Latest news with #KoreanCulturalCentreIndia
India Gazette
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Winners will be nominated to represent India at K-Pop World Festival in Changwon
New Delhi [India], June 19 (ANI): The Korean Cultural Centre India presents the All India K-Pop Contest 2025, which began on May 14 and will culminate with the Grand Finale on July 19. In its 15th year, the contest has come up with much more excitement and surprises. This year's contest has seen an exciting new addition--a dedicated 'Rap' category--highlighting the evolution of the Indian K-Pop scene and encouraging participants to showcase how they interpret and perform K-Pop rap in their distinctive styles. With this expansion, there will be a total of three categories this year: Dance, Vocal and Rap, as per the press release. The competition is structured in three stages: Online, Regional and Grand Finale. The online round was held between May 14 and June 7, and it received a total of 1,278 team registrations from across the country, underlining the nationwide appeal of K-pop. After the first evaluation by regional judges from Korean culture fan communities, selected participants will move on to regional preliminaries held in June in 10 major cities. The Regional Round will kick off in Chennai on June 22 and will thereafter travel to Bengaluru, Kolkata, Itanagar, Bhopal, New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kohima and Hyderabad, bringing the excitement of K-Pop to cities nationwide. These rounds will be organised independently by each local fan community, with support and oversight from the Korean Cultural Centre India. The selected winners of the three categories from the 10 cities will compete in the Grand Finale that will be held on July 19 in New Delhi, which will again unfold many surprises. The final event will also include a fan meeting event and special performances by K-pop idol groups invited from Korea. The winners in each category will receive cash prizes of Rs 2,00,000 for first place, Rs 1,00,000 for second, and Rs 50,000 for third. Moreover, the champions will be nominated to represent India at the prestigious 'K-Pop World Festival' in Changwon, South Korea, as per the press release. Hwang Il Yong, Director of Korean Cultural Centre India, said, 'This event, which has been held for the past 15 years under all circumstances, is a very meaningful festival for young people in India who love Korea and Korean culture. I would like to express my gratitude to the representatives of the Korean Culture Fan communities in 10 cities who have been of great help as the organisers of the regional preliminary rounds of the All India K-pop contests in recent years. It is touching to see young people in India empathising and communicating with each other through the unified culture of Korean music and K-pop, despite the large size of the country and the diverse languages and cultures in each region. I hope that Indian friends will participate and continue to create a place for empathy and communication through K-pop culture in India.' Oinam Surchandra, a candidate who will participate in the newly introduced rap category, said, 'I feel incredibly grateful to the Korean Cultural Centre India for giving upcoming rappers like us a platform to showcase our love for K-pop and rap. In a country where K-pop rap is still growing, this opportunity means the world. I genuinely hope that the rap category continues in future contests, as there are so many aspiring artists who dream of expressing themselves this way.' To offer a unique and enjoyable experience for K-culture fans in India, the Korean Cultural Centre India held a surprise K-pop Random Play Dance event on June 1 in New Delhi, in collaboration with the Korean Culture India Fan Club in Delhi. Around 400 fans gathered and danced to popular K-pop songs, creating a vibrant and energetic scene. Prerna Tiwari, president of the fan club, said, 'Having seen the Korean Wave grow in India for over a decade, the All India K-Pop Contest has become a source of pride for many fans. We are truly thankful to the Korean Cultural Centre India for making this experience possible,' as per the press release. (ANI)
Time of India
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
The global journey of Yoga: From India to the world
"Yoga is a light that, once kindled, never fades. The deeper your practice, the brighter it shines." B.K.S. Iyengar's (renowned Indian teacher of yoga) words were true then—and they continue to resonate just as powerfully today. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Once the practice of Yoga was confined to the ashrams of ancient India. But today, this ancient practice has become global. From Seoul to New York, millions now roll out their yoga mats every day; to keep physically as well as mentally fit. People also practice yoga for emotional balance and spiritual growth. This global journey of yoga is as much a story of cultural diplomacy and exchange as it is one of wellness and well-being. Indian roots, Global Appeal Yoga is a practice that originated nearly 5,000 years ago in Rishikesh, also known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Despite its spiritual origins, yoga appealed to people from across the globe. International Yoga Day : 21st June This sentiment led to the declaration of International Yoga Day, which is celebrated every year on June 21st. The global response was overwhelming—more than 170 countries co-sponsored the UN resolution, including countries with no historic ties to Indian traditions. Since then, Yoga Day has become a worldwide celebration. Let's quickly have a look at the global journey of Yoga: South Korea: Adopted Yoga creatively South Korea has adopted Yoga creatively. According to Hwang Il Yong, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre India, 'The people of Korea recognise the mental and physical benefits of yoga, embracing it not only as physical exercise but as a holistic practice for a balanced life. Major universities have also incorporated yoga classes into their general education and empowerment programmes.