Amid Omicron threat, ICCR hopeful for event

■ Event to showcase India’s rich democratic traditions

Notwithstanding the current global Omicron scare and increasing challenges to international travel, the Union government’s cultural body the Indian Council for Cultural Affairs (ICCR) remains hopeful and confident of continuing with its ambitious ongoing mega-event titled “Next Generation Democracy” of inviting “young leaders” from 75 democracies around the world to visit India as part of the celebrations of the country’s 75 years of Independence. The ICCR functions under the purview of the ministry of external affairs (MEA).

The inaugural batch of youth leaders comprising members of Parliament, social activists and those working in various other sectors from Bhutan, Sweden, Jamaica, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Poland, Uzbekistan and Malaysia concluded their week-long visit to India earlier on Thursday. The visits are being organised to enable the foreign youth delegates “get a glimpse into the functioning of Indian democracy, culture and heritage”, ICCR officials said, adding that more such delegations would be invited to visit in the coming months.

Both ICCR president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe and director-general Dinesh K. Patnaik also met the visiting delegates. The ICCR said, “The weeklong stay of these international delegates included information and knowledge sharing events like idea-exchange forums, seminars, visits of various levels of government institutions and visits to select Indian cities enriched with heritage.” Art exhibitions, photo galleries, folk art events, food, and handicraft fair and several symposia demonstrating the successes of India’s democratic journey of 75 years have also been showcased, ICCR officials said.

Officials said the megaevent is to “emphasise India’s rich democratic traditions”.