India is making the most of the opportunities provided by the Expo 2020 Dubai for expanding its soft power activities across the world. The Expo 2020 Dubai is providing a safe environment to countries worldwide to launch new projects since the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dinesh Patnaik, Director-General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), recently addressed a media briefing, hailing the successful launch of Indian Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai. Speaking with New Delhi-based foreign correspondents, India's chief cultural diplomat noted that the ICCR is associated with the country's culture at the Expo 2020.

"At the opening ceremony of the Indian Pavilion, we had troupes from India performing several dance forms known as Mohini Attam, Garbha and others," he said.

One of the biggest cultural effort Indian Pavilion organisers ensured was to take artistes from Calcutta’s mass venues such as puja pandals to perform at the opening ceremony. West Bengal’s puja pandals are makeshift halls that are temporarily erected during the puja festival. Every year, these pandals attract millions of people across the country during the festival.

Last week, ICCR troupes from India performed at the India's Pavilion to celebrate the festival of Dussehra, which marks the victory of good over evil in Indian mythology. Mr Patnaik explained that the traditional theatre of Yakshagana, which originated in the Indian state of Karnataka, also featured as part of ICCR’s programme during the event.

After the conclusion of Expo 2020 Dubai, the Pavilion is going to be transformed into a permanent exhibition on India. Patnaik added that India would soon be opening its first Cultural Centre in the Gulf in Saudi Arabia. Notably, it will be the second Indian Cultural Centre in the Arab world after Cairo.

With the aim of re-establishing India’s soft power worldwide with participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, Patnaik highlighted ICCR sent teams to participate in the ongoing celebrations at the well-known landmark of Baab al Bahrain in Manama. It also marked 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Bahrain.

Founded in 1950 by India's first education minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the ICCR serves as the leading government-run forum aimed at fostering cultural relations between India and foreign countries.

WAM