13/04/2026
The main celebrations of 77th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations by the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), High Commission of India in Maldives, took place on 10th April, in the August presence of H.E. the High Commissioner of India to Maldives, Shri G. Balasubramanian, along with distinguished guests including Dr. Mahmood Shougee, Chancellor of Maldives National University (MNU); Mr. Ali Amir, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts; Mr. Mohd Rasheed, Chairman, Maldivies Society of Performing Arts; Mr. Ahmed Amjad, President of Friends of India Association Maldives (FAIM) and Prof. Aly Shameem of MNU alongside officials from the High Commission, local cultural organisations, and members of the Indian diaspora.
The cultural programme featured stretching exercises choreographed to music by the Centre’s local yoga instructor, dance presentations by three ICC dance student batches along with a solo by the dance teacher, and vocal performances by ICC music students led by their India-based faculty. The evening also included a short film on ICCR, highlights of the Centre’s year-round activities, and recorded alumni reflections on their experiences in India.
A special segment showcased moving testimonials from ICC beneficiaries and practitioners, including leaders of the Bidhabin folk group, 2ofus and dance group, Mr. Mohd Asim, Mr. Ahmed Adhuham, and Ms Nuha Naseer, who have recently represented the Maldives at ICCR-supported international festivals. A felicitation ceremony led by the High Commissioner honoured Indian diaspora children and volunteers for their contribution to the Chhau dance presentation performed before the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji during his State Visit to Maldives last July.
In his address, the High Commissioner commended the ICC team, noting that under the Director’s dynamic leadership, vision has been steadily translated into meaningful cultural impact, listed out more meaningful engagements in the pipeline and encouraged continued collaboration. The Chairperson of MSPA appreciated ICC’s contribution to nurturing artistic talent and creative expression.
In her remarks, Director ICC expressed deep gratitude to the High Commissioner for his constant encouragement, steady guidance, and unwavering support that have enabled the Centre to grow with confidence and purpose. She underscored ICCR’s role in cultural diplomacy and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, while urging that art must never stagnate but continue to flow through sustained engagement and collective support, noting that while Directors and teachers may change, the spirit of the Centre endures through its community.
The evening concluded on a warm and celebratory note with cultural exchanges and dinner interactions, marking yet another memorable milestone for the Centre.
Indian Council For Cultural Relations
India in Maldives (High Commission of India, Male)
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
PMO India
National Centre for the Arts
Ministry of Dhivehi language , Culture and Heritage
Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives
