ICCR at 75: Celebrating Cultural Diplomacy and India-Bangladesh Ties in Dhaka

Introduction

In 2025, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) marks 75 glorious years of fostering global friendships through cultural exchange. Founded in 1950 as a flagship institution of India’s soft power diplomacy, ICCR has played a pivotal role in promoting India’s rich cultural heritage across continents. Its presence in Bangladesh has become a cornerstone of Indo-Bangladeshi relations, built on shared traditions, artistic collaborations, and educational outreach.

To commemorate this milestone, the ICCR organized a grand cultural celebration in Dhaka, highlighting seven and a half decades of artistic excellence and cross-border goodwill. The event reflected not just a celebration of history but a reaffirmation of India’s cultural diplomacy in South Asia.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is ICCR?
• ICCR’s Role in Global Cultural Diplomacy
• ICCR’s Presence in Bangladesh
• Cultural Exchange Initiatives in Dhaka
• 75th Anniversary Event Highlights
• Voices from the Celebration
• Impact and Legacy of ICCR
• FAQs
• Conclusion: Culture as a Bridge of Peace

What is ICCR?

Established in 1950, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Its founding vision was to promote India’s vibrant cultural identity across the world and foster mutual understanding among nations through art, education, and dialogue.

For 75 years, ICCR has embodied India’s soft power diplomacy, showcasing Indian classical dance, music, literature, yoga, and educational programs to international audiences. Today, it operates more than 35 cultural centers globally, including two active centers in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

ICCR’s Role in Global Cultural Diplomacy

ICCR stands as one of India’s leading international outreach agencies. Its influence spans multiple dimensions:

• Arts & Performance: Organizing Indian dance, music, and theater programs across continents.
• Education: Offering scholarships to international students to study in Indian universities.
• Exhibitions & Publications: Curating cultural showcases and promoting Indian authors and artists.
• People-to-People Diplomacy: Bridging hearts through artist exchanges and collaborative workshops.

The council not only projects India’s cultural richness but also helps build lasting bilateral ties rooted in mutual appreciation.

ICCR’s Presence in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a key focus of ICCR’s South Asia engagement. The deep cultural, linguistic, and historical bonds between India and Bangladesh make it a natural partner in ICCR’s vision for cross-cultural harmony.

Key Milestones:

• 2011: Inauguration of the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
• 2021: Launch of the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) in Gulshan, Dhaka.

These centers act as vibrant cultural hubs, offering:

• Language courses
• Dance and music classes (e.g., Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Hindustani music)
• Art exhibitions, film festivals, and cultural workshops
• Joint programs featuring Indian and Bangladeshi artists

By fostering such activities, ICCR deepens bilateral ties while nurturing a shared South Asian identity.

Cultural Exchange Initiatives in Dhaka

The IGCC and ICC have become synonymous with cultural diplomacy in Bangladesh. Their year-round programming includes:

• Classical Dance and Music Performances: Regular recitals in traditional Indian art forms like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Hindustani classical.
• Joint Performances: Cross-border collaborations that involve both Indian and Bangladeshi performers.
• Art Exhibits and Workshops: Events that offer a platform for dialogue through visual arts and traditional crafts.
• Film Screenings & Literary Readings: Promoting Indian cinema, poetry, and storytelling.

These programs not only entertain but also educate, creating strong people-to-people connections.

75th Anniversary Event Highlights

On April 9, 2025, the Indian Cultural Centre in Gulshan, Dhaka hosted a spectacular celebration to commemorate 75 years of ICCR. The event was a true festival of color, rhythm, and emotion, highlighting the enduring bond between India and Bangladesh through cultural collaboration.

🎭 Cultural Performances: A Symbol of Shared Heritage

A highlight of the evening was the breathtaking presentation of ‘Lai Haraoba’, a traditional Manipuri ritualistic dance form. What made it more meaningful was that it was performed by Manipuri artists from Sylhet, Bangladesh, who were trained under Indian mentorship—an embodiment of ICCR’s mission to support cross-border cultural training.

The students of the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) also performed:

• Kathak and Bharatanatyam – Celebrating India’s classical dance legacy.
• Hindustani Classical Music – Showcasing the richness of India’s musical traditions.

The performances reflected months of rigorous training and dedication, and the audience responded with thunderous applause and appreciation.

Voices from the Celebration

Shri Pawan Badhe, Deputy High Commissioner of India in Dhaka:

“ICCR has been a pillar of cultural diplomacy, strengthening the India-Bangladesh friendship through shared heritage and people-to-people contact. This 75th-year celebration is not just a milestone, but a message of unity through culture.”

His remarks reinforced the role of cultural exchange as a powerful diplomatic tool, fostering trust, empathy, and collaboration across borders.

Impact and Legacy of ICCR

ICCR’s cultural outreach goes beyond performances and exhibitions—it’s about building communities, nurturing talent, and creating long-term international goodwill.

In Bangladesh, ICCR has:

• Empowered youth through scholarships and training.
• Offered platforms for emerging artists to perform and connect.
• Preserved shared South Asian cultural elements through collaborative events.

These initiatives highlight how cultural diplomacy supports international relations, peacebuilding, and soft power leadership.

FAQs: ICCR and Cultural Diplomacy

1. What is ICCR’s role in India-Bangladesh relations?
   ICCR fosters cultural and educational exchanges between India and Bangladesh through centers like IGCC and ICC, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration.
2. How can artists in Bangladesh participate in ICCR programs?
   Artists can connect with the ICC or IGCC in Dhaka, where regular workshops, training, and collaborative events are organized.
3. What is the significance of ‘Lai Haraoba’ in the 75th celebration?
   It represents the deep-rooted Manipuri cultural ties between India and Bangladesh, and the success of ICCR’s mentorship and training programs.
4. Does ICCR offer scholarships to Bangladeshi students?
   Yes, ICCR provides educational scholarships for Bangladeshi students to pursue studies in India across various disciplines.

Conclusion: Culture as a Bridge of Peace

The 75th anniversary of ICCR in Dhaka was more than a celebration—it was a testimony to the power of culture in connecting nations. For 75 years, ICCR has built bridges where borders exist, and friendships where policies might falter. Through music, dance, education, and storytelling, it continues to inspire harmony between India and the world.

As ICCR enters its next phase, its mission remains strong: to celebrate India’s cultural heritage, to nurture international ties, and to empower communities through art and understanding.

Key Takeaways Table

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