Speech
by Mr. Rajesh Uike, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Republic of Tajikistan, on the 75th
ICCR Day
[Friday,
April 11, 2025]
Esteemed Rector, International University of Tourism and
Entrepreneurship;
Distinguished Professor Mr. Habibullo Rajabov, Padmashri, and Representative of
Friends of India in Tajikistan;
Senior officials of different Ministries of the
Government of Tajikistan;
Dear ICCR Alumni from Tajikistan;
Faculty Members and Students of the University;
Senior Members of the Indian Community present here today;
Friends from media; Ladies and Gentlemen;
Namaskar and a very warm evening to you all!
It
is an immense pleasure to welcome you all to our celebration of ICCR
Day; a moment to honor one of India’s most cherished institutions dedicated
to cultural and educational diplomacy.
Tonight’s
gathering is particularly special, as the Indian Council for Cultural
Relations (ICCR) marks its 75th anniversary—a milestone in fostering
global harmony through the universal language of culture.
The
ICCR was established (75 years ago) on April 9, 1950, to strengthen
cultural ties between India and the world. The ICCR was envisioned as a
platform for cultural diplomacy, promoting India’s rich traditions—its
classical arts, literature, and philosophies. Its mission was also to
facilitate India’s external cultural relations, through cultural
exchanges, and build bridges with nations worldwide, fostering mutual
respect and understanding.
And,
from its inception, the ICCR embodied India’s aspiration to share its
pluralistic ethos, drawing inspiration from ancient traditions of Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam—the world is one family.
Dear
Friends!
Over
the past 75 years, the ICCR has organised various programs abroad and
conducted cultural outreach activities in over 180 countries. The
ICCR has organized thousands of festivals, exhibitions, and performances,
showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage, including classical dances like
Bharatanatyam and Kathak, soulful music traditions like Hindustani and
Carnatic, and timeless literary works from the Vedas to Tagore.
The
ICCR has also championed India’s traditional knowledge systems— Yoga and
Ayurvea—introducing their benefits to global audiences. Imagine the scene:
an ICCR-sponsored Kathak troupe mesmerizing audiences in Central
Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America, or a yoga workshop in South East
Asia and America fostering wellness and peace. These efforts have elevated
India’s soft power, making its culture a bridge for dialogue in a divided
world.
In
Tajikistan, the ICCR has played a transformative
role in nurturing deep bonds of friendship between our peoples. The
Swami Vivekanand Cultural Centre in Dushanbe, established under the ICCR’s
aegis, is a vibrant hub of cultural exchange. It offers classes in Hindi,
yoga, and Indian classical dance, drawing hundreds of Tajik enthusiasts
eager to explore India’s heritage.
I
recall meeting young Tajik students at the Centre who, after learning
Kathak, describing how the dance’s expressive gestures reminded them of
Tajikistan’s own poetic traditions—a beautiful example of how culture
transcends borders.
Through
art, music, and language, the ICCR and SVCC foster trust and friendship,
reinforcing the historical ties between India and Tajikistan, which
trace back to the Silk Route days and beyond, spread over millennia, when
traders and scholars exchanged ideas under the same starry skies.
Education
is at the heart of the ICCR’s mission, and its scholarship programs have empowered
thousands of students worldwide to study in India. In Tajikistan, this
initiative has been a game-changer. Each year, talented Tajik youth receive
ICCR scholarships to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs
at India’s premier institutions such as Delhi University, University of Kerala,
Lucknow University, Gujarat University, Osmania University, Mysore University
and the University of English and Foreign Languages in Hyderabad, to name a
few.
In
2024 alone, 28 Tajik students embarked on this
journey, immersing themselves in fields as diverse as engineering, medicine,
and literature. Two exceptional students are receiving training in Indian
classical dance at the prestigious Parchin Kala Kendra, mastering
the intricate rhythms of Kathak. These scholars return not just with degrees
but with a profound appreciation for India’s diversity, its democratic spirit,
and its warm hospitality. They become ambassadors of goodwill, bringing
India and Tajikistan closer together.
