ICCR 75 Years: Cultural Diplomacy in Bangladesh 2025

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 mandate extends beyond mere cultural showcasing—it actively builds bridges between nations through:

• Scholarships: Providing educational opportunities to international students in Indian universities
• Artist Exchanges: Facilitating cross-border collaborations between Indian and foreign artists
• Cultural Programs: Organizing festivals, exhibitions, and performances worldwide
• Publications: Promoting Indian literature, philosophy, and scholarly works

ICCR stands as one of India’s leading international outreach agencies, embodying the concept of soft power diplomacy—the ability to influence others through cultural appeal rather than military or economic coercion. Its influence spans multiple dimensions:

Arts and Performance

ICCR organizes Indian classical dance (Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi), music (Hindustani and Carnatic), theater, and folk performances across continents. These programs introduce global audiences to India’s artistic traditions while creating platforms for cultural dialogue.

Education and Scholarships

Through various scholarship schemes, ICCR enables thousands of international students to study in Indian universities annually. This creates a network of India-educated professionals worldwide who become cultural ambassadors in their own countries.

Exhibitions and Publications

ICCR curates art exhibitions showcasing Indian painters, sculptors, and photographers. It also publishes books, journals, and research papers that promote understanding of Indian philosophy, history, and contemporary thought.

People-to-People Diplomacy

Perhaps most importantly, ICCR bridges hearts through artist exchanges, collaborative workshops, and joint cultural productions. These initiatives create lasting personal connections that transcend political boundaries.

Bangladesh is a key focus of ICCR’s South Asia engagement. The deep cultural, linguistic, and historical bonds between India and Bangladesh—rooted in shared Bengali heritage, the 1971 Liberation War, and geographical proximity—make it a natural partner in ICCR’s vision for cross-cultural harmony.

Two Cultural Centers in Dhaka:

1. Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) – Dhanmondi

Inaugurated in 2011, IGCC serves as the flagship cultural institution promoting Indo-Bangladeshi cultural cooperation. Named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s independence, the center symbolizes the historical friendship between the two nations.

2. Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) – Gulshan

Launched in 2021, ICC expanded ICCR’s reach in Dhaka, offering additional programming and reaching new audiences in Bangladesh’s diplomatic and commercial hub.

Services Offered:

• Language courses (Hindi, Sanskrit, Bengali literature)
• Classical dance classes (Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Manipuri)
• Music training (Hindustani classical, tabla, sitar)
• Art exhibitions featuring Indian and Bangladeshi artists
• Film festivals showcasing Indian cinema
• Cultural workshops and collaborative programs
• Yoga and wellness sessions

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

The IGCC and ICC have become synonymous with cultural diplomacy in Bangladesh. Their year-round programming creates continuous engagement between Indian and Bangladeshi communities:

Classical Dance and Music Performances

Regular recitals in traditional Indian art forms like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Hindustani classical music provide Bangladeshi audiences with exposure to India’s artistic heritage. These performances often feature both Indian visiting artists and local students trained at ICCR centers.

Joint Cross-Border Performances

Collaborative programs involving both Indian and Bangladeshi performers celebrate the shared cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent. These events highlight commonalities in music, dance, and storytelling traditions.

Art Exhibitions and Workshops

Visual arts programs offer platforms for dialogue through painting, sculpture, photography, and traditional crafts. Workshops enable skill transfer and creative exchange between Indian and Bangladeshi artists.

Film Screenings and Literary Readings

ICCR promotes Indian cinema, poetry, and storytelling through curated film festivals and literary events. These programs introduce Bangladeshi audiences to contemporary Indian narratives and artistic expressions.

Educational Scholarships

ICCR provides scholarships for Bangladeshi students to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in Indian universities—creating long-term educational and cultural ties.

These programs not only entertain but also educate, creating strong people-to-people connections that serve as the foundation for enduring diplomatic relationships.

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 particularly meaningful was that it was performed by Manipuri artists from Sylhet, Bangladesh, who were trained under Indian mentorship through ICCR programs—a living embodiment of ICCR’s mission to support cross-border cultural training.

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

• Kathak: The elegant North Indian classical dance form known for intricate footwork and graceful spins
• Bharatanatyam: The ancient South Indian dance tradition featuring expressive storytelling through gestures
• Hindustani Classical Music: Showcasing the richness of India’s vocal and instrumental traditions

The performances reflected months of rigorous training and dedication. The audience, comprising diplomats, cultural enthusiasts, and community members, responded with thunderous applause and heartfelt appreciation.

Diplomatic Voices

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

“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—particularly important in South Asia’s complex geopolitical landscape.

ICCR’s cultural outreach goes beyond performances and exhibitions—it’s about building communities, nurturing talent, and creating long-term international goodwill. Its impact can be measured across multiple dimensions:

In Bangladesh, ICCR has:

• Empowered Youth: Through scholarships and training programs, ICCR has enabled thousands of Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education and professional development
• Platform for Artists: Provided emerging Bangladeshi artists opportunities to perform, exhibit, and connect with wider audiences
• Cultural Preservation: Helped preserve shared South Asian cultural elements like Manipuri dance, Bengali literature, and classical music traditions
• Diplomatic Bridge: Served as a non-political platform for dialogue and cooperation during times of bilateral challenges
• Economic Impact: Cultural tourism and educational exchanges create economic opportunities for both nations

Broader Significance:

ICCR’s work demonstrates how cultural diplomacy supports international relations, peacebuilding, and soft power leadership. In an era where military and economic competition often dominates headlines, ICCR shows that shared artistic appreciation can create bonds stronger than political agreements.

The organization’s 75-year journey reflects India’s commitment to multilateral engagement, South-South cooperation, and building a more interconnected world through cultural understanding.