MARCH – APRIL 2014

INDIAN COUNCIL FOR CULTURAL RELATIONS

NEWSLETTER President ICCR’s visit to Spain: 9th – 12th April2014

Dr. Karan Singh, President of ICCR visited Spain from 9th -12th April 2014, during which he called on H.M. the King Juan Carlos, H.M. the Queen Sofia and H.M. Princess Irene of Greece, who is also the Honorary President of Casa de la India. Dr. Karan Singh’s interaction with the Royal family whom he has known well for over 40 years, was warm and friendly. During his visit Dr. Karan Singh also visited Casa de la India, Valladolid which is an Indian Cultural Centre promoted and supported by the University of Valladolid, Valladolid Municipality, Embassy of India and ICCR. President, ICCR praised the work of Casa de la India and assured it of ICCR’s continued support to this unique and fruitful partnership. Hon’ble Vice-President releases book – On World Religions: Diversity, Not Dissension

Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri Mohammed Hamid Ansari released the book on ‘On World Religions: Diversity, Not Dissension’ on 4th March 2014 at India International Centre which was based on the proceedings of an Interfaith Conference in New Delhi held in March 2013 to celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The book was edited by Dr. Anindita Balslev and brought out by SAGE Publications.

Conference: The Relevance of Traditional Cultures for the Present and the Future

Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri Mohammed Hamid Ansari inaugurated the International Conference on ‘The Relevance of Traditional Cultures for the Present and the Future’ held from 24th – 26th March, 2014 in New Delhi.Dr. Karan Singh, President ICCR, gave the Valedictory Address on 26th March 2014. Participants from Greece, Ghana, Hungary, UK, USA, Lebanon, Nepal, Ethiopia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Japan, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Argentina, Mauritius, Egypt, Senegal, Russia, Indonesia, Mexico, China, Benin and India had an in depth discussion on this important topic. The Conference was a collaborative event of IIC’s Asia Project and ICCR. Governing Body Meeting Governing Body meeting was held on 29th March 2014 at ICCR, Azad Bhawan under the chairmanship of Dr. KaranSingh, President ICCR, which discussed and approved the Plans of Action for the year 2013 – 14 and 2014 – 15 and norms of promoting Public Private Partnership to enhance ICCR’s activities.

4th Delhi International Jazz Festival

Dr. Karan Singh, President, ICCR, inaugurated ICCR’s 4th Delhi International Jazz Festival on 28th March 2014, at Nehru Park, New Delhi. Troupes from Canada, Colombia, France, Hungary, Poland, South Korea, Spain, USA and India participated in this very popular three day festival.

India by the Nile Festival: Egypt

The 2nd edition of “India by the Nile’ Festival was organized in three Egyptian cities between 1st - 20th April 2014, which showcased a selection of Indian performing and visual arts, music and films etc. At the inauguration of the Festival on 2nd

April 2014, at India House was attended by several Ministers and prominent local dignitaries, diplomats and representatives of art and cultural community of Egypt.

International Students Advisors’ Meeting The Council convened its annual meeting of International Students Advisors (ISA) on 22nd April 2014, in New Delhi at which 28 ISAs, representatives of concerned Ministries/Departments and Heads of ICCR Regional Offices participated. The meeting reviewed all aspects, including admissions and welfare, of ICCR and other foreign scholars studying in India. One student from Nigeria and two from Nepal shared their experiences as ICCR scholars in India.

From Our Cultural Centres Abroad Sri Lanka ‘International Students’ Day’ & ITEC Day’ Celebration International Students Day and ITEC Day’ was celebrated on 19th March 2014, in Colombo to commemorate the Birth Anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of India and founder of ICCR. Bharatanatyam Recital: Thri Nayaka

ICC, Colombo organized a Bharatanatyam recital titled “Thri Nayaka”, presented by dancers of Aru Sri Art Theatre on 22nd April 2014. The dancing trio, Amila Rumesh, Pranesh Subramaniam and Dhakshoth Samaraweera performed the Bharatanatyam recital under the veteran Gurus of Kalakshetra, Chennai and performed their Arangetram. Triveni - Confluence of Dance, Music and Art

An evening of music and dance to celebrate Vasanth Utsav was staged by Shantiniketan Friends at the Buddhist Cultural Centre Auditorium on 23rd March 2014 at which High Commissioner Y.K.Sinha was the Chief Guest. An evening with Prof. K Satchidanandan at the Indian Cultural Centre An evening with Prof. K Satchidanandan, an interaction with the world renowned poet and scholar, was organized by ICC, Colombo. Prof. K. Satchidanandan also launch the book titled “Tamil Short Stories from Sri Lanka”, edited by So Patmanathan during the event. During his visit to Sri Lanka Prof. Satchidanandan delivered lecture in universities of Sri Lanka namely Peradenia University, Eastern University, Batticaloa and Sabaragamuwa University.

