The Mahotsav aims to integrate the indigenous Bodo people residing not only in Bodoland but also in other parts of Assam…reports Asian Lite News
Five thousand cultural, linguistic and art enthusiasts will celebrate the rich Bodo culture at the 1st Bodoland Mahotsav to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday.
The two-day Mahotsav, to be held at SAI Indira Gandhi Sports Complex on November 15 and 16, will be a mega event on language, literature, and culture to sustain peace and build a Vibrant Bodo Society, a statement said.
The Mahotsav aims to integrate the indigenous Bodo people residing not only in Bodoland but also in other parts of Assam, West Bengal, Nepal, and other international border areas of the North East.
The theme for the Mahotsav is ‘Peace and Harmony for Prosperous Bharat’ with a focus on the rich culture, language and education of the Bodo community along with other communities from the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
It aims to capitalise on the richness of cultural and linguistic heritage, ecological biodiversity and tourism potential of Bodoland.
Significantly, the Mahotsav is also about celebrating the remarkable journey of recovery and resilience ever since the signing of the Bodo Peace Accord in 2020 under the leadership of PM Modi.
The peace agreement resolved decades of conflict and violence in Bodoland, serving as a catalyst for other peace settlements.
The session on “The rich Bodo Culture, Tradition and Literature Contributing towards Indian Heritage and Traditions” will be the highlight of the Mahotsav and witness deliberations on a range of the rich Bodo culture, traditions, language and literature.
Another session on “Challenges and Opportunities of Mother Tongue medium-of-instruction through National Education Policy, 2020” will also be held.
Thematic discussion on “Indigenous cultural meet and discussion on building ‘Vibrant Bodoland’ Region through culture and tourism” will also be organised with the objective of promoting tourism and culture of Bodoland region.
The gathering will include over 5,000 cultural, linguistic and art enthusiasts attending the event from Bodoland region, Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, other parts of India, and from neighbouring nations Nepal and Bhutan, among others.
British author Samantha Harvey’s fiction on space wins 2024 Booker Prize…reports Asian Lite News
A short novel set on the International Space Station by British author Samantha Harvey in the 2024 winner of the prestigious Booker Prize for fiction.
Harvey was awarded the USD 64,000 prize for her “space pastoral” story ‘Orbital’ that follows the lives of six astronauts on the ISS, as they circle the Earth. The award ceremony was held on Tuesday night at London’s Old Billingsgate
The 49-year-old author has according to the awarding organisation become the first woman since 2019 to win the Booker Prize.
“It is an unforgettable year for fiction, a book about a wounded world. Sometimes you encounter a book and cannot work out how this miraculous event has happened. As judges we were determined to find a book that moved us, a book that had capaciousness and resonance, that we are compelled to share. We wanted everything,” Edmund de Waal, Chair of judges, said.
The book is a novel that is propelled by the beauty of sixteen surises and sixteen sunsets, says De Waal who added that the with her “language of lyricism and acuity Harvey makes our world strange and new for us.
The author said that she wrote the book during the COVID induced lockdowns during which she watched many hours of online footage from the ISS.
Incidentally, Harvey has said that she does not own a mobile phone.
She dedicated the prize to “all the people who speak for and not against the Earth and work for and not against peace”.
She said she questioned herself while writing the book: “Why would anybody want to hear from a woman at her desk in Wiltshire writing about space when people have actually been there?”
“I lost my nerve with it and I thought I didn’t have the authority to write it.”
In an interview after she was longlisted for the prize, Harvey said that she considered ‘The Siege of Krishnapur’ based on a fictional town in India by J.G. Farrell as one of the best books of the last century.
Born in Kent in 1975, the daughter of a builder, Samantha Harvey studied philosophy at the University of York and University of Sheffield. A writer and sculptor, in the 2000s, she worked at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy in Bath, the site from which the planet Uranus was discovered.
She is now a tutor on the MA course in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University and the author of five novels.
She was longlisted for the Booker Prize in 2009 for her debut novel ‘The Wilderness’, about an ageing architect who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. The book was awarded the Betty Trask Prize.
Prior to ‘Orbital’, her previous novel, ‘The Western Wind’, was about a priest in 15th century Somerset.
In 2020 Harvey published her first book of non-fiction, ‘The Shapeless Unease: A Year of Not Sleeping,’ about her personal experience of chronic insomnia.
