Hungarian Cultural Centre

Hungarian culture and the country’s interest for relationship with India is not something new to be proud of. There has been a cordial and esteemed relationship between the two countries, with active sharing of the cultural philosophies, economical and various exchanges with regards to foreign policies of Hungary. Even though the Hungarian Cultural Centre is located presently in Delhi since the last 3 decades, there has been established relationship between the two countries since the 18th century. Presently, the Hungarian Cultural Centre in New Delhi is one of the most visited foreign cultural centres located in India and this centre is also actively participating in different activities to improve the intellect, information and cultural exchanges between the two countries. This centre has become well established as a cultural centre for meeting of various intellectuals and achievers in different fields, since the centre has facilities for film shows, scientific knowledge exchanges, concerts, lectures, art exhibitions and even Hungarian language classes. Due to the ambience of the Hungarian Cultural Centre and the myriad facilities available in this place, the centre has been held in high esteem among the Indian diplomats, as well as those coming from Hungary or other European Union nations.

Historical Perspective

Relationships between the two countries date back to 18th century, which is still being carried on in good terms. Many scholars, travellers and explorers from Hungary arrived in India as long as 18th century and studied Indian culture and tradition. There are some notable works documented as contributions from Hungarian scholars. János Honigberger was the court doctor of the famous maharaja, Ranjit Singh, the doctor having arrived from the Transylvania. The first ever dictionary in Tibetan-English was drafted by a Hungarian, Alexander Csoma de Koros. Over the years, many artists from Hungary came to India and found inspirations for their paintings, some of which have become extremely well known. Some of the paintings by Amrita Shergill are the treasured ones in India, well known from Hungarian perspective because of the painter’s birth to Hungarian mother and Indian father in the land of Hungary. Similarly, there are many historical anecdotes, which relate to the close relationships between India and Hungary, and in the present day scenario, the Hungarian Cultural Centre aims to bring further enhancement in the relationship between the two countries.

Location

Founded in 1978, the Hungarian Cultural Centre has been active in the Indian capital city of New Delhi, in the posh locality of Janpath. This centre is housed in the building known as Baikunth and is one of the best looking mansions in the capital city, built in the contemporary modern style.

Functions and Events Organised

Most of the work by the Hungarian Cultural Centre revolves around the growth of the cultural, economic and educational exchanges between India and Hungary. It is the due responsibility of the Hungarian Cultural Centre to assist the Hungarian scholars in finding suitable institutions for scholarly pursuits. Those with scholarships for studying in India are provided support in different ways, so that they can properly utilise their money and time in the country, while maximising their learning. In the same manner, the Indian students can also go to various universities in Hungary and many interested students from India can also take up Hungarian language classes.

An additional feature promoted by the Hungarian Cultural Centre is that of the artistic exhibitions by many of the well known artists from Hungary, who put up their work in the centre, for being seen by the patrons. Many such artists from Hungary have had their works exhibited in this centre.

It has been the target of Hungarian Cultural Centre to conduct near about 150 programmes related to culture, art and academics, every year. Not only in the centre in New Delhi, but these works are also exhibited and organised in other cities of India, under joint partnerships of the state government, central government and the Hungarian Cultural Centre. Many research works have also been promoted by the centre, through provision of proper research training, collaborations with institutes and if required, invitation to accomplished researchers from Hungary. The efforts of the centre towards the promotion of Hungarian culture have been commendable and being the only one of its kind in Asia, this centre has assumed much importance.