By Vishani Ragobeer

THE shared culture between India and Guyana was celebrated when the Indian High Commission in Guyana commemorated the India Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Foundation Day on Tuesday evening.

The event was held at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Bel Air, Georgetown. The programme featured several cultural presentations including dance, music, language and skits that showcase the Indian culture and local connection.

“The SVCC serves to strengthen and revive culture in Guyana. It has kept the culture of Mother India [and] ensured that every child of Indian and non-Indian culture has equal access in participating in what the SVCC has to offer,” Mayor of Georgetown, pandit Ubraj Narine said.

He noted that the ICCR has been outstanding in promoting and delivering exchange programmes over the years. This, he said, is especially important in a multi-cultural society like Guyana.

“These cultural diversities have provided many principles that have governed all Guyanese one way or another,” he said, adding: “Culture can promote cooperation and development by creating mutual understanding …”

The ICCR aims to foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding and to promote cultural exchanges with other countries and people.

Speaking about the shared relations between the two countries, High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam highlighted that the local Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre was the first Indian cultural centre established outside of India. It has become the home of many cultural events and a myriad of classes facilitating the teaching of the Indian culture.

Former President and Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, who has personally benefited from cultural programmes at the SVCC, hailed the work of the High Commission in ensuring the Indian diaspora in Guyana maintains cultural ties with their homeland.

The cultural presentations included a mix of performances by members of the High Commission and persons of Guyanese origin. And it was made known that the SVCC offers classes in Indian music, dance, cooking, language and yoga.