She has been shortlisted for the James Tait Black Award, the Women’s Prize, the Guardian First Book Award and the Walter Scott Prize. Her writing has appeared in Granta Magazine, The Guardian, The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Telegraph and TIME magazine.lter Scott Prize. (ANI)
The event marks 52nd anniversary of the World Heritage Convention (Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage)…reports Asian Lite News
An entrancing event marking the World Heritage Week was organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence at the House of Lords recently. Hosted by Baroness Verma, the event titled Cultural Landscape and Understanding Diversity: SETU had Army Officers, poets, doctors, students, several members of the community, and Diplomats Minister-Counsellor Ruslan Karabulov and First Secretary (Trade) Ms. Yvone Zulu in attendance.
Baroness Verma rendering opening words at SETU
In her opening speech, Baroness Verma highlighted the importance on Cultural Diversity in building stronger societies and enhancing mutual understanding. She commended Sanskruti Centre for the consistent efforts in trying to preserve aspects of invaluable intangible heritage of India and South Asia.
Her Excellency High Commissioner of Zambia Ms Macenje Mazoka and Ambassador of Kazakhstan His Excellency Magzhan Ilyassov have eloquently spoken on cultural diversity in their countries, and appreciated Sustainable Goals and culture dimension.
H.E. High Commissioner of Zambia Ms Mazoka and Parliamentary Host Baroness Verma
Major Munish Chauhan from British Army spoke on Diversity, Enrichment and Leadership. Diverse art forms were presented on the occasion that offered visual delight, aiming to increase awareness about different cultures and traditions.
Young performers Adithi Mote, Ayati Yuvaraj, Kaavya Rapatwar and Swechaa Manikireddy presented the invocation. This was followed by a short historical account on Afro-Indian Siddi community, with the dance presented by Sree Lalitha Kotla. Kuchipudi by Sanvika Kommineni, Kummi by Lakshmi Aveen, Mohiniattam by Manju Sunil, Limba dance of Sierra Leone by Cecilia Greene and Bharatanatyam dance on flowers by Ragasudha Vinjamuri have all captivated the attendees. BK Jaimini Patel of Brahma Kumaris UK rendered a Peace message and led a short meditation round.
H.E. Ambassador Magzhan Ilyassov speaking at the House of Lords event
Vote of Thanks by Ragasudha Vinjamuri underscored the collective responsibility of parents in building a legion of next generation cultural ambassadors, fostering sense of pride and propagating art & heritage for posterity.
The event marks 52nd anniversary of the World Heritage Convention (Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage).
Invocation by young cultural ambassadors of SanskrutiClassical Dances of IndiaClassical Dance PresentationFolk Dances of IndiaMajor Munish Chauhan from British Army speaking on Cultural DiversityEvent on Cultural Landscape and Understanding Diversity- SETU
Kerala Chief Minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan accepts a copy of Missing Migrants and Access to Justice from KN Harilal, Planning Board Member, in the presence of Dr CS Akhil and Rafeek Ravuther.
Sharjah International Book Fair to Honour Rafeek Ravuther, the Producer/Director of Landmark TV Program ‘Pravasalokam’ which completes 1000 episodes within 25 years…reports Asian Lite News
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), one of the most prestigious literary gatherings in the Arab world, is set to host a special event honouring Rafeek Ravuther, the producer/ director of Pravasalokam, a revolutionary television program that celebrates its 25th anniversary and 1,000th episode this year.
The event will commemorate the impact of Pravasalokam, which has fundamentally transformed media engagement in the Gulf region through its unique blend of citizen journalism and media activism.
For a quarter of a century, Pravasalokam, which airs on the Kairali Channel, has spotlighted the lives of Kerala’s expatriates in the Middle East, particularly focusing on those who go missing abroad. The show, often described as a lifeline for the migrant community, connects the families of missing expatriates with the resources and agencies that help reunite them with their loved ones. This innovative approach has not only provided solace to countless families but has also created a platform for migrant advocacy that transcends borders.
“Thanks to the SIBF organising committee for acknowledging our efforts to support migrant workers in the Gulf,” said Ravuther in a recent statement. “The book Missing Migrants and Access to Justice, authored by Anasudhin Azeez and Dr. C.S. Akhil, is a compilation of our work. It carries statements from people who were part of this noble effort.”
Ravuther also expressed his gratitude to the “good Samaritans in the Gulf who supported our works,” recognizing the vast network of supporters who have aided Pravasalokam’s mission over the years.
