National Cultural Exchange Program

Our diversified sphere of activities involving a large number of participants surrounds all sections of people. Our programmes both at the Zonal and national level are very popular and attractive. The National Cultural Exchange Programmes, between the different Zonal Cultural Centres provides a platform for exchanging cultural ties, besides providing the common people with a vast knowledge and awareness of Indian culture. The Zonal Cultural centres take a positive role in promoting national integration and communal harmony among the people across the country. Our mission is to bring as many people as possible into the fold of our cultural activity. The inter-cultural exchange promotes a feeling of oneness among the Indians as a whole irrespective of castes and creeds.

A brief report on the visit to Singapore with regard to participation in the “Incredible India@60” from 5th to 8th April, 2008.

A brief report on the visit to Singapore with regard to participation in the “Incredible India@60” from 5th to 8th April, 2008 may kindly be perused. The event was organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Govt. of India, India Tourism Office at Singapore in Collaboration with CII, coordinated by Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata. The folk and classical performing art forms included Purulia Chhou, Dhol/Pung Cholam, Bhangra, Kalaripayuttu, Kalbelia, Puppetry, Bhoopa-Bhoopi, Karagam, Bihu, Sambalpuri, Singhi Chham, Sankhabadan, Holi and Kathak. The folk and classical artistes represented every part of India. The entire contingent was 75 in number. Two officials from the Ministry also attended the festival.
The troupe reached Singapore on 2nd April, 2008 and performed rehearsal for following two days at SIFAS Auditorium, Singapore. The Inaugural Programme in the morning of 5th April, 2008 at Singapore Plaza Atrium was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Culture, Govt. of India Smt. Ambika Soni and the chief guest Dr. Lee Boon Yang, Minister of Information, Communication and the Arts, Govt. of Singapore. The programme was graced by the presence of the High Commisoner of India in Singapore, Dr. S. Jai Shankar, Mr Sunil Mittal, President CII and other high level dignitaries. Dr LEE Boon Yang, Hon’ble Minister of Information, Communication and the Arts, Singapore was overwhelmed with the reception he received by coulourfully dressed performing artistes at the inaugural function. In his speech he expressed his appreciation for selecting Singapore as a venue for celebrating India’s 60 years of independence. Mrs Ambika Soni, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Culture, Govt of India reciprocated her appreciation for the cooperation in celebrating India in Singapore.
The choreography that was presented was highly appreciated by the huge gathering. Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India in collaboration with CII and the High Commission of India in Singapore presented “Experience India”, depicting the different facets of India’s craft and cultural splendor. The rich and ancient cultural heritage of India invoked awe and admiration from people of Singapore. The Ministry of Culture showcased India’s vast and vibrant cultural heritage, as well as its contemporary dynamism.
Craftsmen under Rural Development Project of Ministry of Tourism and UNDP added a different flavour to the Celebrations. Craftsmen from four corners of India such as Hodka, Kuchch District, Gujarat; Banvasi, North Kannada District, Karnataka; Raghurajpur, Puri District, Orissa and from Nepura from Nalanda District, Bihar, dressed in their traditional attire displayed skills in intricate embroidery, wood carvings, stone carvings, leather work, metal works, crafts of indigenous materials – bamboo, bena glass, coconut fibre etc. They received extraordinary response from locals and their art and skill was greatly appreciated by all.
Folk artistes from different corners of India presented glimpses of India’s cultural heritage. The folk dance forms specially selected and choreographed for the festival took people from Singapore on a journey through mystic India. They applauded and danced to the beats of drums. The Eastern Zonal Cultural Center, Kolkata presented Bhangra from North India; martial art form Kalaripayattu & Karagam from South India, Holi dance from Mathura; the Bhoopa-Bhoopi with their soulful tunes and the puppets from Rajasthan; Purulia Chhau from West Bengal and the acrobatic Sankha Badan from Orissa from the Eastern part of the country; colourful and romantic Bihu from Assam and lastly from North East India one of the worlds best drum dances, the Dhol and Pung Cholom. The sole classical dance form Kathak was presented by eminent dancers. Mr John Arifin, a well known Photo Journalist based in Singapore, who has been to India as a guest of the Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India and covered places such as Bangalore, Bandipur, Ranganthittoo, Mysore, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Khajuraho put up the India-Photo Exhibition at the same venue.
Each day of the festival turned the event ground in to a big fair. People came in great numbers to watch India on Orchard Road. Indiatourism, Singapore had publicized event through branding, posters, handouts, TVCs, etc. The entire Singapore was flooded with India posters and branding throughout the event week. A programme was held on the evening of the same day at the Fullerton Hotel, Singapore followed by a state diner. The programme was compared by Sri Kabir Bedi. The programme was also attended by the Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Govt. of India Smt. Ambika Soni and Mr. Lee Boon Yang, Minister of Information, Communication and the Arts, Govt. of Singapore. The 45 minute choreography was extremely appreciated by all and the Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Culture and the High Commissioner of India to Singapore personally congratulate the entire troupe. On 8th April, 2008 two programmes were held at Global Internationl India School. The children enjoyed the programme immensely. In the evening programmes were held at SOKA, SIFAS and India International Centre, Singapore. The audience enjoyed tremendously the colourful Indian Folk Art forms. The spectacular, vibrant and culturally enriched presentation of the Folk and classical dances of India captivated the audience through out the tour. Each programme was attended by a large number of Indian and International spectators. After completion of a very successful tour the cultural group returned back to India on 9th April, 2008. The consulate was extremely happy at the receptivity of the folk art forms by the people at large and expressed keenness to maintain association with the Ministry of Culture and EZCC in future programmes and festivals.