ICCR Foundation day celebration / X/ Indian Diplomacy

Indian missions across the world marked the 77th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) with cultural events, exhibitions, and community engagement programmes.

In New York City, the Consulate General of India presented “RACHNA – Indian Art & Literature Exhibition,” featuring works by diaspora artists and writers. 

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On the occasion of ICCR Foundation Day, @IndiainNewYork , proudly presented RACHNA – Indian Art & Literature Exhibition, a vibrant celebration of India’s timeless artistic and literary traditions.
The exhibition brought together talented artists and writers from across the… pic.twitter.com/ru9ZzKbbGK

— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) April 9, 2026

The exhibition showcased classical and folk art forms, including Tanjore, Madhubani, Warli, and Pattachitra, alongside literary works spanning languages and generations.

In Atlanta, the Consulate highlighted ICCR’s role in promoting India’s cultural heritage and fostering people-to-people ties. The event included presentations on yoga and Ayurveda, alongside cultural performances. 

Consulate proudly celebrated the 77th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR Day), commemorating India’s enduring commitment to cultural diplomacy and global engagement.

On the occasion, the Consul (Culture) highlighted ICCR’s pivotal role in promoting… pic.twitter.com/ah9WspbRek

— India in Atlanta (@CGI_Atlanta) April 10, 2026

A separate initiative saw the Consulate collaborate with the Brahma Kumaris Atlanta to organize yoga sessions, including a special session led by ICCR’s Swati Kumari as part of the countdown to the 12th International Day of Yoga in 2026.

In the United Kingdom, ICCR’s regional centre hosted cultural performances and competitions with participation from the Indian diaspora and local audiences, attended by former Member of Parliament Virendra Sharma and academic Werner Menski.

A wonderful celebration of the @iccr_hq Foundation Day was held at @CGI_Bghm , bringing together over 100 guests for an evening of culture, community and connection. Speakers reflected on ICCR’s achievements and shared their enriching experiences. The audience was captivated by… pic.twitter.com/gp55T2B7e8

— India in Birmingham (@CGI_Bghm) April 10, 2026

In Birmingham, more than 100 guests attended an event organized by the Consulate General of India, where speakers reflected on ICCR’s initiatives. Performances included Bihu, Garba, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak.

At Lisbon, the Embassy of India described ICCR as “a cornerstone of India’s cultural diplomacy since 1950,” marking the occasion with exhibitions of Indian fabrics and block printing, along with dance performances at the embassy residence.

The Embassy in Phnom Penh hosted celebrations at its Yoga and Dance Centre, attended by Acting Foreign Minister Eat Sophea, an ICCR alumna. The programme featured cultural performances highlighting Indian artistic traditions.

The Embassy of celebrated the 77th ICCR Day at its new Yoga & Dance Centre,with H.E. Eat Sophea,Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and an ICCR alumna,as Chief Guest. The evening featured cultural performances showcasing rich artistic traditions. pic.twitter.com/7nPwkuLLYN

— India in Cambodia (@indembcam) April 10, 2026

The Consulate General in Birgunj emphasized ICCR’s role in strengthening India-Nepal ties, with alumni sharing their experiences. Cultural performances by school students and Bhojpuri singer Sunil Pandit were part of the programme.

Consulate General of India, Birgunj (Nepal) celebrated the 77th Foundation Day of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Good number of ICCR Alumni attended and shared their inspiring journeys and ICCR's role in shaping their careers. Shri D.S. Meena, Consul General… pic.twitter.com/Ja64WdDBGb

— India in Birgunj (@in_birgunj) April 10, 2026

In Lilongwe, the High Commission organized a yoga competition, while in Abuja, a display of yogasanas was held in the presence of ICCR alumni and members of the Indian community.

At the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre in Budapest, Ambassador Anshuman Gaur highlighted ICCR’s role in fostering cultural exchange, with alumni interactions and dance performances marking the event.

Established on April 9, 1950, by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, ICCR functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs and serves as a key arm of India’s cultural diplomacy, promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding with countries worldwide.

The council operates through a global network of cultural centres and programmes, including exhibitions, performances, academic exchanges, and scholarships for international students, with thousands of foreign students supported annually under its schemes.

Discover more at New India Abroad.