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In Korea, yoga has taken on imaginative forms, merging with pop culture and local traditions. 'Various fusion yoga styles are being explored, including programmes that combine modern exercise methods with K-pop, as well as paddleboard yoga practiced on the water,' Hwang adds. This year, the 11th International Yoga Day in Gwanghwamun Square will carry the theme 'Discover Your AURA,' featuring a dynamic programme that includes performances combining yoga with traditional Korean dance and Priyavinyasa with Gayageum (a Korean zither-like instrument). 'These programmes showcase the rich cultural exchange between India and Korea and underscore the growing popularity of yoga in the country,' Hwang mentioned. Goa, India: Hub for holistic wellness tourism Back home in India, states like Goa are considered as global wellness centres. Kedar Naik, Director of the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, underscores this brilliant transformation. 'Goa is steadily emerging as a hub for holistic wellness tourism, drawing yoga and Ayurveda enthusiasts from across the globe. With its serene natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and growing network of wellness centres, Goa offers the perfect setting for those seeking balance, rejuvenation, and inner peace. ' He further explains, 'These initiatives are part of Goa Tourism's vision to promote the state as a destination that goes beyond conventional travel, embracing wellness, sustainability, and conscious living.' Yoga travel: A rising global trend Off late, yoga and holistic wellness have become one of the prime motivations for global travel. From Goan beaches to Himalayan retreats in Uttarakhand, people are travelling far and wide in search of inner peace. This growing trend marks a shift from traditional sightseeing to transformative experiences. E mma Collins, a marketing executive from North Carolina said, 'After years of corporate burnout, I flew to Goa for a month-long yoga retreat and it wasn't just a vacation—it was a turning point in my life.' Travellers are choosing destinations that offer immersive wellness experiences, combining yoga and Ayurvedic treatments. Wellness resorts and eco-retreats now cater to this demand, offering programs that go beyond physical fitness to nurture mental as well as emotional well-being. Sam Jones, an entrepreneur from Edinburgh, says, 'I used to travel for business or leisure. Now, I travel to reconnect—with myself. Practicing yoga in Bali's rice fields helped me realign my priorities.' Whether it's a sunrise yoga session in Thailand or sound healing in Costa Rica, the rise of Yoga travel shows a global desire to slow down and seek a more conscious, balanced way of living. The road ahead As yoga continues to travel across the globe, the challenge lies in maintaining its real ancient values while adapting to a more modern lifestyle. The world is all set to celebrate International Yoga Day while striving to live in balance.
Hindustan Times
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on 5 June 2025
What: Sheila Bharat Ram Theatre Festival | Tughlaq (Directed by K Madavane) Where: Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts, 4, Safdar Hashmi Marg, Mandi House A post shared by Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts (@shriramcentre) When: June 5 Timing: 7pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Mandi House (Blue & Violet Lines) What: 12th Edition of Dialogue to Develop a Vision for the Environment of Delhi – Bikram Singh Sajwan, Vivek Saxena, Prof Akshay Kaul, Yogita Shukla, Suhas Borker, and Justice Abhay S Oka Where: Conference Room I, India International Centre, 40 Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Road When: June 5 Timing: 6pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh (Yellow Line) What: Taekwondo, Facing the World Where: Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI), 25-A, Ring Road, Vikram Vihar, Lajpat Nagar IV When: June 2 to August 1 Timing: 9am to 6pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Moolchand (Violet Line) What: Bollywood Night ft Aakarshakh Band Where: The Terrace, Plot-01, Sector-5, Vaishali, Ghaziabad When: June 5 Timing: 8pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Vaishali (Blue Line) What: Kal Ki Chinta Nahi Karta ft Ravi Gupta Where: Studio XO Bar, Trillium Avenue, Sector 29, Gurugram When: June 5 Timing: 8pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Millennium City Centre Gurugram (Yellow Line) What: 2nd Dr BR Ambedkar Craft Mela Where: Noida Haat, D-10, Sector 33A, Noida When: June 5 to 9 Timing: 4pm to 10pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Noida City Centre (Blue Line)
India Gazette
03-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
'Taekwondo, facing the world': Exploring legacy, history of taekwondo at Korean Cultural Centre India