Regional Director/Regional Officer Meeting Annual Regional Directors/Regional Officers meeting, chaired by DG, ICCR, took place on 21st April 2014, in New Delhi at which various issues related to administration, establishment, ICCR’s Scholarships, Horizon Series and Promoting Partnership Models were discussed. Jaipur Art Festival

Shri Satish C. Mehta, DG, ICCR inaugurated the 2nd

International Art Festival held at Diggi Palace, Jaipur from 19th – 23rd March 2014, at which 250 accomplished artists from India and around the world participated.

Kathmandu Yoga Camp

ICC’s Yoga teacher Ms. Yogita Mehta staged a demonstration on Yoga practices on 14th March 2014 at Kantipur Engineering College, Kathmandu for its students. Tribute to Rajesh Khanna

DREAMS, in association with ICC Kathmandu, organized a musical event "A Tribute to Rajesh Khanna" on 15th March 2014. Nepali businessmen, industrialists, and professionals rendered songs of Rajesh Khanna, the well known actor, that created a beautiful musical ambience which was appreciated by audience. Yoga Camp for students of Kendriya Vidyalaya

Ms. Yogita Mehta, Yoga teacher of ICC Kathmandu, staged a demonstration on Yoga practices for the students of Kendriya Vidyalaya on 9th April 2014, to teach them how to exercise, develop confidence, and concentrate better on their studies as also to inculcate them values such as cleanliness, and self-discipline. Class on Classical Hindustani Vocal In a Master Class cum Workshop organized by ICCKathmandu on 11th April 2014. Kamal Kant, Vocal Teacher, guided students and uninitiated beginners on the basics of Ghazal gayaki and other semi-classical genres of vocal music. Bangkok Curtain Raiser: Festival of India in Thailand The Embassy of India & ICC Bangkok and the Ministry of Culture organized the Festival of India in Thailand from 19th

– 31st March 2014, to give a glimpse of Cultural heritage of India and shared culture between the peoples of India and

Thailand. The festival was held in different places around Bangkok and Chonburi. The main attractions of the festival were Buddhist Mahotsav, Food Festival, Yoga Workshop, BOLLYFIT, Lama Dance and Chant, Aphilo Kuvo Victory Dance from Nagaland, Ramayana performance by Kalakshetra Foundation and Buddhist Exhibition was the part of the festival.

“Emergence” Painting Exhibition by Resident artists of Bangkok

The “EMERGENCE” painting exhibition was inaugurated by Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla on 21st April 2014. The exhibition featured 4 resident artists of Bangkok: Anjali Mandrekar, Kanan Gandhi, Malini Mansukhani and Vibha Sodhia. Images of oil painting, acrylic and mixed media encompassing varied styles told the story of their expression, creative energy, their inspiration and human emotions. Bhangra Folk Dance at ICC An ICCR sponsored Bhangra troupe performed at the 232nd

year of Rattanakosin City celebrations under Royal Benevolence. ICC Bangkok, sponsored a Bhangra folk dance group from Punjab for Thai people to experience folk dance of India. The event was covered by a Thai local TV Channel 3 on the programme “Open Lens to View the World”. NWCC, Bhutan Cultural Evening by students of Jharkhand Centre University

NWCC organized a cultural evening by the students of Central University of Jharkhand, on 28th March 2014. The programme included Bhutanese songs and Indian classical dances. Smt. Shubdharshini Triapthi, DCM, Embassy of India, Thimphu met with 32 students of Central University of Jharkhand at the Centre and talked about Indo-Bhutan friendship. The students were in Bhutan on study tour.

