Ambassador Speeches

Ambassador’s Speech

Celebration of 77^th Foundation Day of ICCR

Dear Guests,

Ms. Gulzat Maichinova, Ph.D. in Business Management from Osmania University, India,

Ladies and gentlemen.

I am happy to address you today as we celebrate the 77th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)—an institution that has, for over seven decades, stood as a quiet yet powerful architect of India’s engagement with the world.

Founded on 9th April 1950 by. ICCR was conceived not merely as an institution, but as an idea—an idea that culture has the power to transcend borders, resolve differences, and bring humanity closer.

Over the decades, ICCR has evolved into one of the most significant pillars of India’s cultural diplomacy—reaching out not just to governments, but to the hearts and minds of people across continents. Its work reminds us that diplomacy is not only conducted through agreements and negotiations, but also through shared experiences, mutual respect, and cultural understanding.

Today, as we reflect on its remarkable journey, it is important to recognize the scale and depth of its global engagement. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations administers a wide range of scholarship programmes—including the Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme, the Lata Mangeshkar Dance & Music Scholarship Scheme, the Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Cultural Exchange Scholarship Scheme , and the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme—which have transformed lives and built enduring bridges between nations.

Since 1989 alone, more than 100,000 international students from over 140 countries have studied in India under ICCR scholarships. At present, around 7,000 foreign students from nearly 150 countries are pursuing studies in Indian universities and institutes under ICCR scholarships- reflecting India’s growing commitment to global education partnerships.

These numbers are not just statistics—they represent friendships formed, knowledge exchanged, and lifelong connections built between India and the world.

ICCR’s contribution goes far beyond education. Through its network of 38 cultural centers, academic chairs, cultural festivals, exhibitions, and exchange programmes, it has created a vibrant ecosystem of dialogue. These initiatives bring to life the richness of India’s civilizational heritage—its music, dance, yoga, languages, literature, and philosophy—while equally embracing the cultures of partner countries.

In today’s world, marked by rapid technological change, geopolitical shifts, and at times, increasing fragmentation, the relevance of such cultural engagement has become even more profound.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Here in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, we see a growing interest in yoga, Indian classical arts, Hindi language, and Ayurveda, which reflects a deeper cultural resonance between India and the Kyrgyz Republic.

At the Embassy of India, regular free yoga classes at the AYUSH Hall promote holistic health and well-being, while Foundation Hindi language courses foster linguistic and cultural understanding.

We also actively facilitate the participation of cultural troupes from Kyrgyzstan to India in local festivals, and support the exchange of scholars, artists, and professionals through conferences and seminars, further strengthening people-to-people engagement.

As we celebrate this 77th Foundation Day, it is also an occasion to look ahead.

Every student who studies in India becomes a cultural ambassador.
Every artist who performs across borders becomes a messenger of harmony.
And every cultural interaction becomes a step towards a more peaceful and interconnected world.

Before I conclude, I would like to express my deep appreciation to ICCR for its unwavering commitment to fostering global cultural connections.

As we move forward, we remain committed to further deepening the cultural relations between India and Kyrgyzstan.

On this occasion, I extend my warm congratulations to ICCR for its outstanding contributions and to the students who participated in this event.

Thank you.