Dr. Sandeep Marwah of ICMEI Extends Greetings to Palau on Independence Day
Noida: Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI) and Chair for the Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum, extended his heartiest congratulations to Dr. Neeraj A. Sharma, Consul General of Palau to India, and to the people of Palau on the occasion of their Independence Day celebrated on 1st October.
Dr. Marwah highlighted the warm and growing relationship between India and Palau, emphasizing the significant role that art and culture play in strengthening the bond between the two nations. “Cultural diplomacy is a powerful tool for building bridges between countries, and I am pleased that the Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum continues to contribute meaningfully to this mission,” said Dr. Sandeep Marwah.
Dr. Neeraj A. Sharma appreciated the continuous efforts of Dr. Sandeep Marwah and the Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum in promoting friendship, mutual understanding, and cultural exchange between India and Palau. Recognizing his contribution to fostering strong cultural ties, Dr. Sharma extended a special invitation to Dr. Sandeep Marwah to visit Palau as a State Guest.
Dr. Marwah expressed his gratitude for the invitation and reaffirmed his commitment to furthering bilateral relations through media, films, and cultural collaborations under the banner of ICMEI and the Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum.
Indo-Palau Film and Cultural Forum Showcases Island Heritage Through Fashion at 9th Global Fashion and Design Week
Noida, India – May 31, 2025 – The Indo-Palau Film and Cultural Forum, in association with the Office of the Consul General of Palau in India, proudly joined hands to celebrate cultural diplomacy through fashion at the 9th Global Fashion and Design Week (GFDW) Noida 2025. Hosted at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City, this globally recognized fashion extravaganza is hailed as the largest academic fashion week in the world, and once again set a new benchmark for international collaboration and creative excellence.
Organized under the dynamic leadership of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI) Fashion Committee, and backed by the AAFT School of Fashion and Design and the AAFT School of Interior Designing, GFDW 2025 welcomed over 200 celebrated designers, showcased 550 original garments, and displayed 125 unique interior installations, drawing global attention to innovation and tradition in harmony.
The Indo-Palau Film and Cultural Forum, a consistent advocate for artistic exchange, brought to life the mesmerizing spirit of the Pacific island nation through a stunning fashion showcase. This year’s Palau-inspired collection drew deep creative inspiration from the island’s famous Storyboard Carvings—traditional narratives etched in wood. The couture pieces, crafted with hand-embroidered patchwork on net, Japanese satin, and lace, brought to the runway the rhythm of ocean waves and ancient island myths, told in elegant silhouettes of white, blue, and red. The designs eloquently merged Palauan heritage with refined, modern craftsmanship, capturing the heart of viewers with island grace and storytelling flair.
Adding further cultural depth, a specially designed piece of furniture inspired by Palauan artistic motifs was also on display, symbolizing the fusion of traditional design philosophy with global contemporary sensibilities.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of GFDW 2025 and Chair of the Indo-Palau Film and Cultural Forum, expressed his heartfelt appreciation: “Palau and India share a beautiful friendship rooted in mutual respect and cultural admiration. Through the Indo-Palau Film and Cultural Forum, we continue to promote this bond using art, storytelling, and creative platforms like fashion. We are thankful to the Office of the Consul General of Palau in India for their continued support.”
The event featured 9 major fashion shows, 90 vibrant fashion rounds, 6 curated exhibitions, and 9 international culinary sessions, with live broadcasting via MSTV, Radio Noida, and widespread international media coverage across 600+ outlets.
The Indo-Palau showcase was a powerful reminder of how fashion can serve as a canvas for history, myth, and cultural unity across continents.
ICMEI Congratulates Palau on Their Independence Day
Noida, India: The International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), led by Dr. Sandeep Marwah, extends warm congratulations to Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Consul General of Palau, and to the people of Palau on the occasion of their Independence Day, celebrated on October 1st.
The Indo-Palau Film and Cultural Forum, established in New Delhi, aims to foster stronger ties between India and Palau, promoting mutual cultural understanding and exchange. Dr. Marwah emphasized the enduring friendship between the two nations and the continued commitment to working together in the field of art and culture.
Palau has been an active partner in several ICMEI events, including the Global Film Festival, Global Festival of Journalism, Global Literary Festival, and Global Fashion Week, among other cultural programs throughout the year.
The regular exchange of delegations has strengthened the relationship between India and Palau. Dr. Sandeep Marwah, recently invited to Palau as a state guest, noted that these interactions have brought the two countries closer, opening new avenues for collaboration and friendship.
ICMEI looks forward to a bright future of enhanced cooperation and cultural enrichment with Palau.