Inauguration of 5th International Himalaya Seminar

The 5th International Himalaya Seminar titled " The Traditions and Indigenous Knowledge of Himalayan and Ethnic group: Issue and challenges for safeguarding" was inaugurated on 27th April 2014 at the NWCC. JNCC, Moscow Painting Exhibition

JNCC Moscow and the "Society for Cultural and Business Cooperation with India" jointly organized a painting exhibition “India - A Great History and Today" by Ms. Olga Lisenkova in memory of Late Ms. Tatiana Yelizarenkova, a renowned Russian Indologist at the Embassy of India on 5th

March, 2014. In welcome remarks, President of Society for Cultural and Business Cooperation with India Dr. Alexander Senkevich shared his experience as a student of Dr. Elizarenkova. In his speech, Ambassador Raghavan noted the contribution of Late Tatyana Elizarenkova to Vedic/ Sanskrit Studies in Russia, in recognition of which "Padma Shree” award was bestowed on her by the President of India in 2004. Ghazal Evening: Shaam – e – Ghazal Sham-e-Ghazal was organized by JNCC Moscow, on 4th April 2014. Mr. Arvind Dixit (a disciple of Ustad Alauddin Khan Mission) and a dance concert "Mukhtsar" by JNCC teachers/students as a tribute to legendary Indian Ghazal Writers/ Singers. Jakarta Panel Discussion on Women of India and Indonesia

JNICC in association with the National Gallery of Indonesia organized a Panel Discussion titled ‘Women of India and Indonesia: Common Perspective’ at Gedung B National Gallery Jakarta. The event was held as a tribute to Raden Ajeng Kartini, a revered figure and a leading campaigner of women rights in Indonesia. The panel discussion was the focal point of

a major ICCR exhibition of over 50 exhibits created by India women artist that has been on display at the gallery since21st March 2014. Nine women panelist from both the countries representing diverse fields participated in a lively and engaging the discussion. Inauguration of “Women on Women” Painting Exhibition JNICC in association with Jakarta Land organized ICCR’s painting collection “Women on Women” in the World Trade Centre (WTC), Jakarta as a tribute to Ibu Raden Ajeng Kartini, famous women rights campaigner whose birthday in April is celebrated as Kartini Day all over Indonesia.Ambassador Gurjit Singh inaugurated the event. The function was also attended by Ibu Kartika Affandi –daughter of Affandi Indonesia’s most famous painter who was an associate of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. The exhibition was also displayed at Yogyakarta and Bali. Cultural programme with JABA

Students of JNICC collaborated with Jakarta Bengali Association (JABA) to put up a cultural program at the Embassy auditorium on 26th April 2014 to mark the Bengali New Year. JNICC students of music and dance actively participated in this event which was attended by about 150 people. Kuala Lumpur An Evening of Carnatic Vocal Recital ICC Kuala Lumpur organized “An Evening of Carnatic Vocal Recital” by Ms. Yoga Kirtana from India on 8th April 2014. She was accompanied by Shri Bangalore Ravi Shankar on Mridingam and Shri Ram on Violin.

Performance of Manipuri dance group ICCR sponsored 10 – member Manipuri dance group led by Ms. Suman Sarawgi from India performed in Melaka and Kuala Lumpur on 21st April 2014 and 22nd April 2014 respectively.

The group’s performance was organized in collaboration with Melaka State Government and more than 450 peopleattended the event. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ir Idris Haron was the Chief Guest.

Workshop on Suriname Hindustani Snacks

Ms. Rita Poetoe, a local resident who has written a book on Suriname Hindustani Cuisine, presented a workshop on preparation of Suriname snacks on 5th April 2014. The workshop was admired and appreciated by all participants and requests were received to have more of such workshops soon in future. A musical evening of Bhajans, Ghazals and Raga based songs Gandhi Centre organized a melodious musical evening comprising bhajans, ghazals and Raga-based songs presented by Prajna Bhattacharya, a well-known Indian classical singer of the Netherlands on 17th April 2014.

Lecture on Science of Happiness and Well –being The Gandhi Centre invited Dr. Samita Bhattacharya, Professor of Physics, to deliver a lecture on Science of Happiness and Well – being on 25th April 2014. The lecture was admired by the audience. Dr. Samita Bhattacharya regularly delivers lectures on scientific basis of spiritual issues in various forums of Netherlands.

Gandhi Centre, The Hague

MGICC, Port of Spain Bhajan Evening The Laskhsmi Narayan Temple Freeport, organized a programme at which Hindustani vocal teacher of MGICC, Ms. Mandakini Swain accompanied by Tabla teacher presented Kabir and Tulasi Bhajans on 12th April 2014.MGICC’s Dance Teacher Ms. Arti Natu and her studentsperformed their dance: Ganesh Vandana, “Bhajan – On Meera Bai” and “Krishna Stuti” in Bharatanatyam style. The performances were applauded by the audience.

