Historic Tripartite Agreement between ICCR, Roots 2 Roots, and UPRTOU to Bring Indian Arts to a Global Platform
New Delhi, April 30, 2025 – In a landmark move, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Roots 2 Roots, and Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU) have signed a tripartite agreement aimed at bringing India’s performing arts to international students and the Indian diaspora through online platforms.
The agreement was signed today at the ICCR headquarters, Azad Bhavan, New Delhi, by Ms. Archana Sharma, Program Director at ICCR; Mr. Rakesh Gupta, Founder of Roots 2 Roots; and Colonel Vinay Kumar, Registrar of UPRTOU. The event was attended by senior officials from all three institutions, including UPRTOU Vice Chancellor Prof. Satyakum.
Objective and Significance
This collaboration is a major step toward presenting India’s cultural heritage on a global stage. The initiative will offer live and interactive online classes in key Indian art forms such as Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Tabla, Harmonium, Hindustani Vocal, Puppet Making, Rangoli, Madhubani Painting, Mehndi, and Bollywood Dance.
Success in 2023 and 2024
In the past two years, Roots 2 Roots and ICCR conducted pilot online sessions in various art forms, which saw enthusiastic participation from students worldwide. Encouraged by the positive response, the program is now being expanded into a one-year diploma course.
Key Features
- ICCR: Under the Ministry of External Affairs, ICCR will promote this program through its centers and Indian missions around the world.
- Roots 2 Roots: The NGO will conduct these classes using a multi-camera setup, professional sound systems, and interactive software.
- UPRTOU: The university will assess students and provide certificates and diplomas upon completion.
Language and Technical Support
The classes will be conducted in English with subtitles available in 125 languages, making it easier for global learners to participate. Real-time interaction with instructors will also be facilitated during sessions.
Leaders’ Remarks
Ms. Archana Sharma, ICCR Program Director, stated, “This initiative celebrates our unique cultural heritage and offers a powerful medium to share it on a global platform.”
Prof. Satyakum, Vice Chancellor of UPRTOU, said, “Through this partnership, India’s diverse and rich cultural traditions can now be showcased more robustly on an international level.”
Mr. Rakesh Gupta, Founder of Roots 2 Roots, commented, “With support from ICCR and UPRTOU, this initiative has the potential to become a major cultural movement.”
About Roots 2 Roots
For over two decades, Roots 2 Roots has been a leading NGO promoting art, culture, and heritage through digital means. It is recognized in the Limca Book of Records as the largest provider of digital cultural education. It is also the first and only cultural NGO in India listed on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) platform of the National Stock Exchange.
NGO’s Impactful Contribution
- Free digital cultural programs delivered to over 24,000 schools and colleges
- Reached more than 22 million students
- Presence in over 67 countries
