Indian Cultural Association begins new era of cultural diversity

In the bustling city of Colombo, lies a vibrant community that transcends borders and brings together people from various corners of the world. The formerly known, Colombo Expats Cultural Association took a new chapter after the reigning Board unanimously agreed and decided that it be renamed to Indian Cultural Association (ICA) and take an international platform.

ICA was registered and officially flag hoisted on 23 July. The board, during the Annual General Meeting, unanimously appointed the President, Captain Anirban Banerjee and General Secretary, Jayadratha Das. The board also appointed the Office Bearers of Executive Committee including, Finance (Sanjeev Mishra), Event Management (Biswas Janardhanan), Puja Committee (Purnima Das), Cultural Committee (Aseem Bhargava), Media Committee (Elvis Peter), Food Committee (Paramsher Singh), Sponsorship Committee (Swapan Haldar) and Reception Committee (Prasanna). ICA is an embodiment of cultural exchange, mutual respect, and understanding. Established with the vision of fostering a sense of belonging among expatriates, this association has become a melting pot of diverse traditions, customs, and beliefs.

One of the primary goals of ICA is to bridge the gap between cultures. Indian expatriates with different backgrounds and walks of life come together to share their unique experiences, customs, and traditions. Through a myriad of events and activities, such as cultural festivals, language exchanges, and culinary workshops, the association cultivates an environment where members can learn from each other, thus creating a close-knit community of global citizens. Moving to a foreign land can be both exciting and challenging, and ICA recognises the importance of creating a supportive network. By embracing newcomers and providing them with opportunities to engage in social events, the association enables them to adapt more smoothly to their new surroundings and build meaningful connections. While expatriates have embraced their host country, the association also emphasises the preservation of their own cultural heritage. From celebrating traditional festivals to organising art exhibitions and performances, members of the Indian Cultural Association take pride in sharing their roots with the local community. This exchange enriches the cultural landscape of Colombo and promotes a greater appreciation for diversity.

Beyond cultural exchange, the association is deeply committed to giving back to the local community. Collaborating with various charitable organisations, the Indian Cultural Association organises CSR events and volunteering initiatives. These efforts demonstrate the association’s dedication to being responsible global citizens and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.