Indira Gandhi Culture Centre

The Centre also organises Film shows, book launches, painting exhibitions, dance programmes, international conferences and poetry recitations involving Indian and Bangladeshi artists on a regular basis. A book “Rabi Bichitra” published by the High Commission of India in Dhaka was launched in the Centre in June 2011 by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the Dhaka University, H.E. Prof. A.A.M.S. Arefin Siddique along with the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Rajeet Mitter.

Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University and High Commissioner of India
launching “Rabi Bichitra” at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, Gulshan

In May 2011, the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre organised a retrospective of 7 films of the noted Bengali film director and producer, Satyajit Ray, at the Bangladesh National Museum on the occasion of Ray’s 90th Birth Anniversary.

Finance Minister of Bangladesh and High Commissioner of India
inaugurating Satyajit Ray Film Retrospective

A similar retrospective of films of popular Bengali actor and producer, Uttam Kumar, was organised by the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka and Chittagong in July and November 2010 respectively on the occasion of the 30th Death Anniversary of Uttam Kumar. In September 2011, A Retrospective of Films on Tagore’s Stories was organised at the Bangladesh National Museum from September 23-26, 2011.

In April-May 2011, the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre sponsored the International Conference on Contemporising Tagore and the World at the Dhaka University that saw participation of several Bangladeshi, Indian and other foreign delegates. A Rabindra Nritya Natya, “Rakto Karobi” was also presented by a cultural troupe from the Jahnavi Centre for Performing Arts, Kolkata on the occasion.

Presentation of Rakto Karobi by Jahnavi Centre for Performing Arts, Kolkata

In January 2012, a 7-member Odissi Dance group led by Mrs. Monalisa Ghosh visited Bangladesh and performed at Khulna, Barisal, Dhaka (including at the Republic Day of India celebrations) and Mymensingh

Ms. Monalisa Ghosh performing Odissi dance in Bangladesh

In March 2012, the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre organised an Evening dedicated to Kazi Nazrul Islam, National Poet of Bangladesh, at its auditorium in Gulshan, as part of the joint celebrations of the 90th Anniversary of the publication of the famous poem—“Bidrohi”—by the rebel poet, between India and Bangladesh.

Prof. Rafiqul Islam, Chairperson, Nazrul Institute of Bangladesh, and Acting High Commissioner of India releasing Nazrul Bichitra at IGCC in Gulshan

During the evening, “Nazrul Bichitra”—a commemorative book on the rebel poet published by the High Commission of India was released by Prof. Rafiqul Islam noted Nazrul researcher and Chairperson of the Nazrul Institute Trustee Board of Bangladesh as the Chief Guest along with the Acting High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Sanjay Bhattacharya. This was followed by an evening of Nazrul Geeti by renowned Bangladeshi exponent, Mr. Khairul Anam Shakil and his spouse Mrs. Masuda Anam Kalpona.

On May 12, 2012, Indira Gandhi Culture Centre organised a Felicitation Ceremony for Dr. Sanjida Khatun, Chairperson, Chayyanaut, for receiving the prestigious “Desikottama” from the Visvabharati University in Shantiniketan at its premise in Gulshan.

High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh felicitating Dr. Sanjida Khatun with a shawl

During the Felicitation Ceremony at the Centre, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Pankaj Saran, lauded Dr. Sanjida Khatun for her tremendous effort in keeping the legacy of Tagore alive under most difficult political circumstances. Chief Guest Professor Anisuzzaman recollected his life-long association with Dr. Sanjida Khatun commencing from his days as a student at the University of Dhaka when he shared classroom with Dr. Khatun for lessons in Bangla literature. Dr. Sanjida Khatun expressed gratitude to all and said that she has been rewarded for the dedication and devotion towards Gurudeb Rabindranath Tagore. She also paid respect to Late Wahidul Haque calling him a visionary and whose ideals she implemented for the achievements and honor that she has received till date.

Following Dr. Khatun's felicitation by the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Mrs. Mita Haque, eminent exponent of Rabindra Sangeet and a relative and disciple of Dr. Khatun, enthralled the packed audience at IGCC with her immaculate and soul touching rendition of Tagore songs dedicating them to her Guru and Mentor Dr. Sanjida Khatun.

Mrs. Mita Haque rendering Rabindra Sangeet at IGCC, Gulshan