Lecture: Exploring Contemporary India The University of the West Indies, Faculty of Humanities and Education Department of History organized a lecture on 25th April 2014, “Exploring Contemporary India”. Dance teacher of MGICC, Ms. Arti Natu performed a graceful welcoming dance, Devi Shakti – story on Mahishasur Mardan and Ganesh Vandana. Suva Student Excellence Award

The Student Excellence Award for Carnatic Vocal discipline was held on 23rd April 2014 at ICC Suva at which High Commissioner Vinod Kumar congratulated all the students for their hard work and dedication towards music.

Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Women’s College International Cultural Day Cultural Wing participated in the International Cultural Day function organized by the Abu Dhabi Women’s College city campus on 11th March 2014. Exhibition-Islamic Monuments of India

Photographic exhibition – ‘Islamic Monuments of India’ was organized in collaboration with the Indian Islamic Centre, Abu Dhabi. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Ambassador T P Seetharam at the Indian Islamic Centre Gallery on 27th March. This was also exhibited at the Library of Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi as well as in Dubai and Sharjah. Kathak Dance Performance A 6 – member ICCR sponsored Kathak Dance group of Ms. Marami Medhi visited UAE to participate in the Sharjah Heritage Days Festival. The group gave two performances at Sharjah Days Festival and CGI Dubai auditorium.

Guru Shishya Parampara

Rasmanjuri in association with the Cultural Wing organized Guru Shishya Dance Parampara performance at Embassy of India auditorium on 19th April 2014, at which Ms. Monalisa Ghosh, an Odissi dancer presented her performance. Her disciple Mr. Kundan Mukherjee performed Kathak dance. Mr. Kundan Mukherjee is an UAE based Odissi and Kathak dance teacher. Sao Paulo First Cultural India Week: 16th – 22nd March 2014 First Indian Cultural Week in the cities of Belo Horizonte and Nova Lima, was organized by India & Brazil Chamber of Commerce of Minas Gerais. The programme schedule included dance performances by Andrea Prior (Kathak) and ICC teachers Iara Ananda Romano and Silvana Duarte (both Bharatanatyam).

Indian Religions and Philosophy Symposium First Cultural Evening on ‘Indian Religions and Philosophies’ in partnership with Embassy of India, was organized by the Federal University of Paraiba, (UFPB) from 25th – 27th March 2014. Round table on many subjects such as Indian philosophies, its dialogues and influence in Chinese and other Asian philosophies and one day courses were the main activities. Workshop: SHANTALA ‘The Indian Massage for the Babies’ A workshop on ‘Shantala The Indian Massage for the Babies’which originated from the State of Kerala, was attended by therapists and caring mothers willing to learn how to improve not only the health of their kids, but also to improve relationship with their children. Malawi Rajasthani Folk Dance A 10 member ICCR sponsored Rajasthani folk dance troupe led by Ms. Moru Sapera of the Sapera Dance Company visited Malawi from 24th – 27th April 2014. The troupe was sent to the Southern African region by ICCR New Delhi to participate in

the Southern Africa’s prestigious annual Harare International Festival of Arts (HIFA) 2014 which was held from 29th April – 04th May 2014 in Harare, Zimbabwe. Indian Chairs Abroad

Collaborating with Indian Missions abroad, the ICCR has established Chairs in reputed Universities and Institutions across the world covering various aspects of Indian studies,to promote knowledge and understanding about India as also for research and related high – end academic activities. The latest group of academicians appointed as Chairs were Dr. Anupama Alwaikar (Hindi Chair at Ankara University, Turkey) for two academic years and Shri Samik Bandyopadhyay (Traditional India Theatre at Freie University, Berlin) for one semester from April 2014. From Our Regional Centres in India Gujarat: On 10th March 2014, a Jazz Band from France performed musical evening at Parul Group of Institutes. Mina Agossi and her Jazz Band was sent to Gujarat by ICCR as a part of its International Jazz Festival. ICCR Gujarat, State Culture Department and Sangeet Natak Akademi of Gujarat jointly hosted the event.

