The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the cultural wing of the High Commission of India in Colombo, marked the 75th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) at the Viharamahadevi Park Open Air Theatre in Colombo on April 29, 2024. The event showcased vibrant Indian classical dances and musical performances, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultural harmony and universality.
High Commissioner of India, H.E. Santosh Jha, presided over the event alongside Hon. Minister of Education, Dr. Susil Premajayantha, as the Chief Guest, and Hon. Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Vidura Wickramanayaka, as the Guest of Honour. In his address, High Commissioner Jha lauded the ICCR’s pivotal role in India’s cultural diplomacy over the past 75 years. Minister Premajayantha expressed gratitude to the ICCR for providing over 200 fully-funded scholarships annually for Sri Lankan students to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees across 120 prestigious universities and institutions in India.
During the ceremony, High Commissioner Jha, along with Ministers Premajayantha and Wickramanayaka, honored the winners of the Pratibha Sangam competitions, organized by the ICCR as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative, commemorating 75 years of Indian independence. The Pratibha Sangam celebrates the significant contributions of foreign nationals and overseas Indians to Indian classical art forms.
Established in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister, the 75th Foundation Day of ICCR is a momentous occasion, symbolizing 75 years of fostering cultural ties and promoting understanding, goodwill, and cooperation between India and the world. Additionally, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka, operating under the High Commission of India, celebrated its 25th anniversary, serving as a beacon of cultural exchange, appreciation, and dialogue, further strengthening the enduring friendship between India and Sri Lanka.
