The Gurudev Tagore Indian Cultural Centre, Mexico City celebrated the 75th. Foundation Day of ICCR with various activities, events and publications of materials to mark the occasion.
Among the publications was the release of a video on the history, mission and vision of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations recalling its glorious history and mandate. The short documentary has been narrated in the official language of Mexico (Spanish) and subtitled in English for maximum dissemination.
The material can be viewed at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/iccrmexico/ videos/439655105227917
Some ICCR alumni also participated and shared in video format their experiences and lessons learned during their stay in India. The testimonies shared show the importance of the ICCR scholarship programmes at a global level and corroborate the fulfilment of the objectives in terms of establishing cultural bridges between Mexico and India.
Some of the videos can be viewed at the following links:
Daniela Álvarez, former ICCR scholar in Kathak (2021-2022)
Link: https://www.facebook.com/iccrmexico/ videos/2065758430465478
Abril Gómez, former ICCR scholar in Mohiniyattam (2008-2011)
Link: https://www.facebook.com/iccrmexico/ videos/816913593584981
Iliana Puig, former ICCR scholar in Barathanatyam (2011-2014)
Link: https://www.facebook.com/iccrmexico/ videos/1810224502790518
Mario Alberto Gómez, Former ICCR scholar in Sustainable Development and Management (2021-2023)
Link: https://www.facebook.com/iccrmexico/ videos/954914166264137
Among the activities in collaboration with other educational institutions, visits were made to the different campuses of the College of Sciences and Humanities (CCH) belonging to the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
At the Naucalpan campus of the CCH, Dr. Abhinaw Raj, director of the GTICC, gave a lecture on cultural diffusion and the importance of soft power politics in today's changing geopolitical scenario. He also highlighted the history of ICCR and its foundation linked to India's freedom struggle, this was followed by a very interesting question and answer session on Holi festival, Bollywood industry, Hinduism and scholarships offered by ICCR, the session was very interactive and the students cleared a lot of doubts regarding India. A classical dance recital (Kathak) was given by Sapna Shrivas, Teacher of GTICC to the students of the campus who enthusiastically applauded the performance.
At the CCH East (Oriente) campus, Dr. Abhinaw Raj, Director, GTICC, made a presentation on the cultural diffusion of India in which he highlighted the importance of ICCR's policies to promote Indian culture in the world and the cultural activities of GTICC in Mexico, which was followed by a question-and-answer session on Indian culture and a Kathak dance recital by Sapna Shrivas which was much applauded by the students and teachers who attended the event.
The main event of ICCR's 75th foundation day celebrations was held at the auditorium of the Embassy of India in Mexico City.
The Ambassador of India to Mexico, Dr. Pankaj Sharma delivered a welcome address and highlighted the importance of ICCR in establishing cultural ties between India and the world.
For this occasion, ICCR alumni performed and participated in the event, they also shared their experiences while studying in India.
The event was attended by members of the Indian diaspora as well as a good number of Mexican visitors. For more than an hour, the attendees were able to learn about the importance of ICCR's work worldwide and enjoyed the cultural presentations prepared by the GTICC.
The event was attended by ICCR alumni and academicians who presented various cultural performances. Ms. Lucia Puente (ICCR Kathakali alumni) presented a Carnatic song that enraptured the audience for a few minutes while teachers Sak Nikte Romero and Marcela Palomo (also ICCR alumni) each presented an odissi dance performance. A Kathak performance led by Sapna Shrivas and GTICC students culminated the GTICC's artistic presentation.
The musical pieces, the colourful costumes along with the explanation of the dances by the teachers demonstrated to the audience their vast knowledge acquired in India through the studies offered by ICCR.
To conclude the event, Dr. Pankaj Sharma, presented a commemorative pin, which was then presented to all ICCR alumni.
