77th ICCR Foundation Day celebrated in Madrid

Celebrating 77 years of cultural diplomacy: Francisco Valiente shares his journey as an ICCR scholar through a traditional Bharatanatyam performance.

It was an honor to participate in the 77th Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) hosted by the Embassy of India in Madrid. Joined by Ambassador Shri Jayant N. Khobragade and distinguished guests, we gathered to reflect on the vital role the ICCR plays in fostering global cultural diplomacy.

As an ICCR scholar and practitioner, it was a privilege to share my personal journey and experiences studying in India. My speech highlighted how cultural outreach builds lasting bridges between nations—a theme especially relevant as we celebrate 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI.

To conclude the event, I was honored to perform a traditional Bharatanatyam piece. Through the intricate movements of this classical art form, I aimed to convey the depth of Indian heritage that the ICCR continues to champion worldwide.

Thank you to the Embassy of India for a beautiful evening dedicated to the shared history and future of our cultures.