Wednesday Fiesta shines spotlight on Indian arts, culture, sporting excellence
Tribune News Network
Doha
As part of its ongoing mission to foster cultural pride and community spirit, the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), under the aegis of the Embassy of India, Qatar, successfully hosted another vibrant edition of its weekly cultural series, 'ICC Wednesday Fiesta', on Wednesday, 11th June 2025, at the ICC Ashoka Hall.
Designed to be a dynamic celebration of Indian arts and culture, the event featured a captivating line-up of performances by artists from various ICC affiliated organisations (AOs) and arts centres operating in Qatar. The stage came alive with colourful displays of classical, folk, and contemporary art forms, showcasing the diversity and richness of India's cultural tapestry.
The evening began with a warm welcome address delivered by Ravindra Prasad, ICC head of affiliation, who extended greetings to the distinguished guests and members of the Indian community. This was followed by the presidential address from ICC President AP Manikantan, who lauded the consistent efforts of ICC and its affiliates in nurturing and promoting Indian heritage through regular cultural programming.
A special highlight of the event was the felicitation of three exceptional Indian athletes from Qatar —Saji Sreekumaran, Shyam Sivaji, and Navas Muhammad — who recently brought laurels to the Indian expatriate community by winning bronze medals in the Men's 35+ Handball category at the World Masters Games held in Taipei, Taiwan. Their achievement was acknowledged with great pride and applause, marking the intersection of cultural celebration and sportingachievement.
The evening's programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Venkappa Bhagavatula, ICC head of in-house activities, who expressed gratitude to all performers, volunteers, and attendees for making the event a resounding success. The event was smoothly and gracefully anchored by Prema, whose professional hosting added to the charm of the evening.
The occasion was graced by ICC General Secretary Abraham K Joseph, members of the ICC Managing Committee, presidents of affiliated organisations, and several senior community leaders, all of whom reiterated their commitment to strengthening India-Qatar cultural ties.
The 'ICC Wednesday Fiesta' continues to stand as a dynamic platform that not only celebrates India's rich cultural heritage but also recognises the achievements of the Indian diaspora, building a stronger and more vibrant community spirit in Qatar.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Qatar Tribune
9 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
‘Ganga Sanskritik Sandhya' unites UP expat community in Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha The vibrant Indian expatriate community hailing from Uttar Pradesh (North India) came together in a magnificent celebration of their cultural heritage during the inaugural edition of 'Ganga Sanskritik Sandhya', heldlast Friday. Organised by the newly-formed Amrit Uttar Pradesh Navrang Sanskritik Mandal, Qatar, the event marked a major milestone for the North Indian diaspora in the country, offering a vibrant platform to showcase their cultural roots and community spirit. The evening saw the enthusiastic participation of around 200 families and individuals residing in Qatar, who united under the shared banner of tradition, identity, and pride in their cultural legacy. The gathering radiated warmth and camaraderie, as people of all ages came together to relive and celebrate the traditions of their home state. The event was graced by Harish Pandey, First Secretary (Education & Culture) at the Embassy of India in Qatar, who attended as the chief guest. In his keynote address, Pandey commended the Uttar Pradesh community's efforts in preserving and promoting their rich and diverse cultural heritage abroad. He emphasised the vital role such inclusive cultural initiatives play in nurturing a deeper sense of belonging among diaspora communities and in promoting India's cultural values on the global stage. Adding further prestige to the occasion was the presence of several distinguished guests from the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), Qatar. These included Manikantan AP, president of ICC; PN Baburajan, chairman of the ICC advisory council and Managing Director of Skills Development Centre, Qatar; Abraham K Joseph, general secretary of ICC; and Nandini Abbagouni, head of cultural activities at ICC. They praised the efforts of the organisers and reiterated ICC's commitment to supporting community-led initiatives that celebrate India's cultural diversity. Also present to extend their goodwill were Satyendra Pathak, president of Bihar Social Forum, and Irfan Ansari, founder and former President of the Bihar Social Forum. Both shared words of encouragement and congratulated the organisers on the success of their maiden cultural event. The evening featured a vibrant cultural programme, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary performances. From melodious musical renditions using traditional instruments to energetic folk and fusion dance performances, the stage came alive with the diverse artistic expressions of Uttar Pradesh. Children and adults alike captivated the audience with their talent and passion, reinforcing a deep sense of cultural pride and identity. In a statement shared by the founder members of the Amrit Uttar Pradesh Navrang Sanskritik Mandal, Nita Mishra and Ashutosh Mishra, the importance of creating a platform for cultural expression, social bonding, and community development among the diaspora was underlined. They expressed their gratitude to all participants and supporters, noting that this event was only the beginning of a broader cultural movement within the community. The success of the event was a result of the dedicated efforts of the organising team, which included Ajay Rai, Sweta Rai, Abhishek Srivastava, Arun Verma, Nikhil Srivastava, Vinod Mishra, and Shivendra Singh. The team extended their heartfelt thanks to the Indian Cultural Centre and the Embassy of India for their unwavering support and encouragement, which played a vital role in making the inaugural event a resounding success.
