heading
Cultural programmes/events organized by ICD Section during F.Y 2022-23
1. The Council organised a cultural performance by two musical groups i.e. Havas group (6- member group) and Lazgi group of dancers, (8-member group) from Uzbekistan on 2 April, 2022 at ICCR Auditorium, Azad Bhavan,New Delhi, on 30th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Uzbekistan
2. The Council organized a Jazz music concert by Benny & the Jazz collective group on 7th April 2022 and a Hindustani Classical fusion music by Rajat Kakkar & group on 8th April 2022 at the residence of Foreign Secretary during the dinner hosted by MEA for senior journalists & diplomats.
3. The Council organized a cultural programme by Shri Bipul Kumar Ray (Santoor Player) alongwith one accompanist (Tabla player) at Hyderabad House on 22 April, 2022 during lunch hosted by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in honour of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
4. ICCR organized a cultural performance by a 31- Member Group led by Ms. Rani Khanam on the occasion of Rajya Sabha Day-2022, on 10 May, 2022 (Tuesday) in GMC Balayogi Auditorium, Parliament Complex on the theme of “ Azadi &Patriotism” under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
5. To celebrate World Portuguese Language Day the Council organised a cultural programme on 13 May, 2022 at ICCR Aiuditorium, New Delhi, choreoggraphed by Ms. Rani Khanam with performances by four groups – (i) 2- Member group led by Ms. Nadia Rebelo (Singer from Goa) (ii) 6-Member group led by Shri Siraj Khan (Musical band Group) (iii) 14- Member group led by Sara Syed (Western & Folk Dancers) (iv) 14-Member group led by Ms. Shikha Sharma (Kathak& Bharatnatyam). Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs & Culture was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
6. The Council organized a cultural programme by a 7-Member Folks-Wagon Band group led by Mr. Madhur Padwal (from Mumbai), during the Conference held on 21 May, 2022 (Saturday) at the Auditorium of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML), New Delhi, on the occasion of 05th Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Annual Oration 2022 and World Culture Day on the “Crafts traditions as India’s soft power”.
7. ICCR organized a cultural performance by by Shri Rohit Anand (Flute) along with two accompanists (1Tabla Player & 1 Keyboard player) on 7 June 2022 at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi for the event titled “8 years of Modi government,- transforming external Engagements”. Hon’ble External Affairs Minister hosted the event and was attended by MoS of MEA and all HOMs in Delhi.
8. The Council arranged a cultural presentation of instrument music by Shri Debojyoti Mukherjee, Sitarist along with two accompanists (1Tabla Player & 1 Tanpura player ) for the lunch hosted by Secretary (East) on 15 June, 2022 at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan, New Delhi, for Special ASEAN-India Foreign Minster’s Meeting (SAIFMM), Delhi Dialogue XII (DDXII) and 24th ASEAN-India Senior Officials Meeting (24th AISOM) from 15-17 June, 2022.
9. The Council organised a cultural performance designed/ showcased by a 18- Member Group of Anveshana Society for Performing Arts led by Ms. Sangeeta Sharma before the Dinner Reception hosted by Hon’ble External Affairs Minister for Special ASEAN-India Foreign Minster’s meeting (SAIFM), Delhi Dialogue XII (DDXII) and 24th ASEAN-India Senior Officials Meeting (24th AISOM) on 16 June, 2022 at Hotel Taj palace.
11. The Council arranged a Lecture-demonstration of Ms. Jayalakshmi Eshwar (an Empanelled artist with ICCR in Bharatnatyam -Outstanding Category) on 2 August, 2022 at ICCR Auditorium , during a day attachment of IFS probationers with ICCR to discuss understanding on Cultural Diplomacy for the Indian Service Officer trainees 2021 batch and 2 Bhutanese Diplomats
12. An Interaction with President, ICCR and Lok Kala Artists of Rajasthan who had performed abroad, was organisied on 20 August, 2022 at Rajbhavan, Jaipur. and graced by Hon’ble Governor of Rajasthan.
13. To celebrate 60 years of Indo- Trinidad & Tobago diplomatic Relations, the Council organised a cultural evening on 2 September, 2022 at ICCR Auditorium, with presentation by 6-Member group “Chutney Soca Monarch” from Trinidad and Tobago and a 12-member Indian folk group led by Shri Sukhvinder Singh (Empanelled with ICCR in Folk category) along with a Tabla Player - Hafeez Ahmed Alvi Empanelled with ICCR ) to have fusion with Trinidad & Tobago MoS(ML) for External Affairs was the chief guest on the occasion.
