Cultural program dedicated to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

Chandigarh, February 26, 2019: The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Regional office in collaboration with the Dean International Students’ office, Panjab University today organised a cultural program and dedicated it to their founder President Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Mrs Nalini Singal highlighted the primary objective of ICCR as establishing, reviving and strengthening cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries. She said one of the major activities of the Council is to look after the welfare of foreign students pursuing studies in various Universities/Colleges in the country. To achieve this aim it organizes various activities for the benefit of foreign students. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad the great scholar-statesman and India’s first Education Minister, considered diplomatic relations important for the country and in his remembrance ICCR celebrates his birth anniversary as ‘International Students and National Education Day. The functions are held at all regional centres and large number of foreign students are invited to actively participate by putting up cultural manifestations reflecting their folklore and rich cultural heritage. The highlights of the function were traditional folk dances, songs presented by students from various countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal etc. Prof Nandita Singh, Dean International Students spoke about the significance of these cultural activities in bringing students from diverse cultural, linguistic backgrounds together for developing better understanding and appreciation of each other. In a globalised world when there is so much of homogenisation of cultures these activities also bring us closer to our roots and traditions. Prof Alok Srivastav from Department of Chemistry gave certificates of appreciation to students who had enthusiastically participated to make the event successful. The advisory committee members of ICCR also attended the program. International Students from University Campus as well as affiliated colleges participated.