Indian Cultural Association begins a new era in Colombo

The Colombo Expats Cultural Association (CECA) has been renamed the Indian Cultural Association (ICA) to promote cultural exchange and understanding between Indians and people from other countries, a media statement said. 
“The ICA was officially registered and flagged off on July 23, 2023. The board of directors, comprising mentors Chanchal Bose, Ranjan Chakravarthy, Sanjay Baid and Mrs Veena Durgabakshi, unanimously appointed Captain Anirban Banerjee as president and Jayadratha Das as general secretary,” it said. Other office bearers of the executive committee include Sanjeev Mishra (finance), Biswas Janardhanan (event management), Mrs Purnima Das (puja committee), Aseem Bhargava (cultural committee), Elvis Peter (media committee), Paramsher Singh (food committee), Swapan Haldar (sponsorship committee) and Prasanna (reception committee).

The ICA aims to be a melting pot of diverse traditions, customs, and beliefs. It will organize cultural events, workshops, and seminars to promote understanding between people from different cultures. The association will also provide a platform for Indians living in Sri Lanka to connect with their roots and celebrate their culture.
“The ICA was formerly known as the Colombo Expats Cultural Association, but it was renamed to better reflect its mission and goals. The association said it wanted to be more inclusive and to reach out to a wider audience,” it said.
The statement said:
 “The 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 recognizes 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 emphasizes the preservation of their cultural heritage. From celebrating traditional festivals to organizing 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 organizations, the Indian Cultural Association organizes 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.:”