Let
me share a story that captures this spirit. Last year,
I met a Tajik ICCR alumnus, now a professor here in Dushanbe, who studied environmental
science in India. He spoke passionately about how his time in India—not
only the academic rigor but also the festivals like Diwali and Holi—shaped
his worldview. Today, he incorporates Indian sustainable practices into his
teaching, inspiring his students to think globally. Such stories remind us
that ICCR scholars are living bridges, carrying forward the legacy of
friendship between our nations.
Let
me highlight another ICCR success story—we rejoice in the vibrant
melodies of the celebrated Tajik pop star Nauzia Karmatullo, a beloved
figure in both Tajikistan and India. Her music enriches our celebration, and
it’s particularly significant because Nauzia, a distinguished ICCR
scholar, personifies the cultural bridges we celebrate today.
The
ICCR’s impact in Tajikistan extends beyond scholarships. The
establishment of the Hindi-Urdu Chair at Tajik National University has deepened
intellectual ties, fostering academic and literary collaboration. Tajik
students now explore the works of Premchand and Ghalib alongside their
own literary giants like Rudaki, creating a dialogue between our shared
linguistic heritage.
The
ICCR also organizes cultural festivals in Tajikistan,
such as the annual Festival of India, where Bollywood dance workshops and tabla
recitals captivate audiences. These events celebrate our shared love for
storytelling and rhythm, echoing the Persian-Indian fusion also seen
in our miniature paintings or the ghazals that resonate in both our
cultures.
As
we celebrate 75 years of the ICCR, we also reflect on its remarkable
evolution. India has grown more confident in expressing its identity.
The ICCR’s 37 cultural centers worldwide, including the one in Dushanbe, are
now hubs of promoting people-to-people contact through cultural diplomacy,
blending tradition with modern and contemporary culture to engage younger
audiences. For instance, the ICCR’s virtual reality exhibitions allow global
audiences to “walk” through UNESCO heritage Ajanta Caves or experience a live
tabla performance from Delhi, making India’s heritage accessible to all.
Cultural
diplomacy today is inseparable from statecraft, and
the ICCR remains at the forefront, engaging youth through education and
exchange. India’s diaspora also plays a pivotal role in this mission, acting as
cultural ambassadors who amplify India’s voice. Here in Tajikistan, the
Indian community’s active support for the Swami Vivekanand Cultural Centre is a
testament to this synergy.
Dear
friends!
I deeply
commend the Tajik students and scholars who have studied in India under
ICCR scholarships. Many of you are now educators, doctors, engineers and
business leaders, contributing to Tajikistan’s progress while strengthening our
bilateral ties. The Embassy of India in Dushanbe is committed to supporting ICCR
scholars every step of the way.
As
we celebrate 75th ICCR Day today, I
request our ICCR alumni to stay connected. Your experiences in India—your
stories of masala chai-fueled debates or monsoon-soaked campus walks—are
invaluable. Let us collaborate to advance shared goals, whether through cultural
projects, academic partnerships, or community initiatives, creating a
win-win partnership for friendly people of our two great nations.
And
to the youth here, I encourage you, to explore ICCR opportunities. India
offers world-class education at affordable costs, set against a backdrop
of vibrant festivals, ancient monuments, and warm hospitality—a unique
blend of knowledge and culture.
In
closing, I express my gratitude to the Government of Tajikistan for its
cooperation for the ICCR and SVCC.
My
heartfelt thanks to the Rector, faculty, and students
of this esteemed university for hosting us in this magnificent hall.
I
extend my best wishes to all ICCR scholars, present and future.
Together, we can build a more interconnected world through education and
exchange.
On
a delightful note, I’m thrilled to announce that next week, we will host
a renowned Indian dance troupe led by the celebrated artist Ms. Vidha
Lal. They will perform a captivating Kathak concert right here for the
students of this university. I extend invitation to you all to join us to
witness the magic of this classical art form, which tells stories through every
dance movement and glance.
Once
again, thank you all for gracing this occasion.
Tonight,
we have a vibrant program of music, dance, and Indian cuisine. Let us
celebrate, connect, and make unforgettable memories together.
Dhanyavad!
Tashakkur!