14. The Council organized a cultural programme by Shri Kayam Ali (Santoor Player) along with accompanist (Tabla Player) at Hyderabad House on 6th September 2022 during lunch hosted by Hon’ble Prime minister of India in honour of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
15. The Council organised “Indo-Spanish production Kijote Kathakali” by 16- Member Margi Kathaklai Indian Group based in Thiruvanathapuram and 5-Member Spanish team on 16 September, 2022 at Thiruvanathapuram and a workshop by the 2- member Spanish team on 18 September 2022 at Cervantes Institute Delhi.
16. The Council hosted the visit of 12- member Theatrical group “Tbilisi Akhmeteli State Drama Theatre” from Georgia from 2- 10 September, 2022 in India. Theatrical presentations by the Group from Georgia were arranged by ICCR on 02 September, 2022 at Galgotia University, 04 September 2022 at Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar, 7 September, 2022 at Hindu College, Delhi University and the Theatre Artist workshop for the visiting Georgian Theatre group with the students of Indian Theatre on 8 September, 2022 at Azad Bhavan Auditorium and on 9 September, 2022 at Zakir Hussain Delhi College, University of Delhi, in collaboration with respective universities/colleges.
17. The Council hosted two groups (comprising of total 17 members)- “Folk Fore- Ethnographic Ensemble “Kambarkan” named after Chalagyz Isabaev and State Dance Ensemble “Ak Maral” named after Nudin Tugelov” from Kyrgyzstan for performance on 12 October, 2022 in New Delhi at ICCR Auditorium. Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs was the Chief Guest on the Occasion. The Kyrgyz Group also performed in the SCO RAT Summit on 14 October, 2022 at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi
18. The Council in collaboration with National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), arranged a Cultural presentation (Dance & Vocal showcasing culture & traditions of SCO Member Countries), Choreographed by Mrs. Bharti Shivaji of Centre for Mohiniyattam and Ms. Meenakashi Das from Sri Ram Bharitya Kala Kendra for choreography of foreign students from member countries of SCO on 14 October, 2022 at Hotel Taj during dinner hosted by National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) for the delegates from SCO member States including India, Russia, China presentation, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan. Students of performing arts and ICCR Scholars of performing arts (studying in Delhi) from Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and China, visiting Folk Fore- Ethnographic Ensemble “Kambarkan” named after Chalagyz Isabaev and State Dance Ensemble “Ak Maral” named after Nudin Tugelov” from Kyrgyzstan alongwith Indian group- Centre for Mohiniyattam and Sabri & party (depicting Pakistan culture) performed on the occasion showcasing culture & traditions of SCO Member Countries.
19. The Council hosted a 9- member group “Flamenco Real” from Spain in India from 12-19 October 2022 alongwith a joint production of Spanish Flamenco & 7- member Indian Kathak group led by Ms. Vidha Lal on 14 October, 2022 at Kamani Auditorium New Delhi. Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi, Hon'ble Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture) was the Chief Guest on occasion. Additionally, presentation by “Flemenco Real” Spanish team was also arranged on 16 October, 2022 in Chandigarh in collaboration with Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh and NZCC, Patiala. After performance in Chandigarh, the Spanish Team also visited/performed on 18 October, at NCPA, Mumbai and graced by Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, ICCR.
20. The Council in collaboration with Korean Culture Centre India, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, arranged a cultural presentation by 9- Member group led by Ms. Rekha Mehra (folk & Kathak) on 15 October, 2022 at outdoor square of DLFSaket shopping Mall, New Delhi, for Korean Culture Festival (Rang de Korea).
21. ICCR organized 6th International Ramayana Festival in Delhi from 19-20 October, 2022 at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi. Cultural groups from Sri Lanka, Trinidad & Tobago, Indonesia, Fiji, Malyasia and Thailand along with presentation by Indian group on inaugural day by Sadhya group led by Shri Santosh Nair (empanelled with ICCR) in the 6th International Ramayana Festival from 19-20 October at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi: Hon'ble Minister of Culture, Shri G Kishan Reddy was the Chief Guest on the Occasion and Hon’ble Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, ICCR was the Guest of Honour on the occasion. Additionally, these groups would be participating in Ramayana Festival in Bhopal from 15-22 October, 2022 (being organised by M.P. Government), Deepotsav in Ayodhya from 22-28 October, 2022 (being organised by U.P. Government) and Ramayana Festival in Gurjarat (ICCR) from 26-27 Oct, 2022. Moreover, visiting 15-member group Natya Kala Mandhir from Sri Lanka also performed at the GMC, Balyogi Auditorium in Parliament of India
22. The Council arranged two performance with lec-dem by Ms. Meena Thakur (Kuchipudi) and Ms. Jaya prabha Menon (Mohinyattam) on 26 October, 2022 at Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) for the foreign diplomats during a month long Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) from 3-28 October, 2022 with 48 diplomats from 48 countries, organised by SSIFS
23. A cultural presentation of Medley of dances (Classical, Chhau, Contemporary, Bollywood & Indian folk dances from Gujrat, Rajsthan,Punjab etc. ) by Aniruddha Das & Group (Delhi) was arranged by ICCR for Special meeting of the Counter Terrorism Committee on 29 October, 2022 at Taj Palace Hotel, organised by UNP Division, MEA.
