A cultural event was organized by the Indian Embassy in its auditorium on April 9, 2019 to celebrate the Foundation Day of Indian Council for Cultural Relations, an autonomous body under the government of India. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) was founded in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, independent India’s first Education Minister. Its objectives are to actively participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs pertaining to India’s external cultural relations; to foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries, to promote cultural exchanges with other countries and people, and to develop relations with other nations.
The program included a powerpoint presentation of the photos of cultural events organized during visits of ICCR-sponsored troupes in recent past, talks on Mahatma Gandhi by two eminent personalities, sharing of experiences of yoga classes being conducted by the Mission under the auspices of ICCR by Saudi participants, songs and classical dances. Dr. Faleh Shabib Alajmi, Professor, Arabic Department, King Saud University, and Mr. Vinod Kumar, Chief Marketing Officer, Samba Group, made their thought-provoking presentations on Mahatma Gandhi. Mr. Ahmed Al Maimani, a Saudi national, enthralled the audience with a mesmerizing Hindi song. Indian classical dances were presented by students of International Indian School Riyadh. The Yoga teacher demonstrated his skills on the occasion. The winners of quiz competitions Gandhi @ 150 and Bharat ko Janiye (Know India) were also awarded during the event.
Over 200 guests attended including diplomats, students of yoga classes, invited Saudi personalities, eminent members of the Indian community and members of the Mission.
