Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-Operation

Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation (MGICC)
A Cultural Wing of the High Commission of India, Trinidad & Tobago
Overview

The Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation (MGICC) is a premier institution dedicated to fostering Indo-Trinidadian cultural ties through education, performance, and community engagement. Established in 1997 under the bilateral Cultural Exchange Programme between the Government of India and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, MGICC operates under the administrative oversight of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the High Commission of India, Port of Spain.

Strategically located at Max Richards Drive, Mt. Hope, on a 5-acre parcel of land gifted by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, MGICC stands as one of the largest cultural centres built by the Government of India outside of India. The foundation stone was laid jointly in 1999 by late Indian Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and then Trinidadian Prime Minister Dr. Basdeo Pandey, marking a milestone in Indo-Caribbean friendship.

In 2020, MGICC was inaugurated at its present premises, coinciding with the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 175th anniversary of Indian Arrival in Trinidad and Tobago. On October 2nd, 2020, a bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled on the grounds, symbolizing peace, resilience, and cross-cultural unity.

Facilities and Programmes

MGICC is equipped with state-of-the-art cultural infrastructure, including:

- A spacious auditorium and seminar hall for performances, lectures, and community events
- A comprehensive reference library focusing on Indian art, culture, philosophy, and history
- Fully equipped classrooms for music, dance, yoga, language, and wellness education

Regular Classes Offered

- Indian Classical Dance – Bharatanatyam and Indian Folk Dance
- Hindustani Vocal Music
- Musical Instruments – Tabla, Harmonium, Pakhawaj, Dholak
- Yoga and Naturopathy
- Hindi Language

Scholarship Opportunities

In partnership with ICCR, MGICC facilitates access to prestigious Government of India Scholarships:

- General ICCR Scholarships – Three annual scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies in fields such as Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Mass Communication, Music, Dance, etc.
- AYUSH Scholarships – For studies in traditional Indian medical systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy

Apply via: http://a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Kamla Dhyani – Hindustani Vocal Instructor
A Ph.D. holder with over a decade of experience at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Delhi, and international teaching credentials from South Africa.

Mr. Ajay Rathi – Yoga Instructor
A Level-3 certified yoga evaluator with 25 years of experience and extensive qualifications in yoga, alternative medicine, fitness, and nutrition.

Smt. Reshma Rajeev – Bharatanatyam Dance Instructor
An award-winning artist trained at Kalakshetra Foundation and University of Madras, with national accolades including Natwar Gopikrishna Award and Natyashree Puraskar.

Community Engagement

MGICC regularly hosts cultural events, exhibitions, lectures, and concerts that promote Indian heritage and multicultural collaboration in Trinidad and Tobago. The auditorium and seminar hall are available for rent to support local artists and organizations in their cultural pursuits.