Doha: The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) under the aegis of the Indian embassy has begun the ‘ICC Utkarsh Samman 2015’ —an inter-school competition in performing arts — for Indian schools in Qatar at ICC Ashoka Hall.
Guest of Honour Sunitha Thapliyal and Chief Guest, Second Secretary at the embassy and ICC Coordinating Officer Suneel Thapliyal inaugurated the event.
Thapliyal congratulated the ICC committee and the special subcommittee of 10 members formed to conduct the event and judges on initiating and conducting the event and fulfilling ICC objectives.
ICC President Girish Kumar delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of the competition for the young generation. ICC General Secretary Divakar Poojary compered and conducted the event and the inaugural function.
Head of Inhouse Activities K Unnikrishnan introduced the judges panel. The event is led by Head of Cultural Activities Jayati Maitra, Unnikrishnan and Vishal Mehta, Head of Membership Public Relation, ICC. A cote of thanks was proposed by Jayati Maitra.
The contest aims to promote Indian classical dance forms, vocal music, instrumental music, arts and crafts and encourage young performers to engaged in performing arts and students taking interest in arts and crafts.
Recognizing the role played by the schools, ICC has considered it prudent to organise the event. A highlight of the programme is that categories are introduced to encourage children learning performing arts and to have performances from all parts of India.
The competition includes Bharatnatyam, Mohiniatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak and folk dance; Carnatic classical vocal, Hindustani classical vocal, semi classical, and key board; painting, cartoon, collage making, craft work from recycled material.
The peninsula
