About the Institute
The prime object of the Institute is to foster the growth of a truly cosmopolitan spirit among citizens of all nations.
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-PresidentWhat the Institute stands on
It bases this on Universal Brotherhood, and faith in the universal moral law of Karma. These ideals do not belong exclusively to any one age, climate, nation or creed.
Universal Brotherhood
The basis on which the Institute rests its ideals.
The universal moral law of Karma
A faith the Institute holds as the foundation of its work.
For every age and creed
These ideals do not belong exclusively to any one age, climate, nation or creed.
A living cultural centre, in numbers
Lectures, music and dance
For the achieving of these ideals, public lectures are regularly organized on relevant and contemporary topics. These are blended with programs of music and dance to enrich the cultural life. More than 300 programs are now organized every year, with an event almost every day.
Some of the lectures have been reprinted as “Transactions of the Institute” for wider dissemination. Ninety three such Transactions have been issued so far. Each month’s programme is given advance publicity in the monthly Bulletin of the Institute. All programs are conducted punctually.
A library for the community
The institute maintains a General Library of over 40,000 volumes, to satisfy one of the needs of the community. A separate Children’s Library has been established for the younger generation. Both these have become very popular and useful over the years. Its Magazine Section regularly receives over 400 periodicals.
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.
Milestones 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.
More about the Institute
Founder
The life of Bahmanji Pestonji Wadia, Founder-President of the Institute.
ReadOur Story
The torch bearers of the Institute: presidents, vice presidents, secretaries and members through the years.
ReadObjectives
The Institute’s stated objectives, from cultural and ethical development to cultural exchange.
ReadLeadership
The people who lead the Institute today.
Meet the teamBe part of the IIWC community
Join the Institute and take part in a living programme of lectures, music, dance, art and books.