Qatar Tribune
9 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
‘ICC Wednesday Fiesta' celebrates rich tapestry of Indian arts and culture
Tribune News Network Doha In a vibrant celebration of India's diverse artistic heritage, the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), under the aegis of the Embassy of India in Qatar, in association with NORVA Qatar, presented another splendid edition of 'ICC Wednesday Fiesta' — a weekly cultural platform dedicated to Indian arts and culture. The event was held on the evening of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the ICC Ashoka Hall, drawing an enthusiastic crowd from across the Indian expatriate community in Qatar. This colourful cultural evening featured an engaging array of performances presented by the talented members of NORVA Qatar, who showcased India's timeless traditions through expressive dance, music, and theatrical presentations. From classical rhythms to contemporary interpretations, the stage was alive with energy, storytelling, and vibrant costumes, creating an immersive experience for the audience. The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Pradeep Pillai, ICC secretary and head of external activities, who greeted the guests and dignitaries, expressing gratitude for their continued support and participation in ICC's ongoing efforts to promote Indian culture abroad. He highlighted the significance of weekly cultural engagements like the Wednesday Fiesta in nurturing young talent and reinforcing the cultural identity of the Indian diaspora in Qatar. In his presidential address, AP Manikantan, president of ICC, commended the spirit of collaboration between ICC and NORVA Qatar and lauded the performers for their dedication to upholding India's cultural traditions. He reaffirmed ICC's commitment to fostering unity, creativity, and cultural continuity through such inclusive and community-driven events. Manikantan also acknowledged the Embassy of India's unwavering support in enabling these cultural celebrations to thrive in Qatar. The evening was seamlessly and elegantly anchored by Nora Rose, who kept the momentum and spirit of the event lively with her engaging commentary and graceful presentation. Her poise and presence added charm and continuity to the programme, ensuring a memorable experience for all in attendance. The cultural celebration concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Biswajit Banerji, ICC Head of Finance. He expressed appreciation to NORVA Qatar for their vibrant performances, to the guests for their presence, and to the volunteers and ICC team for their tireless efforts behind the scenes. The event was graced by several esteemed dignitaries, including ICC Vice President Shantanu Deshpande, ICC General Secretary Abraham K Joseph, and other members of the ICC Managing Committee. Also present were the presidents of various affiliated Indian community organizations and senior leaders from across the Indian diaspora, whose attendance underscored the collective spirit and unity of the community. 'ICC Wednesday Fiesta' continues to be a shining example of cultural preservation and community bonding in Qatar, offering a weekly stage where art, tradition, and fellowship flourish in harmony. The ICC's consistent efforts, bolstered by the support of the Embassy of India and participating cultural organisations like NORVA Qatar, reflect the enduring spirit of India's rich cultural mosaic.
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Qatar Tribune
Al Mohannadi leads talks in Tashkent to strengthen ATTF's partnership with Uzbekistan
Tribune News Network Tashkent Khalil bin Ahmed Al Mohannadi, President of the Qatar, Arab, and Asian Table Tennis Federations, led a high-level delegation from the Asian Federation on an official visit to the Uzbek capital, Tashkent. During the visit, he met with a number of senior government and sports officials, including Mr. Kudbiev Sherzod Davletovich, Chairman of the Tax Committee and President of the Uzbek Table Tennis Federation. The visit aims to strengthen regional sports cooperation and explore prospects for developing the game in Central Asia. The meeting, held at the headquarters of the Uzbek Tax Committee, marked an important milestone in the partnership between the Asian Federation and Uzbekistan. Future plans for the development of table tennis were reviewed, particularly in light of the remarkable organizational and logistical success of the 29th Asian Youth Championship currently being held in Tashkent, with the participation of 361 players from 22 countries, amid widespread acclaim from international delegations and observers. Al Mohannadi expressed his deep appreciation for Uzbekistan's efforts in supporting table tennis, stressing that the excellent organization of the current tournament reflects the country's genuine commitment to advancing this sport. He also praised the quality of the facilities and the smooth organization of the 'Homo' complex, which hosted world-class competitions. During the meeting, Al Mohannadi emphasized that the Asian Federation is confident in Uzbekistan's ability to host the 2026 Asian Championships at an exceptional level. He noted that the country's successive successes in organizing tournaments, along with its advanced infrastructure, make it an ideal candidate to host one of the most important upcoming continental events. The meeting also addressed the importance of Central Asia as a strategic region on the global table tennis map. Long-term projects were discussed, including the establishment of regional training centers, the expansion of youth programs, and the enhancement of expertise exchange with member states. They also included supporting training and technical education initiatives, which would contribute to building a new generation of players and coaches in the region. Khalil Al Mohannadi emphasized that the partnership with Uzbekistan goes beyond hosting tournaments, extending to deeper levels of technical, technological, and administrative cooperation. He said the AFC's desire is to make Uzbekistan a pivotal partner in implementing continental development projects, and that this partnership represents a true model of complementary roles between sports institutions and national governments. The meeting participants also praised the growing role of sports tourism in supporting the local economy. The current Asian Youth Championship demonstrated Uzbekistan's great potential to attract international visitors and highlight the country's cultural and civilizational heritage. Mr. Kudbiev noted this, explaining that the Uzbek government views sports as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development plans. The meeting concluded with an affirmation of mutual optimism about the future of table tennis in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, and a commitment from both sides to continue working together to expand the game's horizon.
