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Background
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) was set up in India in 1950 with the primary objective of establishing strengthening and reviving cultural relations and mutual understanding with other countries.
Aims and objectives:-
a) to participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs relating to India's external cultural relations;
b) to foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries;
c) to promote cultural exchange with other countries and people; and
d) to establish and develop relations with national and international organizations in the field of culture.
One of the primary objectives of the Council is to promote greater awareness of India's cultural heritage abroad. ICCR has set up Cultural Centres abroad in pursuance of these objectives.
Indian Cultural Centre (ICC)
Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) started its activities 1996 at the Consulate premises. The Centre functions under the overall supervision of the Consulate and is headed by an Acting Director.
The main objective of ICC are as follows:-
1. To promote Indian culture in its widest sense in South Africa.
2. To disseminate culture-related information aimed at a better understanding of India.
3. To foster closer links between India and South Africa through cultural exchanges.
Activities
The Center has steadily increased its range of activities and from its inception has focused on the following activities to develop a dynamic profile.
1. Interaction and co-operation with South African cultural and academic institutions, impresarios, publishers, schools, and the Indian community. ICC has sought encouragement, advise and support from them for promoting Indian art and culture in Indonesia.
2. Co-ordination of performance and movement of ICCR sponsored artists in the region and organizing performances in Johannesburg as well as in other cities of South Africa under the jurisdiction of the Post in collaboration with Indian and South African Cultural Associations.
3. Offering its own in-house activities comprising of music and dance recitals, photographic and painting exhibitions, workshops and lecture demonstration as well as regular Dance, Tabla and Yoga classes.
4. Since 2007, the Consulate General of India, Johannesburg has been jointly hosting the Shared Histories' The Indian Experience in South Africa with the City of Johannesburg. The festival features colourful programmes which include Live Dance & Music, Exhibitions, Cuisine, and literature all rolled in one.
The Indian Cultural Centre has 5 teachers who serve on voluntary basis. They impart training in Kathak dance, Tabla, Indian classical music, Pranayama and hatha Yoga to a large number of South African, Indian and other nationals. These volunteer teachers also participate in various cultural events organized by ICC and the Consulate General of India. The Center organizes cultural activities such as a film show, music recital or dance, painting exhibition etc. These functions are open to all interested viewers. For invitation or entry please get in touch with the Centre.
Contact Details
Tel: (011) 482-8484 Fax: (011) 482 8492
Email: culturalcentre@indconjoburg.co.za
website: www.indiainsouthafrica.co.za
Address: 1 Eton Road, Cnr. Jan Smuts Avenue, Parktown, 2193
KATHAK DANCE
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KATHAK derives from the word Katha or story-telling. Kathak as a dance form is the essence of the eternal story of life. Originating in the unending green of the Indo-Gangetic plain of India, Kathak found its way from the divine arches and courtyards of temples to the gorgeous courtrooms of Kings and Royal Nobles.
Over the years, Kathak has imbibed the serenity as well as the opulent grandeur of Indian civilization. It is the most popular, open-ended Indian classical dance style with considerable scope for improvisation. |
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It was under the tutelage of the last Nawab or ruler of Oudh, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, a well-known lover of art and culture, that Kathak of Lucknow Gharana or style witnessed its most creative development. This also imparted a unique character to Kathak, making it the only classical style which has been influenced both by Hindu and Islamic traditions. Its themes are both devotional as well as secular.
The rich and varied traditions of this dance have been further enriched in recent times by a succession of eminent gurus and artistes who have left their stamp on the dance form
A typical Kathak recital comprises of nritt (pure dance or technicalities), nritya (representational items) and natya (drama).
Venue and timings:-
Dr. Vinod Hasal of the R.K. Dance & Music Academy conducts Kathak Dance Classes at the Centre on Sundays from 10 hrs - 1200hrs.
Dr. Vinod Hasal also conducts Kathak Dance Classes at the Matseliso Secondary School in Soweto on Tuesdays at 1500 hrs.
TABLA
Tabla is an Indian percussion-instrument, which is actually two pot like drums, each with skin stretched across the top. The smaller of the two drums made of wood is known as MADA or MADEEN and the other one, relatively bigger in size, made of metal is called NAR or DUGGA. The two together constitute the TABLA. Set in front of the musician, the Tabla is played with the palms and fingers of both the hands. It is used both as a solo instrument and also as an accompaniment to vocalists, dancers and other musicians, to provide the rhythm.