24. Govt. of Chhattisgarh organised National Tribal Dance Festival (NTDF) from 1-3 November,2022 at Raipur on the occasion of 22 Foundation day of the State. ICCR supported NTDF by facilitating the participating foreign groups from 9 countires i.e. Russia, Mongolia, Togo, Mozambique,Serbia, Indonesia, NewZealand & Maldives during their transit at Delhi/ Mumbai. In addition to this, the Cultural troupe of Egypt visited India under the Incoming Cultural Delegation Programme of ICCR during the 31 October – 4 November also diverted to Raipur to participate in the NTDF festival
25. The Council hosted a 22-Member Cairo Opera Ballet Group from 31 October -8 November, 2022. During the visit a presentation by the Egyptian group was organised on 3 November, 2022 at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi. MoS (ML) for External Affairs was the chief guest on the occasion. In addition to this the Group also participated in National Tribal Dance Festival on 1 Nov., 2022 at Chhattisgarh on the occasion of 22 Foundation day of the State and also performed at Lucknow and Mumbai on 5 November and 7 November, 2022 respectively.
26. The Council arranged a cultural presentation by Ms.Kavita Dwibedi (Empanelled with ICCR in Outstanding- Odissi) on 16 November, at Darbar Hall, Taj Palace during the closing ceremony of the 48th Annual Meeting of the International Forum, being hosted by Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS).
27. As per signed protocol between the Department of State Support of the Art and Folk Creativity of Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India., on the organization of Cultural Festivals in 2022-23, ICCR hosted three Russian cultural groups- 51- Member,State Academic Honoured Dance Ensemble of Dagestan “Lezginka”, 6-Member Terem-Quartet and 33- member Krinitsa Ensemble for “Festival of Russian Culture in India” from 20 – 29 November, 2022 in Delhi (21-22 November, 2022 at Siri Fort Auditorium and on 29 November at Kamani Auditorium) , Kolkata (23-25 November, 2022) and Mumbai 25-26 Nov and 28 November, 2022).
28. The Council had organized the International Lusophone Festival-2022 in collaboration with MEA and Govt. of Goa from 3-6 December, 2022 in Goa. Cultural presentation by cultural groups from 8 CPLP Countries Timor- Leste, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau, Portugal & Brazil alongwith Indian groups/ artists , choreographed by Ms. Rani Khanam were organised on the inaugural day i.e 3 December, 2022 at Goa. The Festival was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa Shri Pramod Sawant on 3rd Dec, 2022 at Raj bhawan, Goa in presence of Hon’ble MoSML Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi. Cultural performances by cultural groups from all the visiting 8 CPLP Countries were also organised on rest of the days of International Lusophone Festival-2022 from 4-6 Dec at different venues in Goa.
29. The Council hosted cultural group from Dominican Republic ‘La Carisalve’ visiting India under the ICD programme in collaboration with the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in India. The Group performed in 2 other cities of India i.e, Mumbai & Pune under the hosting of the respective Zonal Offices, ICCR. The group was also hosted by the NZCC, Ministry of Culture for their performance in Kalagram, Chandigarh on 11 Dec, 2022.
30. Under DIAF- 2022, the 6 Member Musical Dominican Republic Troupe has performed in the inaugural ceremony of DIAF-2022 on 16th December, 2022. Hon’ble MoS ML, Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi inaugurated the event in presence of eminent dignitaries and high level Govt. officials. Apart, the Council is hosting the incoming 15 member Malaysian Cultural Troupe led by Guru Ramli Ibrahim (Sutra Foundation) from 27-31 December, 2022 for their Series of performances in DIAF-2022, New Delhi from 29th to 30th Dec, 2022 being co-organized by Prasiddha Foundation & Forum for Arts Beyond Border.
31. ICCR in collaboration with the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in India and the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism of Vietnam has organized a Cultural programme celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between India and Vietnam on 12th December, 2022 at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi. The visiting 20 Member ‘Viet Bac Folk Music and Dance Theatre’ group from Vietnam has performed during the occasion. The group was also performed in ‘Vietnam Cultural Space’ organized by the Embassy of Vietnam on 13th Dec, 2022.
