Embassy of India
Paramaribo, Suriname
Concurrently accredited to Barbados, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre
Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre
Embassy of India
Paramaribo
Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre
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The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (formerly Indian Cultural Centre) was established in Paramaribo in 1978, with the aim of fostering cultural exchange and interaction between India and Suriname. The Centre is one of the 24 Indian Cultural Centres established by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to revive and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries. It seeks to promote India–Suriname cultural cooperation by building on shared cultural values and creating awareness of Indian culture in all its diverse forms.
Since its inauguration in 1978, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre has firmly established itself within the Surinamese cultural landscape and earned a reputation for excellence through its wide-ranging, multifaceted activities. The Centre offers classes in Kathak dance, Hindi, music, and yoga. These classes are conducted by talented and committed teachers. Over time, the Centre has gained tremendous popularity, with approximately 3,500 students enrolled in various programs offered.
The Centre is also active in organizing performances by Indian and Surinamese artists, as well as lectures, lecture-demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions, and more. In recent years, the Centre has hosted performances by several renowned artists from both India and Suriname. Most recently, a Kathak group led by Dr. Samiksha Sharma visited Suriname from 22–24 January 2025, and a 10-member Bhojpuri Folk Music and Dance Group led by Dr. Shailesh Srivastava visited Saint Lucia from 4–6 June 2025.
The Centre also maintains a well-equipped library and reading room, with a large collection of books, newspapers, periodicals, CDs, and DVDs. The library is open to the public from Monday to Friday.
The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre is located at a prestigious location in Paramaribo.
You can contact the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre at:
Telephone: (+597) 499538
Director’s Line: (+597) 491800
Or through e-mail at:- Svcc[dot]paramaribo[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in
Further information about the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is available at:- http://iccr.gov.in/
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