Missing Migrants and Access to Justice is a comprehensive examination of the impact of Pravasalokam. The book reflects on the program’s journey, offering insights into the challenges faced by migrant workers and the invaluable role the show has played in addressing these struggles. With more than a thousand episodes, the program has managed to address over 2,000 cases of missing expatriates, collaborating with a wide range of volunteers and experts in India and abroad.
Since its inception, Pravasalokam has addressed the plight of Kerala’s diaspora, many of whom face challenging circumstances in their host countries. In the late 20th century, cross-border mobility in India was a sensitive issue, often dominated by state regulations and sovereignty concerns. Media involvement was largely limited to cultural events and policy updates. Against this backdrop, Pravasalokam emerged as a ground-breaking force, taking a bold stand to advocate for expatriates’ rights and protection, thus challenging the traditional role of media.
The architects of Pravasalokam identified and addressed the real challenges faced by Kerala’s migrant community, ranging from financial struggles to navigating complex legal systems in foreign countries. The show encountered numerous obstacles, including financial constraints and scrutiny from foreign governments. Yet Pravasalokam persevered, expanding into a robust platform that successfully advocated for policy changes at both state and national levels. In collaboration with the Centre for Indian Migrant Studies (CIMS), the program has not only raised awareness about the hardships faced by migrant workers but also facilitated real solutions and legal support.
The legacy of Pravasalokam reflects its multifaceted mission: educating migrant workers about their rights, warning them about visa fraud, and using social media for advocacy. The program serves as a connecting point for stakeholders ranging from diplomats and philanthropists to community leaders, all working together to uplift migrant communities. This network, nurtured over two decades, has proven to be a reliable resource for those in crisis, amplifying the voices of migrant workers and giving visibility to their struggles on a global scale.
The Sharjah International Book Fair’s celebration of Pravasalokam’s legacy is also a tribute to Malayalam media, which has gained recognition globally, including from the United Nations, for its role in diaspora support and media activism. The program’s success is not only due to the efforts of Ravuther and his team but also to the resilience of the Kerala diaspora, whose stories and sacrifices are central to the show’s mission. This event at SIBF will highlight the journey of Pravasalokam as a beacon of empowerment and solidarity, reshaping public perception of migrant workers and validating their experiences.
Through a deep dive into Pravasalokam’s origins, Missing Migrants and Access to Justice documents the unwavering dedication that has kept this program alive despite countless obstacles. The book offers insights into the program’s structure, its investigative approach, and the collaborative efforts that have allowed it to thrive as a support system for migrant workers. By narrating the program’s milestones and challenges, the book also provides a roadmap for other activists and organizations aiming to support expatriate communities.
As the 25-year journey of Pravasalokam continues, the program’s impact serves as a reminder of the power of grassroots media activism. Ravuther’s vision has reshaped Kerala’s diaspora, fostering a sense of identity and resilience among expatriates. The SIBF’s tribute not only commemorates a significant achievement in the media world but also calls for continued action in supporting migrant communities worldwide. This event is expected to inspire other media professionals and activists to create meaningful change through compassionate journalism and to recognize the strength of non-state interventions in safeguarding the rights of migrant workers.
The Sanskruti Centre marked World Heritage Week at the House of Lords with an event on cultural diversity, hosted by Baroness Verma…reports Asian Lite News
An entrancing event marking the World Heritage Week was organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence at the House of Lords recently.
Hosted by Baroness Verma, the event titled Cultural Landscape and Understanding Diversity: SETU had Army Officers, poets, doctors, students, several members of the community, and Diplomats Minister-Counsellor Ruslan Karabulov and First Secretary (Trade) Ms. Yvone Zulu in attendance.
In her opening speech, Baroness Verma highlighted the importance on Cultural Diversity in building stronger societies and enhancing mutual understanding.
Baroness Verma rendering opening words at SETU
She commended Sanskruti Centre for the consistent efforts in trying to preserve aspects of invaluable intangible heritage of India and South Asia.
Her Excellency High Commissioner of Zambia Ms Macenje Mazoka and Ambassador of Kazakhstan His Excellency Magzhan Ilyassov have eloquently spoken on cultural diversity in their countries, and appreciated Sustainable Goals and culture dimension.
H.E. High Commissioner of Zambia Ms Mazoka and Parliamentary Host Baroness Verma
Major Munish Chauhan from British Army spoke on Diversity, Enrichment and Leadership. Diverse art forms were presented on the occasion that offered visual delight, aiming to increase awareness about different cultures and traditions.
