Speech by Ambassador Y. K. Sailas Thangal at ICCR 77th Foundation Day Celebration

(SVCC, Astana, 09 April 2026)

Distinguished Chief Guest Mr. Darkhan Seitenov, Director (South Asia Division), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 

Esteemed ICCR alumni, 

Distinguished guests, 

Dear friends, students, and members of the Indian diaspora

Namaste and a very warm welcome.

        It gives me immense pleasure to address you all on the joyous occasion of the 77th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, celebrated worldwide as ICCR Day.

2. Today, as we gather within the warm and vibrant atmosphere of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Astana, we celebrate far more than an institutional anniversary. We celebrate seventy-seven years of India’s enduring commitment to cultural diplomacy, dialogue among civilizations, and the strengthening of people-to-people ties across the world.
3. Established on 9 April 1950, ICCR has remained one of India’s foremost pillars of soft power outreach. Through scholarships, academic exchanges, cultural festivals, language promotion, Yoga, dance, music, exhibitions, and intellectual dialogue, ICCR has built lasting bridges of friendship between India and nations across the globe.
4. Here in Kazakhstan, this vision has found a deeply meaningful expression.
5. The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, functioning under the aegis of the Embassy of India in Astana, has steadily emerged as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, learning, and mutual appreciation. Named after Swami Vivekananda, whose message of universal brotherhood continues to inspire humanity, this Centre has become a meeting point of Indian wisdom and Kazakh warmth, tradition, and intellectual curiosity.
6. Over the years, ICCR scholarships have enabled many bright students from Kazakhstan to pursue higher education in India in diverse fields including medicine, engineering, humanities, performing arts,, and research. Many among them are present here today as proud ICCR alumni, serving as living bridges between our two friendly nations.
7. Their journeys reflect the true spirit of ICCR — creating lifelong ambassadors of friendship through education and cultural understanding.
8. I am particularly delighted that today’s celebration brings together ICCR alumni, students, cultural practitioners, and friends of India under one roof. This itself is a powerful reflection of the strength of India–Kazakhstan relations, which continue to flourish on the strong foundation of trust, mutual respect, and civilizational connect.
9. Our cultural presentations this evening will beautifully showcase this shared spirit. Whether through Indian classical traditions, Kazakh artistic expressions, music, dance, or Yoga, each performance reminds us that culture speaks directly to the human heart, transcending language, geography, and borders.
10. In today’s world, where dialogue and understanding are more important than ever, institutions like ICCR continue to play a vital role in fostering harmony and international goodwill. Culture remains one of the most effective instruments to connect societies, especially the youth, and to nurture respect for diversity.
11. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our distinguished Chief Guest, Mr. Darkhan Seitenov, for gracing this celebration with his presence. His participation adds immense value to today’s event and reflects the strong and growing partnership between India and Kazakhstan.
12. I also extend my heartfelt greetings to all ICCR alumni present here today. You are an integral part of India’s global cultural family, and your continued connection with India is deeply cherished.
13. As we celebrate this special day, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to the ideals on which ICCR was founded — friendship, dialogue, cultural understanding, and international cooperation.
14. May the bonds between India and Kazakhstan continue to grow stronger through education, culture, and human connection.

Thank you. Dhanyavaad. Rakhmet.

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