Bharat Corner at Raksana School Strengthens India-Indonesia Relations

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Consul General of India in Medan, Ravi Shanker Goel, together with Franklin Manullang, S.S., HRD Supervisor of the Raksana Education Foundation, officially inaugurated the Bharat Corner at Raksana School in Medan on September 21, 2026.

The inauguration of the Bharat Corner was part of the Tagore-Dewantara Year program on India-Indonesia cultural and educational diplomacy. The initiative is part of the Consulate General of India in Medan's efforts to strengthen relations between India and Indonesia in the fields of education and culture while broadening students' understanding of India's diverse cultural heritage.

Upon his arrival at Raksana School, Ravi Shanker Goel received a warm welcome from the students. They presented a musical performance featuring the Indian national anthem and several Bollywood songs. The performances created a warm and lively atmosphere ahead of the inauguration ceremony.

Promoting Cultural Exchange at School

During the event, Ravi Shanker Goel engaged in discussions with students and members of the Raksana School teaching staff. He emphasized the importance of people-to-people relations, cultural exchange, and shared values that connect India and Indonesia.

The interaction also gave students an opportunity to learn more about India, particularly its culture and traditions. The Consul General also spoke with members of the teaching staff about the importance of broadening young people's horizons through educational ties and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

On the occasion, the Consulate General of India in Medan distributed yoga shirts and various gifts to students and members of the Raksana School teaching staff.

The event not only introduced cultural aspects but also presented various educational and professional development opportunities offered by the Government of India.

Scholarships and Educational Opportunities Introduced

Ravi Shanker Goel explained several opportunities available to students and teachers who wish to study in India or develop their professional skills. One of these opportunities is the scholarship program offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

In addition to the scholarships, the Consul General introduced professional development opportunities under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC). The program provides participants from various countries, including Indonesia, with opportunities to enhance their professional competencies.

Ravi Shanker Goel encouraged interested students and teachers at Raksana School to take advantage of these opportunities. Pursuing higher education and professional development in India could help broaden academic experiences while also deepening people-to-people relations between the two countries.

The Consul General also offered to organize special screenings of Indian films for students and teachers at Raksana School. Such events could help participants become more familiar with Indian cinema while expanding their appreciation of India's culture and social life.

In addition to film, the Consulate General of India in Medan introduced yoga as an important part of India's cultural heritage. During the event, Ravi Shanker Goel promoted the concept of "Yoga for Healthy Aging."

He encouraged students and teachers to incorporate yoga into their daily lives to support physical and mental well-being. The Consulate emphasized that yoga should not be viewed merely as a physical activity but also as a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Invitation to Ayurveda and Gandhi Jayanti Events

Ravi Shanker Goel subsequently invited students and teachers at Raksana School to participate in various cultural events scheduled to take place in Medan.

One of the events is Ayurveda Day, which will be held on September 23, 2026, at Universitas Sumatera Utara. The event will provide students with an opportunity to learn about Ayurveda and its holistic approach to health and well-being.

The Consul General also invited the Raksana School community to participate in Gandhi Jayanti events on October 2, 2026, at Jalan Gandhi and Universitas Sari Mutiara. The commemoration marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.

Through participation in these activities, students will be introduced to values associated with peace, nonviolence, and harmony, which form part of Mahatma Gandhi's intellectual and moral legacy.

The invitation to Ayurveda and Gandhi Jayanti events also expands opportunities for interaction between Medan's educational community and Indian representatives. Student participation in various cultural activities is expected to provide direct experiences and help them gain a deeper understanding of Indian traditions, values, and cultural heritage.

The inauguration of the Bharat Corner at Raksana School is part of the ongoing efforts by the Consulate General of India in Medan to introduce Indian culture and education to the wider community.

The Bharat Corner also provides a space where students can access information and learn about India from an educational perspective. In addition to promoting cultural heritage, the facility forms part of efforts to strengthen longstanding people-to-people relations between India and Indonesia.

The Consulate General of India in Medan continues to promote educational and cultural ties through various activities involving educational institutions, students, teachers, and the wider public. The inauguration of the Bharat Corner at Raksana School represents another step toward expanding this exchange and strengthening India-Indonesia relations at the community level.

By bringing together cultural education, educational opportunities, yoga, Indian cinema, Ayurveda, and the values associated with Mahatma Gandhi, the event provides young people with an opportunity to explore India from different perspectives.

The inauguration of the Bharat Corner also highlights the role of education and cultural diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding. Through exchanges within the school environment, relations between India and Indonesia can continue to develop through younger generations and educational communities in both countries. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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