The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Durban is the Cultural Wing of the Consulate of India in Durban and started its activities in 1996. It functions under the overall supervision of the Consulate. It is administered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) an autonomous organisation of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, which promotes awareness and appreciation of India's composite cultural heritage abroad.
The main objectives of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Durban are as follows:-
Promote Indian Culture in South Africa
To disseminate culture related information for a better understanding of India.
To foster closer links between India & South Africa through cultural interaction.
LIBRARY
The library of the CGI has a large collection of books on Indian History, Politics, Economy, Art, Culture, Cuisine & other related topics. It has an extensive collection of Contemporary Indian Literature. It also has a fairly large collection of CD's on Indian Music & Films. The Library collection is partially computerised.
ACTIVITIES
The Centre presently has three teachers imparting training in Hindi language, Bharatnatyam Dance & Carnatic Vocal Music.
Hindi classes : Fridays from 1600 -1800 hrs
Carnatic Vocal Music : Saturdays from 0930 - 1100 hrs
Bharatnatyam Dance class : Saturdays from 1100 - 1300 hrs
We are in the process of enrolling new students at a nominal fee. A one time registration of R100 & a monthly fee of R50 per discipline.
The Centre invites artists, academics, writers & performers to collaborate with us to showcase their talent & reach out to a wider audience.
The Centre places special emphasis on working with local Cultural & Academic organisations promoting Indian culture. It looks at complementing & supplementing the efforts already being made by organisations in the provinces of Kwa Zulu Natal, Eastern Cape & Free State to promote Culture.
As part of its outreach programme the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Durban involves the locally trained dance & music students to perform at Indian community events and functions. Local music schools & religious organisations are also encouraged to learn and promote Indian dance forms & music and for this Consulate provides musical instruments to deserving associations.
EXHIBITIONS / BOOK READINGS
The multipurpose Hall in the Consulate is available for Exhibitions, Lectures & even Book readings for children as well as academia.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The ICCR through the Cultural Centre offers Scholarships to deserving South African nationals in various disciplines at esteemed Universities all over India. A large number of students who have successfully graduated are well employed in large companies & IT firms. In addition from amongst those who pursued the performing arts, two names that stand out are Ms. Versuhka Pather & Varsha Sharma from Durban.
Contact Details
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Address
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Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre
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Consulate General of India
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1 Kingsmead Boulevard
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Kingsmead Office Park
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Durban 4001
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Telephone
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031 - 3350333
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031 - 3350332
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Email
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svcc.durban@mea.gov.in
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Working Hours
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Monday to Friday 0830 - 1700 hrs
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