Dr. Karan Singh, Chairman Indian Council of Cultural Relations, an autonomous organization, inaugurated the Jammu branch of ICCR in the presence of a large gathering of artists, sculptors, dancers and musicians coming together from different segments of society. Jammu has the privilege to be the 18th city where ICCR has opened its recent branch. Srinagar is also likely to get a branch soon according to the Chairman. ICCR is essentially an institution given the duty of bringing salient features of Indian culture to the world outside. In more than a dozen countries of the world it has its branches closely linked to respective embassies. Cultural troupes are dispatched to perform in those countries and their troupes are invited to perform in India. This has been a commendable effort of the Indian State to build its cultural profile in the eyes of world community. India has usually received appreciation for its rich cultural fund. Selection of Balwant Thakur, an eminent artist of Jammu with reputation in the field and appreciation from national and international quarters, will be the regional director. Jammu is proud of its ICCR branch being headed by such an eminent son of the soil. The branch will provide great opportunity to the talented artists of Jammu region to showcase their contribution to the enrichment of Indian culture. Jammu has rich cultural fund and the ICCR branch will provide rare opportunities of exposure of that talent. Naturally a new cultural complex will come up with ultra modern facilities and this was greatly needed in refurbishing cultural profile of Jammu. Dr. Karan Singh as done a good service to the State.