Sandeep Marwah Honored for His Services to the Republic of Palau
Noida, India – In a prestigious ceremony held at Marwah Studios, H.E. Lebuu Littler James, Administrator of National Aviation of Palau, honored Dr. Sandeep Marwah for his unwavering contributions to the development and promotion of relations between India and the Republic of Palau. The ceremony marked the completion of two successful years of the Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum, an initiative created by the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), in collaboration with the Consul General of Palau in India, under the chairmanship of Dr. Marwah.
Accompanying H.E. Lebuu Littler James during the visit were Hon. Neeraj A. Sharma, Honorary Consul General of Palau to India, Robert J. Scaria, Honorary Consul of India to Palau, and Shruti Swaroop of the International Inclusion Alliance. Together, they celebrated the forum’s accomplishments, which have significantly enhanced cultural and artistic collaborations between the two nations.
In his remarks, H.E. Lebuu Littler James expressed his admiration for Dr. Marwah, stating, “I am thrilled and impressed by the energy of Dr. Sandeep Marwah. He is a one-man army, and such individuals truly change the world. On behalf of the Government of Palau, I thank him and honor him for his wonderful contributions.”
The Republic of Palau has been a close partner of ICMEI under the Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum, which has actively participated in a range of international festivals and events. These include the Global Film Festival Noida, Global Literary Festival Noida, Global Festival of Journalism, Global Fashion Week, as well as the International Documentary Film Festival of India, Palau Food Festival, and the Celebration of National Day of Palau in India, among other significant cultural events.
Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Honorary Consul General of Palau to India, also lauded Dr. Marwah’s exceptional organizational and administrative skills, stating, “We are proud of Dr. Sandeep Marwah. We have never seen such a great organizer and administrator handling so many organizations simultaneously.”
The event was a testament to the growing ties between India and Palau, with the Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum continuing to serve as a bridge for cultural exchange, creativity, and cooperation between the two nations.
Two Years Celebration of Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum at ICMEI
Noida, India – A grand celebration took place marking the successful completion of two years of the Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum (IPFCF), a key initiative of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), established in 2022. Under the esteemed leadership of Dr. Neeraj K. Sharma, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Palau to India, the forum has significantly contributed to fostering cultural ties and promoting cinematic collaboration between India and Palau.
The event reached new heights with the presence of H.E. Lebuu Littler James, Administrator of National Aviation of Palau, who visited Marwah Studios, where he was welcomed with great enthusiasm. He was accompanied by Hon. Neeraj A. Sharma, Robert J. Scaria, Honorary Consul of India to Palau, and Shruti Swaroop of International Inclusion Alliance. The delegation was given an exclusive tour of the world-class facilities at Marwah Studios and had a fruitful interaction with members of the Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum and the students of AAFT (Asian Academy of Film & Television).
During his visit, H.E. Lebuu Littler James expressed his admiration for the state-of-the-art infrastructure at Marwah Studios, noting, “I am amazed to see the facilities at Marwah Studios. The students are fortunate to receive training in such a world-class setup. I warmly welcome you all to Palau and encourage you to create some outstanding cinematic works—fiction or documentary—and we will support you to the best of our abilities.”
In his remarks, Dr. Neeraj K. Sharma expressed his gratitude to Dr. Sandeep Marwah, founder of Marwah Studios, for orchestrating the event, stating, “Dr. Marwah leaves no stone unturned in his role as a Cultural Ambassador of Palau, and we are thankful for his continued efforts in strengthening cultural and cinematic ties between India and Palau.”
Robert J. Scaria, Honorary Consul of India to Palau, extended his best wishes for a long and prosperous relationship between the two nations, highlighting the forum’s role in enhancing mutual understanding through the arts.
As a mark of mutual respect and recognition, Dr. Sandeep Marwah presented Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum Mementos to the distinguished guests, including life membership of the World Peace and Development and Research Foundation to both Neeraj Sharma and Shruti Swaroop.
In return, Dr. Sandeep Marwah was honored with a memento from the Republic of Palau by H.E. Lebuu Littler James and a certificate of appreciation for his two years of selfless service to promoting India-Palau relations.
The event was a celebration of cultural exchange and cooperation, reflecting the deepening ties between India and Palau through the powerful medium of cinema and the arts. The Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum will continue its mission of nurturing these bonds and providing platforms for artistic collaboration.
Hon. Consul of Palau Neeraj A Sharma at the International Headquarters of ICME
Noida, India – The Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum, a pioneering institution dedicated to fostering cultural bonds and promoting relations between India and Palau through art and culture, has confirmed its participation in the upcoming Global Film Festival Noida 2023. The Forum’s active involvement in this festival is a testament to its commitment to strengthen the cultural ties between the two nations.
