A cultural centre for ordinary men and women
The Indian Institute of World Culture was founded on 11 August 1945 in the suburb of Basavanagudi in the city of Bangalore. It owes its existence to the foresight, vision and sacrifice of its Founder-President, Shri B. P. Wadia and his spouse, Smt. Sophia Wadia. The prime object of the Institute is to foster the growth of a truly cosmopolitan spirit among citizens of all nations.
It was conceived not as an academy for scholars, but as a cultural centre for ordinary men and women, affording them opportunities to develop those graces of living which are the hallmark of humanism.
The Institute seeks to make available those nuggets of knowledge which make a man more healthy in body, more wealthy in mind, more noble in heart, more self-sacrificing in spirit.
Shri B. P. Wadia · Founder-PresidentMilestones since 1945
Inception
Inception with Sri. D.V. Gundappa as the Chairman of Advisory Board along with other stalwarts as board members. Neither the UNO nor the UNESCO had come into existence. But the ideas for which they now stand were resonated by IIWC.
Library inaugurated
Rajadharmapravina T. Singaravelu Mudaliar, Chairman of the Institute’s Advisory Board, declared the library open.
Children’s Library
A separate children section was established and the same was moved to a spacious building in 1970.
Behanan’s Reference Library
A collection of valuable classics was handed over to the Institute by Dr. K.T. Behanan.
IIWC Bulletin started
The Bulletin was started in 1973 as a means to communicate the month-long programs and various institute activities.
Art Section
A dedicated art section was started by M.A. Sunkad. Since then, weekly art classes are conducted.
Children’s Library renovated
Improved the aesthetic appeal of the children’s library to suit children’s preferences and seating arrangement.
IIWC showcases at Chitra Sante
An exhibition at the prestigious Chitra Sante was held in February 2020 by students of IIWC.
Distinguished visitors
Among the many distinguished scholars who have honored the Institute by their visits, special mention could be made of
…and many other world renowned persons.
Torch bearers of the Institute
The people who have guided the Institute since 1945.
Advisory Committee Chair
Presidents
Vice Presidents
- Dr. L S Doraiswamy1945 – 1951
- Smt Sophia Wadia1958 – 1986
- Mr. Jacques Dedeyn1958 – 1966
- Dr. M N Mahadevan1958 – 1973
- Sri M V Venkataramaiah1986 – 1992
- Ms. Sophia Tenbroeck1991 – 1996
- Sri K R Ramachandran1992 – 2003
- Prof. V K Doraswamy1997 – 2008
- Dr. R N Nagaraj2009 – 2016
- Sri D N Munikrishna2016 – 2018
- Dr. Vijayalakshmi Balekundri2019 – 2022
- Sri C. S. AravindaPresent
Honorary Secretaries
- Smt Mirabai Doraiswamy1945 – 1950
- Mr. Jacques Dedeyn1958 – 1966
- Sri Anand Kundaji1974 – 1990
- Sri M V Venkataramaiah1986 – 1992
- Sri M S S Murthy1990 – 1992
- Sri YM Balakrishna1992 – 2014
- Dr. R N Nagaraj2009 – 2016
- Mr. T K Thimmaraja Setty2015 – 2016
- Sri Arakali Venkatesh PrasadPresent
Committee members, past and present65 names
Keep exploring
Founder
The life of Bahmanji Pestonji Wadia, Founder-President of the Institute.
ReadObjectives
The Institute’s stated objectives, from cultural and ethical development to cultural exchange.
ReadLeadership
The people who lead the Institute today.
Meet the teamAbout the Institute
What the Institute is and does today: its ideals, programmes and libraries.
ReadBe part of the IIWC story
Join the Institute and take part in a living programme of lectures, music, dance, art and books.