged people. 25th – 30th April, 2014 – Painting exhibition by Dr. S D Shrotriya. Dr. Shrotriya is known for his water colours of the mountain.

Horizon Series March –April 2014 Venue – Azad Bhawan Auditorium

Dance & Music: Friday, 11th April, 2014 – Kathak dance performance by Ms. Mamta Maharaj. The first female kathak professional performer from the legendary Lucknow Gharana, Mamta Maharaj spell bounds her audiences with her exquisite moves and swirls. Friday, 25th April, 2014 – Hindustani Violin presentation by Asghar Hussain. The perfect blend of Ragas and Rhythms, he has the mastery over his instrument and dedication towards the music that brings out the joy of listening.

Feedback/Contact us: Editor’s Name: Padam Talwar Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Azad Bhavan, I.P. Estate, New Delhi – 110002 Website: www.iccrindia.net Send us feedback on: Email: splspd.iccr@nic.in Visit us on Facebook: ww.facebook.com/iccr.newdelhi