Young performers Adithi Mote, Ayati Yuvaraj, Kaavya Rapatwar and Swechaa Manikireddy presented the invocation.
This was followed by a short historical account on Afro-Indian Siddi community, with the dance presented by Sree Lalitha Kotla. Kuchipudi by Sanvika Kommineni, Kummi by Lakshmi Aveen, Mohiniattam by Manju Sunil, Limba dance of Sierra Leone by Cecilia Greene and Bharatanatyam dance on flowers by Ragasudha Vinjamuri have all captivated the attendees.
H.E. Ambassador Magzhan Ilyassov speaking at the House of Lords event
Invocation by young cultural ambassadors of Sanskruti
Classical Dances of India
Classical Dance Presentation
Folk Dances of India
Major Munish Chauhan from British Army speaking on Cultural Diversity
Event on Cultural Landscape and Understanding Diversity- SETU
BK Jaimini Patel of Brahma Kumaris UK rendered a Peace message and led a short meditation round. Vote of Thanks by Ragasudha Vinjamuri underscored the collective responsibility of parents in building a legion of next generation cultural ambassadors, fostering sense of pride and propagating art & heritage for posterity.
The event marks 52nd anniversary of the World Heritage Convention (Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage).
The Sanskruti Centre marked World Heritage Week at the House of Lords with an event on cultural diversity, hosted by Baroness Verma…reports Asian Lite News
An entrancing event marking the World Heritage Week was organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence at the House of Lords recently.
Hosted by Baroness Verma, the event titled Cultural Landscape and Understanding Diversity: SETU had Army Officers, poets, doctors, students, several members of the community, and Diplomats Minister-Counsellor Ruslan Karabulov and First Secretary (Trade) Ms. Yvone Zulu in attendance.
In her opening speech, Baroness Verma highlighted the importance on Cultural Diversity in building stronger societies and enhancing mutual understanding.
Baroness Verma rendering opening words at SETU
She commended Sanskruti Centre for the consistent efforts in trying to preserve aspects of invaluable intangible heritage of India and South Asia.
Her Excellency High Commissioner of Zambia Ms Macenje Mazoka and Ambassador of Kazakhstan His Excellency Magzhan Ilyassov have eloquently spoken on cultural diversity in their countries, and appreciated Sustainable Goals and culture dimension.
Major Munish Chauhan from British Army spoke on Diversity, Enrichment and Leadership. Diverse art forms were presented on the occasion that offered visual delight, aiming to increase awareness about different cultures and traditions.
H.E. High Commissioner of Zambia Ms Mazoka and Parliamentary Host Baroness Verma
Young performers Adithi Mote, Ayati Yuvaraj, Kaavya Rapatwar and Swechaa Manikireddy presented the invocation.
This was followed by a short historical account on Afro-Indian Siddi community, with the dance presented by Sree Lalitha Kotla. Kuchipudi by Sanvika Kommineni, Kummi by Lakshmi Aveen, Mohiniattam by Manju Sunil, Limba dance of Sierra Leone by Cecilia Greene and Bharatanatyam dance on flowers by Ragasudha Vinjamuri have all captivated the attendees.
Major Munish Chauhan from British Army speaking on Cultural Diversity
Folk Dances of India
Classical Dance Presentation
Classical Dances of India
Invocation by young cultural ambassadors of Sanskruti
H.E. Ambassador Magzhan Ilyassov speaking at the House of Lords event
.E. High Commissioner of Zambia Ms Mazoka and Parliamentary Host Baroness Verma
Event on Cultural Landscape and Understanding Diversity- SETU
BK Jaimini Patel of Brahma Kumaris UK rendered a Peace message and led a short meditation round. Vote of Thanks by Ragasudha Vinjamuri underscored the collective responsibility of parents in building a legion of next generation cultural ambassadors, fostering sense of pride and propagating art & heritage for posterity.
The event marks 52nd anniversary of the World Heritage Convention (Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage).
Entire auditorium watched rapt attentively, tapped fingers and foot on the rhythm of lyrics and colourful choreography on every Talam, while forgetting the materialistic world of acquiring property and gold, reports Vinod Raghavan
It was a visual treat with colourful palette laced with soul stirring lyrics with graceful presentation of poetry in a musical-dance format captivated the audience till past midnight on a Friday evening in Muscat, Oman.
