The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, responsible for India’s international cultural relations, has launched a compelling new outreach program titled ICCR Ki Khoj (ICCR’s Discovery). This initiative is brought forward to conceptualize a continuous monthly series dedicated to celebrating the artists who bring India’s cultural heritage to life on global platforms. Apart from artists, it also extends its invitation to performers and innovators, both Indian and Foreign nationals, to showcase their craft, traditions, and unique representations of Indian culture. Starting December 2025, ICCR Ki Khoj will feature individuals who are innovating while preserving their roots of Indian tradition.
About ICCR & The Khoj
The ICCR, established in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, operates to chip in cultural ties and mutual understanding between India and other nations. Programs like ICCR Ki Khoj directly cater to this goal of “cultural diplomacy” by putting a digital stronghold on projects of authentic Indian culture globally. The initiative is being promoted through the ICCR’s network of Indian Cultural Centres worldwide.
The event is tailored to spot and promote the rare side of Indian culture. The main emphasis is laid on those forms of art, performance, and expression that represent the lesser-known facets of India’s cultural wealth. This includes regional folk traditions, classical art forms, cross-cultural fusions, or skills related to ancient craftsmanship and storytelling. By featuring people engaged with these, the ICCR effectively provides visibility and exposure by positioning the selected individuals as global ambassadors of Indian culture. The goal is not to celebrate tradition alone, but its relevance and new adaptations in the 21st century.
Requirements
The submission requirement mentioned includes a short video (maximum 5 minutes) showcasing the participant’s art and work. The format is strategic, catering to the modern consumption of culture. It allows the institute to build a library of content that goes beyond geographical lines and engages a global audience. Both Indians and foreign nationals are permitted to participate. The requirement for clear English narration and accurate English subtitles ensures that the narratives are interpretable to an international audience.
| Aspect | Important Points |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to Indians and foreign nationals practicing any form of Indian culture. |
| Video Requirements | Max 5 minutes in length, landscape mode, clear audio/background. Must showcase the art/performance effectively. |
| Language | English, or any language with accurate English subtitles. |
| Profile | Short and compelling bio introducing the artist and their unique work. |
| Supporting Info | High-resolution photos, short video clips of the artwork, credible references, or any additional storytelling details. |
| Deadline (Initial Call) | December 5, 2025. |
| Submission Email | culture.thehague@mea.gov.in |
Key Highlights
- Ensures cross-cultural affiliation, participation, and global outreach.
- Submissions may include classical, folk, or contemporary interpretations of Indian art, craft, and performance.
- Selected entries will be featured monthly on ICCR’s global media platforms.
- The series underscores the importance of heritage in shaping India’s identity in a globalized world.
- Entries can be in English or any regional language with subtitles, ensuring accessibility for international audiences.
- Participants are encouraged to include visuals and short clips to enrich storytelling.
The Spirit of “Khoj”
ICCR Ki Khoj is a celebration of continuity and change, of how tradition lives through new voices. It is as much about rediscovery as it is about reinvention. With this initiative aired, the ICCR recognizes that cultural preservation is no longer restricted to geographical boundaries. Artists from Tokyo to Toronto, from Nairobi to New Delhi, now engage with Indian heritage in ways that are deeply personal and globally resonant. Through this initiative, ICCR positions India as an ever evolving civilization.
A Step Towards Cultural Diplomacy 2.0
ICCR Ki Khoj is a form of soft diplomacy, through which artistic exchange is effectively connected to understanding, empathy, and respect across nations. ICCR is making culture more participatory and inclusive. It also democratizes the process of discovering culture through “not-only-an Indian-lense” but from a globally oriented perspective. The series offers invaluable insights into the historical roots of India and its global connections. It offers a scope to witness India’s creative soul moulded through a dancer’s gesture, a musician’s note, or a craftsman’s hand, and much more. The essence of the series lies in the fact that culture and tradition are not to be isolated and preserved alone, these should be equally lived, experienced, shared, and re-imagined.