32. 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was organized at Indore from 8-10 January 2023 which was partnered with State Government of Madhya Pradesh. As per the past practice, ICCR was responsible for cultural presentations during the 3-day convention. ICCR presented a Sanskrit based Theme Song composed by 16- member Gandhrva Choir led by Mr. Madhup Mudgal for the PBD 2023 which was played during the inaugural ceremony attended by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 9 January 2023 at Indore. ICCR presented a Gala cultural show which was hosted by Hon’ble External Affairs Minister wiith cultural presentation by 60 Indian artists, choreographed by Ms. Jayalakshmi Eshwar & 8 International artists (winners of Prathiba Sangam Indian Classical performing Arts organized by ICCR) from Japan, Hungary, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, choreographed by Ms. Arupa Lahiry (at the Lawns of Brilliant Convention Centre, Indore (venue of PBD 2023) on 9th January 2023. The event was attended by the Chief Minister of MP; President of Guyana alongwith various international & national dignitaries. Dr. Vinay Sahsrabuddhe, Hon’ble President of ICCR also graced the occasion. ICCR presented a specially choreographed show reflecting India’s scientific progress from the pre-historic time and values of Indian Cultural tradition. ICCR also organised classical instrumental performances by Mr. Satyendra Singh Solanki (Santoor player) during the lunch hosted by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and by Kedia brothers (Sarod & Sitar) at the dinner hosted by Hon’ble EAM on 9 January, 2023 at BCC Indore.
33. The Council arranged an instrumental performance Shri Dhruv Bedi (Sitar) along with three accompanists during a reception dinner hosted by Secreatry (West), MEA on 12 Jan. 2023 at Hotel Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, in honour of delegates of BIMSTEC Countries visiting India for 10th BIMSTEC Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (JWG-CTTC) .
34. The Council arranged a performance by Ms. Radhika Menon along with three accompanists (Mohiniyattam, Vande Matram Troupe who was sponsored to Switzerland in Sept -2022, by OCD section) on gratis basis (as per the clause of nomination incorporated for OCD Troupes sent abroad during FY 2022-23) on 14 Jan. 2023 at the Royal Thai Embassy for the Event ASEAN-INDIA BAZAAR organised to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ASEA-India Friendship Year.
35. The Council arranged an instrumental performance of Sarod, Sitar and Tabla by Maharaj Trio – the Hindustani Instrumentalist group of Shri Prabhash Maharaj from Varanasi during the lunch hosted by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in honour of Hon’ble President of Arab Republic of Egypt on 25 Jan. 2023 at Hyderabad house.
36. The Council supported the ‘State Level Ramayana Manas Gayan Mandali Competition’ co-organized by the Govt. of Chhattisgarh from 16-18 Feb, 2023 at Rajim, Chhattisgarh by inviting participation of the Ramayana Manas Gayan Mandalis through Missions/ ICC’s abroad for participation in the competition. 6-Member ‘State Music Ensemble’ Ramayana Manas Gayan group from Srilanka and 12-Member ‘Khamer Art Team’ Ramayana group from Vietnam participated in the competition.
37. The Council hosted a 6-Member ‘Dragon Boys Tassa Band’ group from Trinidad & Tobago in India from 20 February to 1 March, 2023 for their series of performances in different cities of India. The group visited India under the LAC Conference “Connected stories, Shared Presents Transcultural experiences between Latin America, The Caribbean and India” organised by IIC, Delhi from 20-22 Feb, 2023. Apart from Cultural performance in IIC Delhi on 21 February, 2023, the group also performed in Lucknow (“Thrust Theatre, Bhatendu Natya Akdemy) on 23 Feb, 2023, In Guwahati (Shankadeva, Kalakshetra Complex- Ranghar Bakori mancha) on 25 Feb. 2023 & in Patna ( Premchand Rangshala, Rajendra nagar) on 27 Feb. 2023.
38. The Council hosted 7- member cultural group “Raices Santenas” from Panama in India from 21 February to 1 March, 2023 for their series of performance in India. The group visited India under the LAC Conference “Connected stories, Shared Presents Transcultural experiences between Latin America, The Caribbean and India” organised by IIC, Delhi from 20-22 Feb, 2023. Apart from cultural performance on 22 February, 2023 at IIC Delhi, a performance of Panamanian Cultural group was oraganised on 24 February, 2023 at ICCR Auditorium, Delhi, to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between Panama and India. Besides Delhi, the group also visited and performed on 27 February, 2023 at Mumbai.
