New Delhi: The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) marked its 77th Foundation Day on Wednesday, with Director General K. Nandini Singla stating that Indian civilisational values are gaining renewed relevance at a time when the world is witnessing conflicts, wars and growing anxiety.
Addressing mediapersons at ICCR headquarters, Azad Bhawan, on the eve of the Foundation Day, Ms. Singla said India’s cultural philosophy offers a message of peace, harmony and universal brotherhood amid rising global tensions.
She underlined the significance of the ancient Indian concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, saying the idea that “the world is one family” continues to resonate across cultures and societies.
“It is not a cliché. The feeling of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is something that every person in the world appreciates. The idea that we are all interconnected and that we cannot thrive at somebody else’s expense is deeply relevant today,” she said.
Highlighting ICCR’s role in advancing India’s cultural diplomacy, Ms. Singla said the council continues to promote people-to-people engagement through cultural festivals, academic exchanges, scholarships and institutional collaborations across the globe.
As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, ICCR organised media interactions and programmes highlighting its international cultural outreach. Around 700 international students studying in India under ICCR scholarship programmes are also participating in the events.
Established in 1950 by freedom fighter and India’s first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, ICCR functions under the Ministry of External Affairs and works to strengthen India’s cultural ties with countries around the world.
Officials said the council continues to play a key role in projecting India’s soft power and fostering greater cultural understanding among nations.