Mr. Neeraj A Sharma, Honorary Consul for Palau in India, has wholeheartedly endorsed this collaboration with the Global Film Festival Noida 2023, hosted at Marwah Studios and organized by the International Film and Television Club. Mr. Sharma expressed his admiration for the dynamic and meaningful activities conducted by the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), noting, “I am impressed by the activities of ICMEI. Not only are they entertaining, but they are meaningful and full of strength and depth.”
The Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum, a vital initiative to promote cultural exchange between India and Palau, has consistently engaged with ICMEI’s diverse range of activities. This strategic collaboration aims to further integrate Palau into the global cultural and cinematic landscape, forging a deeper connection between the two nations.
As part of this association, Palau will participate in the 117th Festival of Short Digital Films, the 16th International Festival of Cellphone Cinema, and the 16th Global Film Festival Noida 2023. This collaboration will provide a platform for artists, filmmakers, and cultural enthusiasts from both countries to interact, share their artistic perspectives, and celebrate the rich tapestry of their cultures.
The Global Film Festival Noida is a prestigious event that brings together filmmakers, artists, and media professionals from around the world to showcase their creative endeavors and explore the diverse world of cinema. The participation of the Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum adds a unique dimension to this festival, emphasizing the significance of cultural diplomacy and artistic exchange.
This partnership between the Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum and the Global Film Festival Noida 2023 is a remarkable step towards strengthening the cultural bonds between India and Palau, promoting mutual understanding, and fostering a spirit of artistic collaboration.
Sandeep Marwah Presenting Patronship of Indo Palau Cultural Forum to Naresh Sharma
New Delhi: The Consul General of Palau Naresh A Sharma has been presented with the Patronship of newly formed Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum by the President of International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry Dr. Sandeep Marwah in a grand function at Marwah Studios Film City Noida.
“It is a historical day as the first ever Indo Palau Cultural Forum is inaugurated in India to develop and promote relations between the two countries through art and culture. We feel elevated in presenting Patronship to Naresh Sharma and confident that under his leadership we will grow much faster,” said Sandeep Marwah presenting the memento to Naresh Sharma.
“I am charged with new energy and hope that we all together will create a wonderful and strong relationship between the two countries,” said Naresh Sharma accepting the patronship.
Palau is a small island country in the Western Pacific with a population of around 21,000. Being a small island country, Palau takes keen interest in ocean related issues, climate change and sustainable development. The Palau economy is dominated by tourism, fishing, and subsistence agriculture. Long-run prospects for tourism have been bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, the rising prosperity of industrial East Asia, and the willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure development. Palau has friendly relations with India and one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations in April 1995, soon after their independence.
Sandeep Marwah Nominated Chair for Indo Palau Cultural Forum
Noida: “We feel honoured in nominating Sandeep Marwah President of Marwah Studios as the Chairman for newly formed Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum and we are sure that India an Palau will see new rise in their relationship through art and culture,” said Naresh A Sharma Honorary Consul General of Palau in India presenting certificate of Chairmanship to Marwah in a grand function at Marwah Studios.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah is the President of International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry. He is the founder of Noida Film City, founder Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts and National Chairman of Media and Entertainment Committee of BIS Ministry of Consumer Affairs Government of India. He has a vast experience in the field of promoting art and culture in India and abroad.
“I am so thankful to Naresh Sharma for nominating me as the Chair for Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum. We will leave no stone unturned to convert this mall organisation to an international one in no time,” said Sandeep Marwah thanking and accepting the chairmanship.
Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum Launched at ICMEI
Noida: “There was a need to create awareness about the Republic of Palau in India. We have been thinking and were looking for the appropriate platform to do so, there cannot be better proposal than launching of Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum at International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry,” said Naresh A Sharma Honorary Consul General of Palau in India.
A poster was launched to mark the launching of the forum from the dice of Asian Academy of Film and Television during the convocation of 2021 batch. “it is a proud moment for all of us and a historical day when Indo Palau are joining hands though the formation of Film and Cultural Forum. I am thankful to Naresh Sharma for trusting us and giving us this wonderful opportunity to prove our caliber and capacity,” said Dr. Sandeep Marwah President of ICMEI and Marwah Studios.
A certificate of Patronship was presented to Naresh A Sharma by Dr. Sandeep Marwah in the presence of large audience whereas Naresh Sharma also nominated Sandeep Marwah as the Chair for Indo Palau Film and Cultural Forum. A copy of MOU shall be signed in the later date.