DU Hosts Vibrant ICCR Foundation Day with Global Students Showcasing Indian Arts
New Delhi: The stage at Delhi University on Thursday presented a captivating tableau of global cultural fusion. A Tajikistan student executed precise Bharatanatyam poses, an Egyptian participant swayed energetically to bhangra beats, and a Mexican performer attempted the intricate movements of Odissi. This dynamic display offered a striking glimpse into active cultural exchange in motion.
Zooming out, the lawns outside the Sir Shankar Lal Concert Hall at University of Delhi's North Campus were filled with vibrant color and animated chatter. Students from across continents gathered to celebrate the 77th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), creating a lively international atmosphere.
International Participation and Performances
Nearly 700 international students enrolled at Delhi University attended the significant event. Participants hailed from diverse nations including Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Russia, Iran, and several other countries. Many arrived wearing the traditional attire of their home countries, while others had donned authentic Indian costumes specifically for their scheduled performances.
The program featured an impressive array of cultural presentations. International students performed dance and music forms from various Indian states, showcasing their dedication and training. Diplomats from several nations were present to witness this cultural diplomacy in action.
ICCR's Cultural Diplomacy and Scholarship Program
"From classical to folk traditions, the performances reflected not just technical training, but a deeper, more meaningful engagement with Indian cultural traditions by students who have come to study in our country under ICCR scholarships," explained K. Nandini Singla, director-general of ICCR.
The comprehensive scholarship program, administered by the Ministry of Education, enables qualified foreign students to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies at recognized Indian institutions. This initiative represents one of India's key cultural diplomacy efforts, strategically aimed at strengthening international ties and fostering mutual understanding with other nations.
Scholarship Statistics and Cultural Engagement
Officials revealed that currently over 8,000 students from different countries are studying at 134 higher education institutions across India, fully funded by ICCR scholarships. In the previous academic year alone, approximately 4,000 scholarships were awarded to international students across various academic disciplines.
Beyond facilitating academic exchange, ICCR actively promotes cultural engagement by encouraging scholarship recipients to learn Indian art forms such as classical dance, music, and yoga. The council regularly organizes cultural festivals, performances, and workshops both within India and abroad as part of its mandate to promote Indian culture globally.
ICCR also works closely with the extensive Indian diaspora community and coordinates cultural outreach through established Indian cultural centers in various countries worldwide.
Student Experiences and Event Highlights
Aditya Shah, an ICCR scholarship holder from Bangladesh currently pursuing a PhD at Delhi University, shared his personal experience: "I originally came here for my doctoral studies, but India has genuinely started feeling like a second home. Through ICCR, it's not just about academics—we also get to experience the culture closely, which has been the most memorable and enriching part of my journey."
The foundation day event was attended by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu as the chief guest, along with university dean of colleges Balaram Pani, underscoring the institutional importance of this cultural celebration.
