BRICS CCI Cultural Soirée: A Wine, Cheese & Art Celebration

The BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI) hosted an enchanting evening of cultural exchange and celebration at the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Saket. The “BRICS CCI Cultural Soirée: A Wine, Cheese & Art Celebration” brought together an impressive gathering of distinguished diplomats, thought leaders, and cultural enthusiasts from BRICS+ nations and beyond, emphasizing the unifying power of cultural diplomacy in fostering stronger global partnerships.  

Themed “BRICS Cultural Tapestry: Weaving a Shared Heritage,” the event was a vibrant homage to the cultural diversity and shared traditions of BRICS+ nations. The highlight of the evening was a Guided Freehand Canvas Painting Workshop, where participants explored their artistic creativity by illustrating iconic elements from their countries’ traditional art forms, landmarks, and festivals. Facilitated by talented professional artists, this interactive workshop symbolized the collaborative spirit and unity that define the BRICS+ framework.  

Dr. BBL Madhukar, Co- Chairman & Director General, BRICS CCI, shared his thoughts on the significance of cultural diplomacy, saying, "Art and culture are the soul of humanity. Tonight’s celebration is a reflection of our shared commitment to fostering mutual understanding and collaboration through the timeless language of culture.” 

Mr. Sameep Shastri, Vice Chairman, BRICS CCI, spoke about the vision behind the event, saying, "Culture transcends borders and connects people at a fundamental level. This soirée is a testament to the enduring power of art and tradition in uniting diverse communities. Together, we celebrate not just our unique identities but also our shared values that form the foundation of lasting partnerships.”  

The soirée unfolded with an exclusive tour of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, where guests immersed themselves in a rich collection of contemporary and traditional art. The museum’s inspiring ambiance, dedicated to preserving and promoting cultural heritage, set the perfect tone for the evening.  

The event was graced by participation from the Embassies of Russia, China, South Africa, the USA, Australia, Costa Rica, Angola, Venezuela, and Malaysia, among others. Esteemed attendees included BRICS CCI Senior Advisor Amb. Amarendra Khatua and Governing Members Ms. Shabana Nasim, Ms. Ruby Sinha, Mr. Gulshan Narang, Mr. Atul Banshal, and Mr. Dheerendra Kumar.  

The celebration continued with a lively networking reception, featuring a curated selection of fine wines and artisanal cheeses. This offered attendees a platform for meaningful conversations, fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding among nations.  

The event was powered by Roasted4U, a premium healthy snacking brand offering a wide range of nutritious nuts.

The BRICS CCI Cultural Soirée underscored the Chamber’s commitment to cultural diplomacy as a cornerstone of global collaboration. It highlighted the role of shared heritage in building trust, respect, and cooperation, reflecting the core ethos of the BRICS+ framework.  

As the evening concluded, participants raised a toast to the enduring power of art and culture to unite humanity. The event left an indelible mark on all attendees, inspiring a renewed commitment to fostering intercultural connections and advancing a shared vision of an inclusive and harmonious world. 

 The vibrant cultural canvas of Kolkata witnessed an unprecedented fusion of art, diplomacy, and cultural celebration as BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI) orchestrated the grandeur of the Art Exhibition “Shilpo Sanjog: A Gathering of Colors” on February 28, 2024 in Kolkata, West Bengal.

The exhibition unfolded with a mesmerizing display of diverse paintings, a visual symphony capturing the essence of Kolkata's rich cultural heritage. Eminent artists like Prof. Biman B. Das, Mr. Tarun Maity, Mr. Jagabandhu Mondal, Ms. Swati Roy, Mr. Swapnendu Bhowmick, Ms. Swagata Bose, Mr. Subrata Ghosh, Mr. Rajib Sur Roy, Mr. Pradip Sengupta, Mr. Mrinal Kanti Dhali, Mr. Dipankar Roy and Ms. Aparna Rathee Ranjan showcased a spectrum of expressions, seamlessly blending traditional motifs with contemporary fervor. Ms. Elham Huq Khuku, an artist from Bangladesh, showcased her artworks as the Guest Artist during the exhibition. Attendees immersed themselves in the visual storytelling, transcending cultural boundaries.

Under the esteemed guidance of Padma Shri Prof. Biman Bihari Das, Chairman of the All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society, the event pioneered an innovative approach to diplomacy. The gathering became an informal hub for diplomats, consuls, and businessmen to engage in meaningful conversations. Beyond diplomatic ties, the event fostered a genuine exchange of ideas, bridging cultures through the universal language of art.

Mr. Sameep Shastri, Vice Chairman - BRICS CCI expressed his thoughts about the occasion, stating, "The emphasis on soft diplomacy within BRICS CCI has served as a catalyst for building stronger ties between nations. By showcasing the rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity of member countries, initiatives like today's exhibition not only foster mutual appreciation and respect but also lay the groundwork for deeper cooperation and understanding."

“I would like to commend the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry for this wonderful initiative. I applaud the Chamber for its vision and dedication to creating spaces that facilitate meaningful dialogues, artistic collaborations, and cross-cultural connections on a global scale.”,said Prof. Biman Bihari Das, Chairman of the All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society.

“Our mission goes beyond traditional business partnerships; it encompasses fostering connections through soft diplomacy, cultural appreciation, and social engagement.”, noted Mr. Prann Sharma- President, Baidyanath; President, Healthcare Vertical & Executive Director, Strategy, BRICS CCI.

Mr. Ruhail Ranjan, Director Finance, BRICS CCI, extended his sincere gratitude to all the exceptionally talented artists and esteemed dignitaries who had graced the event with their presence. Mr. Ranjan acknowledged and appreciated the dedication and creative brilliance of the artists, whose works had transformed the exhibition into a captivating showcase of diverse perspectives. 

Among the distinguished guests, the exhibition hosted esteemed individuals such as Mr. Qin Yong, Deputy Consul General, Consulate of China, Mr. Maxim Aleshin, Senior Consul, Consulate General of the Russian Federation, Mr. Cameron Arias, Economic Officer, Embassy of United States of America, Mr. Pradeep Kumar Singhania, Honorary Consul, Honorary Consul of Tanzania, Mr. Mukund Khaitan, Honorary Consul General, Republic of Guatemala, among others.

Attendees shared thoughts, laughter, and perspectives, building connections that extended beyond professional affiliations. The event proved to be a melting pot of diverse backgrounds converging in the name of art and shared cultural experiences.

As the event concluded, it marked another triumph for BRICS CCI in the realm of soft diplomacy. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to creating platforms that transcend mere business relations. Through initiatives like “Shilpo Sanjog,” BRICS CCI aims to contribute to a broader dialogue between nations, celebrating diversity, and fostering understanding.