The century old lyrics penned down by laurel poet of Kerala state, “Mahakavi Kumaran Aashan” in the early 20th century, was presented live by a little known group of poetry lovers viz. “Kaveetha Kootam” on a pleasant weekend in the presence of Malayalam actor Prem Kumar, Chairman of Kerala Chalachitram Academy and large number of men and women, accompanied with their little ones, were unmoved from their seat, reminding their school days of learning and listening to the beautiful verses of great poet Kumaran Aashan.
The group Kaveetha Kootam, formed half-heartedly by a handful poetry lovers, a couple of years back in Muscat, selected the occasion to pay tribute on the 100th death anniversary of the great poet Kumaran Aashan, to showcase the legends work through traditional art form of music and dance.
But, their fear short lived, as this writer witnessed the entire auditorium watched the three-hour show with rapt attention and also tapped their fingers and foot on the rhythm of lyrics and the colourful dance on every Talam, while forgetting the materialistic world of acquiring property and wealth, for which they have come to Oman for a good living.
Lakshmi Kothaneth, noted journalist, accompanied with her son, were present until the curtains were down, said, “this just shows the literary work of the legend and the present generations of Kaveetha Kootam and Director P R Gokulam and his entire team’s dedication to bring the creative art form – Kathakali, Bharatnatyam, Kerala Natanam, Mohiniyattam and Ottenthullal, to the audience of Oman.”
This is one of the finest musical presentations of great poet, which will definitely change the taste of art form presented by Kaveetha Kootam. The set and the costumes were eye catching, rich and soothing, said Kabeer Yousuf, a filmmaker and journalist from Oman.
The legend poet, was a member of the famous triumvirate of Malayalam poets along with Vallathol Narayana Menon and Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer, Kumaran Ashan was conferred the title ‘Mahakavi’ (meaning ‘great poet’) by Madras University in 1922. The suffix ‘Aashan,’ meaning ‘scholar’ or ‘teacher,’ reflects his dual role as a poet and philosopher, as well as a social reformer of his time.
The group ‘Kavitha Kootam Muscat,’ under the banner of NHP Events and Middle East Power Safety and Business LLC , presented the life of five characters from his poems Viz. Karuna, Chandalabhikshuki, and Nalini. These were presented through five classical dance forms of Kerala: Kathakali, Bharatnatyam, Kerala Natanam, Mohiniyattam and Ottenthullal.
“This is an attempt to showcase the great Indian poet of our times, who initiated a revolution in poetry earlier this century. He transformed the medium of poetry from the metaphysical to the lyrical, inspiring his contemporaries to be vocal in their poetic expressions. What makes his poetry distinctive is its commitment to society in terms of moral and spiritual content, poetic concentration, and dramatic contextualization. We feel that this is a befitting tribute to the great poet,” said Gokuldas, Director.
The event, titled ‘Keleeravam,’ was divided into segments, such as Poomari (Floral Showers), which is an audio-visual assimilation of life and nature, choreographed by Nimisha Vineeth, brings complexity of the human mind to stage by intertwining it with Malayalam poetry and literature. The scenario revolves around a huge tree with many branches and flowers, situated between two imaginary lands, where people from both lands claim the tree, which provides shade to both sides without bias. The narrative later illustrates how nature is closely connected to humanity and how every human emotion affects the natural world, said Sujith Thiruvonam, one of the organisers.
The second segment, titled Sree Bhoovilasthira, an effort by a socially committed expatriate community to introduce the characters and life situations that emerged from the poet’s perspective to the new generation, without losing the essential values of poetry, through a spectacular showcase of dance forms.
The actors – Arun Madhav, Muhammad Kalathingal, Deepmala Ratheesh, Sandhya Ramesh, Shalini Sarala, Suseelan Palliyil, Ashwita Sujith, Akhila Ramachandran, Sheeba Prabhakaran, Sona Jibu, Vedika Raj, Sribala Sibin, Sribhadra Sibin and Joanna, gave their outstanding performances which was welcomed by the audience with loud claps, which is a booster for any artist.
The singers were Ramesh Sivan, Deepti Rajesh, Shiju Maimoon and B.V Khamarunisa captivated the audience with their soul stirring voice accompanied with music.
Gokuldas gives the visual version to the script written by Vinod Peruva. Sujith Thiruvonam is Secretary, Salomi Chacko, President and Arun Madhav, Creative consultant.
