Background
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) was set up in India in 1950 with the primary objective of establishing strengthening and reviving cultural relations and mutual understanding with other countries.
Its aims are:-
a) to participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs relating to India’s external cultural relations;
b) to foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries;
c) to promote cultural exchange with other countries and people; and
d) to establish and develop relations with national and international organizations in the field of culture.
One of the primary objectives of the Council is to promote greater awareness of India’s cultural heritage abroad. ICCR has set up Cultural Centers abroad in pursuance of these objectives.
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
JNICC
The Jawaharlal Nehru Indian Cultural Centre (JNICC) started its activities from June 1988 from the Embassy premises and moved to its present location 32 Jl. Imam Bonjol, Jakarta on June 9, 1989 which was formerly inaugurated by Prof. Fuad Hassan, the then Minister of Education and Culture, Republic of Indonesia and the then Minister of State for External Affairs Mr. K. Natwar Singh. The Center functions under the overall supervision of the Embassy and is headed by Mrs. Usha Naqvi, who is the current Director of JNICC.
The main objective of JNICC are as follows:-
1. To promote Indian culture in its widest sense in Indonesia.
2. To disseminate culture-related information aimed at a better understanding of India.
3. To foster closer links between India and Indonesia through cultural exchanges.
Activities
The Center has steadily increased its range of activities and from its inception has focused on the following activities to develop a dynamic profile.
1. Interaction and co-operation with Indonesian cultural and academic institutions, impresarios, publishers, schools, and the Indian community. JNICC has sought encouragement, advise and support from them for promoting Indian art and culture in Indonesia.
2. Co-ordination of performance and movement of ICCR sponsored artists in the region and organizing performances in Jakarta as well as in other cities of Indonesia in collaboration with Indian and Indonesian Cultural Associations.
3. Offering its own in-house activities comprising of music and dance recitals, photographic and painting exhibitions, workshops and lecture demonstration as well as regular Dance, Tabla and Yoga classes.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Indian Cultural Centre has 3 teachers on its faculty who impart training in Kathak dance, Tabla and Yoga to a large number of Indonesian, Indian and other nationals. These professional teachers from India also participate in various cultural events organized by JNICC and the Embassy of India. The Center organizes cultural activities such as a film show, music recital or dance, painting exhibition etc. These functions are open to all interested viewers. For invitation or entry please get in touch with the Center.