Teacher: Mr. Yogesh Chauhan
Timings: Saturdays 0900 hrs - 1000 hrs
YOGA - Click Here for more details>>
Yoga is an ancient cultural heritage of India and is one of the most brilliant systems of self-expression. It is a practical science of physical, mental and spiritual progress. It makes the body flexible and disease free on the one hand and provide mental peace. By its regular practice one becomes active, energetic and attractive. Yoga also deals with the smooth functioning of the organs. Yoganas (Yoga Exercises) in the modern world have also been recognized as most suited for personality development and for keeping the body fit and agile while controlling stress.
Teacher: Ms. Yvonne Pawlowski
Timing: Saturdays from 0815 hrs to 1230 hrs
Pranayama (The Art of Yoga Breathing) -click for more details
When the Breath wanders, the mind is unsteady, but when the Breath is still, so is the mind still." - Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Breathing is life. It is one of our most vital functions. One of the Five Principles of Yoga is Pranayama or Breathing Exercise which promotes proper breathing. In a Yogic point of view, proper breathing is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control Prana or the vital life energy. Pranayama Yoga also goes hand in hand with the Asanas. The union of these two Yogic Principles is considered as the highest form of purification and self-discipline, covering both mind and body. Know more about Pranayama techniques in the following sections:
Teacher: Ms. Adelaide Lorge
Timing : Saturdays-1330hrs - 1430hrs
Indian Classical Music Classes
Indian classical music has its origins as a meditation tool for attaining self realization. All different forms of these melodies (ragas) are believed to affect various "chakras" (energy centers, or "moods") in the path of the Kundalini. However, there is little mention of these esoteric beliefs in Bharat's Natyashastra, the first treatise laying down the fundamental principles of drama, dance and music. The Samaveda, one of the four Vedas, created out of Riga-Veda so that its hymns could be sung as Samagana, established its first pop.
Indian classical music has one of the most complex and complete musical systems ever developed. Like Western classical music, it divides the octave into 12 semitones of which the 7 basic notes are Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa, in order, replacing Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do. However, it uses the just intonation tuning (unlike most Western classical music which uses the equal temperament tuning system).
Indian classical music is monophonic in nature and based around a single melody line which is played over a fixed drone. The performance is based melodically on particular ragas and rhythmically on talas.
Teacher: Mrs. Monali Shome
Timing: Saturdays-0900 hrs -1200 hrs
Hindi Classes:
The Government of India has been encouraging the Missions to actively promote and propagate Hindi language outside India. ICC has been conducting Hindi classes since 2006. Hindi is taught in accordance with the syllabus set by The Hindi Shiksha Sangh of South Africa, based in Durban. This is the only organisation in the country promoting the language, and has been doing so for the last 60 years. Syllabi and annual examinations are set for levels from Grade 1 (Prathama) to Grade 10 (Kovid). All students coming to classes at the ICC are enrolled into this programme and write annual examinations. In 2008, we entered candidates for three levels: Prathama, Prathmik and Prarambhik (3rd year). This group will move on to 4th year level next year (Prakash level). The teaching in 2008 involved two hours of work: one hour for the first year and one hour for the combined second and third years. There are students coming in throughout the year to enrol. They are all taken in and attended to after the last class. This is the 'catch up' class who carry on at their own pace and become the core of the first year, the following year. Those with a good Hindi background who work hard enough are absorbed into the first year class at the earliest opportunity.
Teacher: Mr. Garrib Bhai
Timings: Saturdays-0930 hrs- 1200hrs
ICC Library
The Centre runs a well-stocked library with over 5000 books in English and Hindi and a reading room, which provides access to various Indian newspapers and magazines. One can avail of these facilities by becoming member of the library. ICC also donates books to Wits Universities and Gurudwara.
Tuition fee
Music, Yoga and Pranayama classes are conducted free of cost. However, students for Kathak dance, Hindi and Tabla are charged a nominal tuition fee by the teachers along with a one time registration charge. The current fee could be ascertained from the teachers or ICC.
Invitations to Cultural Events:
If you are interested in getting invited to the various cultural events organized by ICC please put your name in our mailing list. For more details please get in touch with ICC.
For information on Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the apex body for conducting India's cultural relations with other countries, please Click below
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