
ICC Wednesday Fiesta showcases India's cultural diversity
Doha
The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), under the aegis of the Embassy of India, presented the latest edition of its weekly cultural celebration, 'ICC Wednesday Fiesta', on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at ICC Ashoka Hall.
The evening brought together a captivating blend of music, dance, and traditional art forms, presented by various ICC-associated organisations (AOs) and arts centres across Qatar.
The event opened with a warm welcome address by ICC Secretary Afsal Abdul Majeed, followed by a presidential address by ICC President AP Manikantan, who highlighted the importance of such cultural platforms in preserving and promoting India's artistic heritage abroad.
A special highlight of the evening was the felicitation of Usha Patil, president of Maharashtra Mandal Qatar, and Aparna Sharath, president of Billawas Qatar, for their remarkable contributions to the Indian community in Qatar. Their recognition underscored the significant role of community leaders in fostering unity and cultural vibrancy.
The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Rakesh Wagh, ICC head of HR, admin & consular, appreciating all participants, performers, and attendees for making the evening a success. The event was gracefully anchored by Sirisha, adding charm and rhythm to the proceedings.
The occasion witnessed the presence of ICC Vice President Shantanu Deshpande, ICC General Secretary Abraham K Joseph, members of the ICC managing committee, presidents of various ICC AOs, and senior Indian community leaders, reflecting the unity and enthusiasm that define ICC's culturalinitiatives.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Qatar Tribune
16 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
Poet Sameeha unveils cover of her 3rd book‘Shielding Sunflower'
Tribune News Network Doha The Skills Development Centre came alive with literary fervour on Friday evening as Doha-based young poet Sameeha Junaid unveiled the cover of her much-anticipated third poetry collection, Shielding Sunflower. The event was graced by several eminent personalities from Qatar's Indian community, making it a memorable evening of cultural and literary celebration. The cover page of the book was officially released by Dr. Amanulla Vadakkengara amid loud applause and admiration from the gathering. The event also witnessed the presence and addresses of distinguished guests, including P N Babu Rajan, chairman, advisory council, Indian Cultural Centre (ICC); K S Prasad, advisory council chairman, ICBF; Satyendra Pathak, senior journalist, Qatar Tribune; Avinash Gaikwad, president, Outreach Qatar; Hussain, general secretary, Qatar Indian Authors Forum; K Krishnakumar, former general secretary, ICC; Sandeep Reddy, MC member, ICC; and Anwar, CEO, Radio Malayalam, along with several other community leaders. Sameeha Junaid got her first book published at the remarkably young age of 19, making her one of the youngest poets in the region to break into the publishing world. Her journey as a writer has been deeply personal. The passing away of her father left a profound impact on her life, and it was in poetry that she found her solace, strength, and voice. Since then, she has continued to serve society through her writings, using poetry as a means to heal, inspire, and encourage self-reflection among readers. Her debut book, One World, One Life, One You, BE YOU (2020), published by ePublica, was a collection of 50 poems that reflected her youthful yet profound perspective on life, individuality, and self-expression. Her second book, Inner Voice, The Unheard Noise (2022), also published by ePublica, further cemented her position as a poet of depth and sensitivity. It comprised 105 poems and nine thought-provoking articles, delving into themes of introspection, resilience, and the human experience. The newly unveiled third book, Shielding Sunflower (2025), published by Open Read, contains 50 poems, many of which are drawn directly from her personal diary, Journal of a Stalwart. The collection promises readers a glimpse into her innermost reflections, blending vulnerability with strength. The cover design for the book was beautifully conceptualized and created by Vasila Jahan. In her remarks at the event, Sameeha expressed that poetry for her has always been a medium of healing, inspiring, and connecting with people. 'My words come from a place of emotion and lived experiences. Shielding Sunflower is special because it carries pieces of my own journal, which makes it deeply personal,' she said. Speakers at the event lauded Sameeha's contribution to literature as a young voice emerging from Qatar's vibrant cultural landscape. They highlighted her ability to blend simplicity with depth, making her works relatable yet profound. The evening not only celebrated the unveiling of a book cover but also stood as a testament to the nurturing of young literary talent in the Indian expatriate community in Qatar. With three impactful books to her credit — 'One World, One Life, One You, BE YOU', 'Inner Voice, The Unheard Noise' and now 'Shielding Sunflower', Sameeha Junaid continues to shine as a promising literary voice whose works bridge inspiration, reflection, and healing.


Qatar Tribune
14-07-2025
- Qatar Tribune
10th Local Date Festival set to begin on July 24 at Souq Waqif
Tribune News Network Doha The 10th edition (Bronze Jubilee) of the Local Date Festival will begin on July 24 at the Eastern Square in Souq Waqif. Organised by the Ministry of Municipality in collaboration with Souq Waqif management, the festival will run until August 7. The festival aims to support local farmers, promote sustainable agriculture, and encourage the consumption of locally grown produce. Visitors can explore various locally grown date varieties, engage with farmers, and learn about traditional farming practices. In addition to date tastings and sales, the festival features cultural activities, traditional music performances, and live date-processing demonstrations, offering a deeper look into Qatar's long-standing date farming traditions.


Qatar Tribune
06-07-2025
- Qatar Tribune
ICC's ‘Wednesday Fiesta' showcases India's rich cultural heritage
Tribune News Network Doha The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), under the aegis of the Embassy of India, in collaboration with Bharathimandram and Sathagakuyilinangal, presented another vibrant edition of its weekly cultural showcase 'ICC Wednesday Fiesta' at the ICC Ashoka Hall on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Dedicated to celebrating the diversity and richness of Indian arts and culture, this week's event drew a large and appreciative audience, including prominent dignitaries and community members. The programme was marked by a wide array of cultural performances by members of Bharathimandram and Sathagakuyilinangal, who enthralled the audience with their artistic prowess and passion. The evening began with a warm welcome address by The programme was marked by a wide array of cultural performances by members of Bharathimandram and Sathagakuyilinangal, who enthralled the audience with their artistic prowess and passion. Ram Prasad, Vice President of Samanvayam, who greeted the assembled dignitaries and guests, emphasizing the importance of such platforms in preserving and promoting the multifaceted Indian heritage in Qatar. ICC President AP Manikantan, in his presidential address, commended the performers for their dedication to the arts and lauded the role of cultural forums in fostering unity through creative expression. He reaffirmed ICC's commitment to offering regular cultural programs that serve as a vibrant platform for Indian expatriates to remain connected with their roots. The evening's lineup featured captivating performances that highlighted traditional and contemporary expressions from various Indian linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The cultural variety on display exemplified the essence of India's unity in diversity and reflected the shared spirit of community collaboration. The event was gracefully hosted by Meena Karthik, whose seamless compering kept the audience engaged and the programme running smoothly. A heartfelt vote of thanks was delivered by Ravindra Prasad, ICC Head of Affiliation, who expressed gratitude to the performing groups, ICC management, and all attendees for making the evening a memorable celebration ofIndian culture. The event witnessed the gracious presence of several distinguished guests, including ICC Advisory Council Chairman P N Baburajan, Indian Sports Centre (ISC) President Mohd Abdurahman E P, Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) President Shanavas Bava, ICC Vice President Shantanu Deshpande, as well as other members of the ICC Managing Committee, presidents of associated organizations, and senior leaders of the Indian community. With each edition, 'ICC Wednesday Fiesta' continues to grow as a key cultural platform in Qatar, providing a unique opportunity for Indian community members to showcase their talents while reinforcing cultural ties.