ICCR scholarship applications now open
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) celebrated 75 years of fostering and strengthening international and cultural relations, in Durban, last Friday.
Since 1994, the ICCR’S Durban office has helped over 1 300 South Africans to further their studies in India and return to South Africa empowered with skills and knowledge to share.
Founded on April 9, 1950, by Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, India’s first education minister, the ICCR has been at the forefront of promoting mutual understanding and nurturing cultural ties between India and the rest of the world.
Dr Thelma John David, the consul general of India in Durban, said the foundation of ICCR was a strategic move towards establishing India’s soft power diplomacy, acknowledging the importance of cultural relations in international diplomacy.
She said the ICCR was created as a tool to send India’s vision and cultural values to the world.
“Over the years, ICCR has evolved into a global ambassador of Indian culture, operating through its extensive network of cultural centres and diplomatic missions worldwide,” she said.
She said since 1994 young South Africans have had the privilege of studying in India through the ICCR and that the programme has been a great tool in bridging the gap between the two countries.
“The ICCR’S educational exchange programmes have significantly contributed to promoting international understanding. Through scholarships and cultural exchanges, the council has facilitated educational opportunities for foreign students in India, thereby nurturing a global network of alumni who act as ambassadors of goodwill and friendship between their home countries and India.
“Today we are proud to say that this particular office in Durban has helped over 1 300 South Africans since 1994 and enabled them to further their studies in India and return to SA to share their knowledge,” she said.
She said when two countries interact many believe that it was just the countries who interact, when in actual fact it was the people who interact. “The scholarship programme teaches us people-to-people interaction, where we learn each other’s cultures and experience the country and the values it has to offer”.
Scholarships are open to young South Africans who wish to study in India. Applications close on April 30.
More information can be obtained from the ICCR website: https:// a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in/