Tribune News Network
Doha
The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), under the aegis of the Embassy of India in Qatar, continued its vibrant celebration of India’s diverse cultural heritage through its weekly cultural series, ‘ICC Wednesday Fiesta,’ held on Wednesday, April 16, at the ICC Ashoka Hall.
The event, which has become a popular mid-week cultural highlight for the Indian diaspora in Qatar, featured a rich array of performances presented by affiliated organisations (AOs) and Indian arts centres functioning in the country. A colourful medley of performances brought the evening to life, highlighting the cultural brilliance of India’s various states and traditions.
The program commenced with a warm welcome by ICC Head of In-house Activities, Venkappa Bhagavatula, who extended greetings to the audience and special guests. This was followed by the opening remarks of Shantanu Deshpande, Vice President of ICC, who emphasized the importance of community-driven initiatives in fostering cultural exchange and nurturing Indian heritage abroad.
Delivering the presidential address, ICC President AP Manikantan lauded the consistent efforts of cultural organisations in enriching the cultural landscape of Qatar. He praised the commitment of participating arts groups and individual artists who continue to dedicate their time and talent toward the preservation and promotion of Indian art forms.
As part of the evening’s special recognitions, Chandra Mohanan and Satheesan Koliyat, presidents of ICC-affiliated organisations Pravasi Welfare & Cultural Forum and Payyannur Sauhruda Vedi, respectively, were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to community welfare and cultural promotion. Their relentless service and leadership were acknowledged as exemplary models of commitment to the Indian diaspora in Qatar.
The cultural fiesta featured a vibrant blend of traditional dance performances, soulful music renditions, and thematic presentations by member organisations. Each performance reflected the diversity and artistic richness of India’s regional cultures and languages, creating an atmosphere of unity in diversity.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Biswajith Banerji, ICC Head of Finance, who expressed gratitude to the performers, organisers, audience, and volunteers for making the event a grand success.
The program was expertly anchored by Jayasree Suresh, who kept the evening flowing with her engaging presence and commentary, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all in attendance.
The ‘ICC Wednesday Fiesta’ continues to serve as a powerful platform for cultural expression, community bonding, and the nurturing of young talent, playing a vital role in preserving the Indian ethos far from home.