New Delhi [India], June 3 (ANI): A unique exhibition titled 'Taekwondo, Facing the World' was inaugurated at the Korean Cultural Centre India on Monday. Through the collection shared by the National Taekwondo Museum in Korea, this exhibition aims to shed light on the globalisation of Taekwondo through its evolution into a competitive sport. The opening ceremony was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, H.E. Lee Seong-ho; Sudhanshu Mittal, President, Kho Kho Federation of India and a senior BJP leader; Namdev Sampat Shirgaonkar, President, India Taekwondo; M S Tyagi, General Secretary, Kho Kho Federation of India; Dr Jyoti Arora, Principal, Mount Abu Public School and Jeong Sang-ki, Director, National Taekwondo Museum, a release said. This exhibition showcases the remarkable journey of how Taekwondo, a traditional Korean martial art, has evolved into a global sport practised in more than 200 countries. Taekwondo gradually developed into a systematic form through competition and integration between dojangs (training halls) after the Korean War, and it began to become competitive in the 1960s when it was adopted as an official event at the National Sports Festival. Then, in the 1970s, it spurred internationalisation through the World Taekwondo Championships. In the 1980s, it entered the international stage in earnest when it was adopted as a demonstration event in the Asian Games and the Olympics. In the 2000s, it was registered as an official Olympic event, and Taekwondo established itself as a global sport loved by people around the world. In recent years, the growth of Taekwondo in India has been phenomenal, with the country producing world-class athletes across all age groups. In May 2025, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports officially recognised India Taekwondo as the national sports federation responsible for governing the sport in India. This marks a significant milestone in the development of Taekwondo in the country. Korean Cultural Centre India has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with India Taekwondo and is further enhancing training capacity through collaboration with Korean Taekwondo instructors. Korean Cultural Centre India has also been supporting Taekwondo classes in Indian primary and secondary schools since 2021, and as of 2025, a total of 3,287 students are learning Taekwondo through regular classes and after-school activities in 47 schools in 10 states and UTs, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. As part of its collaboration with India Taekwondo, classes are gradually expanding throughout India, and Taekwondo is becoming an integrated education program that goes beyond a simple sport and combines school education and mental cultivation. Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, H.E. Lee Seong-ho, said, 'This exhibition celebrates the spirit and values of Taekwondo - discipline, perseverance, and self-control. I am especially happy to see the growing passion for Taekwondo among young people in India. What makes me even happier is that Indian athletes are already shining on the global stage. As we look ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Korea is committed to supporting Indian athletes in their pursuit for medals through technical training, guidance from experienced Korean masters, and modern coaching methods. We will open a branch of Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters, in Delhi soon. With over 150 million practitioners worldwide, Kukkiwon will be a strong partner in helping Taekwondo grow in India and in training the champions of tomorrow.' Sudhanshu Mittal, President, Kho Kho Federation of India and a senior BJP leader, said, 'Taekwondo has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds because the game is a sheer delight. The speed, the reflexes, the agility, the holistic development of physical fitness is so critical in this game. To have spread this sport in over 200 countries is a great achievement. It's a great game and therefore it is also part of the Olympics. Every youngster wants to have these belts that are part of the sport. I was amazed by this exhibition and it was a great learning to know how Taekwondo has spread and become popular worldwide,' the release said. Namdev Shirgaonkar, President of India Taekwondo, said, 'India Taekwondo and the Korean Cultural Centre India share a deep and meaningful relationship. Together we have worked towards not only promoting Taekwondo in India, but also strengthening cultural bonds between our nations, Korea and India. This collaboration has already borne fruit. Our athletes have recently achieved commendable success in international events - World Championships and Asian Championships - standing tall on global platforms. Looking forward, I am confident that we can aspire to win more medals at World Championships and upcoming Asian Games in Japan. The future of Indian Taekwondo is very bright and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the next generation has the support and inspiration they need,' it added. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on 9 May 2025
What: Power of Energy – An Exhibition by Nilansu Bala Sasamal Where: India International Centre, 40, Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Road When: May 8 to 14 Timing: 11am to 7pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh (Yellow Line) What: The Chunhyang – Opera based on Chunhyangjeon Where: Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI), 25A, Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar IV When: May 9 Timing: 2pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Moolchand (Violet Line) What: Manzil Band Live Where: Resaca, 7 Pusa Road, Block 11, Karol Bagh When: May 9 Timing: 9.30pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Karol Bagh (Blue Line) What: Anveshana 2025 – 2nd International Conference on Performing Arts Where: Triveni Kala Sangam, 205 Tansen Marg, Mandi House When: May 8 & 9 Timing: 5pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Mandi House (Blue & Violet Lines) What: Book Discussion | Hindi Cinema and Pakistan: Screening the Idea and the Reality – Ira Bhaskar, Amit Khanna, Nishat Haider, Prof Kamayani Kumar, Prof Meenakshi Bharat & Jasleen Vohra Where: Conference Room II, India International Centre, Lodhi Road When: May 9 Timing: 6pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh (Yellow Line) What: Sit Down Ashish ft Ashish Vidyarthi Where: Pacific D21 Mall, Sector 21, Dwarka When: May 9 Timing: 7pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Dwarka Sector 21