Hyderabad: A two day cultural festival “Sangeetha Natya Hela” was organized by ICCR Hyderabad in association with Sri Sai Nataraja Academy of Kuchipudi Dance on 26th & 27th

April 2014. Performances by Kathak and Bharatanatyam dancer Ms. Moumala Nayak and Ms. Uma Govind werefollowed by Carnatic Vocal Dr. Swarna Mangalampalli and Kuchipudi Dance performance by Ms. Hari Priya and Guru Rama Murthy Garu.

Guwahati

ICCR Guwahati organized a musical performance by Subhash Ghosh on 6th April 2014. The cultural evening was organized in collaboration with Karmashree Hiteswar Saikia Auditorium Management Committee. Shri Kamal Dey, Ex Mayor, Guwahati Municipal Corporation was the Chief Guest of the event. New Delhi: ICCR New Delhi, in association with Empowerment organized a painting exhibition entitled “Colours of Hope”, on 28th March 2014, at Azad Bhawan Art Gallery. Five female artists from Pakistan and four contemporary female artists from India showcased their paintings. This exhibition is based on few intangible factors like share, emotion, peace, feminism and love. Ayesha Durrani, Fizza Salem, Amna Ilyas, Romessa Khan, Mariam Khan, Gogi Saroj Pal, Seema Kohli, Nupur Kundu, Sonika Agarwal were the names. Satish C. Mehta, Director General ICCR and Ambassador Abdul Basit of Pakistan, inaugurated the exhibition.

ICCR New Delhi, also showcased two painting exhibitions in March - April 2014, by Ms. Arifa Khan and Shri Prathashree Chanda.

Cuttack: An Odissi Dance Drama by Dr. Ileana Citaristi & group was organized on 5th March 2014, at Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar in association with Department of Culture, Govt. of Odisha & Parichay Foundation on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Dr. Manorama Mohapatra, eminent personality in the field of literature & Padmashri Dr. Minati Mishra, Odissi exponent inaugurated the event. The event was also attended by Dr. Prasanna Patasani, Hon’ble M.P, Lok Sabha.

Jammu:

ICCR Jammu organized the first ever programme of contemporary dance under the title ‘Rhythmic Moves in Spring’ on 30th April 2014 at IIIM Jammu. Shri Shantmanu, Divisional Commissioner Jammu was the Chief Guest on the occasion. 'Rhythmic Moves in Spring' featured three segments of performances which included one Indian and two in Western styles. Through this performance, the group highlighted themes of human emotion of hope, loneliness, love and joy. Kolkata: ICCR Kolkata, in collaboration with Indo –Hispanic Language Academy, Indo – Hispanic Society and Embassy of Bolivia in India presented an exhibition by artists from Bolivia – Mamani and Giancarla Munoz Reyes on 1st March 2014.

Forthcoming Events in New Delhi

An Evening of Dance and Music: 20th and 22nd May 2014 - The Mystical Forest - A Contemporary Dance Production by Sadhya and An Evening of Music by 'Latindian Jam' Group from El Salvador at Kamani Auditorium. Horizon Series for May – June 2014 Venue – Azad Bhawan Exhibitions:

2nd – 7th May 2014 – Photo Exhibition “Sacred India" by Shri Amit Pasricha (ICCR’s collection). 9th – 14th May 2014 – Painting Exhibition by Ms. Sabia, Delhi based artist. 16th – 21st May 2014 – Photograph Exhibition by Ms. Bhawana Jaiswal, Bhopal based photographer. 23rd – 28th May 2014 – Painting Exhibition by Shri Arup K. Biswas, Delhi based artist. 30th May – 4th June 2014 – Painting Exhibition by Shri Sambuddha Duttagupta, Delhi based artist. 6th – 11th June 2014 – Painting & Sculpture Exhibition by Ms. Ramita Bhaduri, Kolkata based artist. 13th – 18th June 2014 – Painting Exhibition by Shri Apurba Pal, Kolkata based artist. 20th – 25th June 2014 – Painting Exhibition by Ms Smita Prashar, Patna based artist. 27th June – 2nd July 2014 – Painting Exhibition by Shri Ramesh Nambiar, Kerala based artist. Dance and Music: Friday, 9th May, 2014 – Ms. Swarn Vijh, Light Classical Music Vocal from Delhi. Friday, 23rd May, 2014 – Ms. Debanjana Roy, Manipuri solo from Kolkata. Friday, 13th June, 2014 – Ms. Anwesa Mahanta, Sattriya dance group from Assam. Friday, 27th June, 2014 – Shri Rajiv Bhattacharya, Odissi dance group from Kolkata.

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