Recently in Goa, Rahul Laud met renowned spiritual and devotional singer Tanvi Walawalkar to know more about her ‘jogan ke geet’ series of songs
Recently a Varanasi noted actor come dancer Hema Malini recognised Tanvi Walawalkar’s spiritual devotion towards Krishna and her musical pursuit to share Krishna’s joy and wisdom.
Hema Malini was kind and generous to promote Tani’s Jogan Ki Geet – an anthology of 500 krishma bhajans penned by Tanvi. Tanvi was in Varanasi for her video shoot for one of her songs from her anthology. where she met her.
Tanvi believes that this was completely divine intervention and she was overwhelmed by Hema Malini’s humility and genuine interest in music and performing arts.
Tanvi Walawalkar, a resident of Goa is recognised for her spiritual singing. She has enthralled audiences in Goa and neighbouring states with her mellifluous voice. Trained classical vocalist from goa , Tanvi who is a disciple of Pt Subhankar Karandikar inaugurated recently the Global CHAMBER OF Saraswat ENTREPRENEURS ANNUAL CONCLAVE WITH her saraswati vandana to set the tone of the business proceedings.
Tanvi shares that in her deep meditative state she has written 500 jogan ke geet songs dedicated to Krishna. She has copyrighted all her creative work as she strongly believes in its precious wisdom and not mere songs. Approximately 22 out of them have been composed in musical form and posted on YouTube for public consumption.
This creativity in her sharply surfaced during covid. Tanvi was never a poet , lyricist believes that her writing experience has been unique as this process helped her to heal herself. SHE ALSO BELIEVES THAT she was chosen as the medium to express these songs. To her bewilderment, these songs are all written in Hindi – a language she has not been conversant with. She wonders as apparently she has no answer as to how this whole experience happened.
She wrote over 100 songs in a month and all her songs were divine experiences. She shares all her songs when written and starts and finishes in one go. Mother of two Tanvi balances her professional spiritual singing with her family. Goa’s famous Kamakshi temple uses one of her TANVI’S chanting as A REGULAR CHANT IN THEIR TEMPLE.
Ekata Muscat, has come a long way from its first journey started in the year 2018 with an ambitious plan of promoting rich tradition of Indian classical art forms, reports Vinod Raghavan
MUSCAT: It will be a fusion of Indian classical music – Carnatic and the Hindustani sangeet at the three-day festival of “Sangeethotsav 2024” from October 24 – 26 organised by Ekata Muscat, in the Sultanate of Oman.
On all the three days, renowned artistes ranging from the Carnatic sangeet to Hindustani sangeet gharana of India, will be mesmerizing the music lovers at the spacious auditorium of College of Banking and Financial Studies in Bousher, Muscat.
Detailing out the three day musical event, Girish Nair, Media Coordinator, said at the press meet, on the first day of the event, “Sangeethotsav 2024 “ would kick off with a live Vocal concert by Vasudha Ravi, an acclaimed Carnatic musician and a well-known playback singer in Chennai.
On the second day i.e 25th October, the Indian Ambassador Amit Narang will be the Chief guest witnessing “Laya Vinyasam” – a musical fusion with an exquisite combination of mridangam, violin, ghatam, mukharshangh, and ghanchira, creating a vibrant interplay of rhythm and melody.
On the third day, Hindustani concert will showcase the vocal talents of Yash Sanjay Devle, from the Gwalior Gharana of Madhya Pradesh from Central India. He will be accompanied by Zuber Shaikh on sitar, Dwijj Gandharva on tabla and Vineeth Pandit on harmonium, this would be an unforgettable evening of soulful music and rich cultural heritage, reveals Babita Shyam, Joint Coordinator of Ekata.
Since its inception, Ekata Muscat, has been honoring the prestigious “Sangeetha Sudha Nidhi” Award to prominent musicians residing in India and Oman, who have contributed throughout their career to the music world. This year the award would be presented to Thichur Surendran, who has been performing and teaching Panchavadyam for the last 30+ years in Oman, revealed Muralikrishnan Nair, General Secretary of Ekata.
Ekata Muscat started its journey in the year 2018 with an ambitious plan of promoting rich tradition of Indian classical art forms, and making all efforts to preserve the cultural heritage and identity and move it on to the next generation so that it can continue to flourish for many more generations, reminded Babita, who is also a music teacher in Muscat.
Since its debut performance, in October 2018, “Sangeethotsav” a Carnatic Musical Concert which is the Signature Programme of Ekata has been able to showcase and assimilate more than 250 artists and maestros from different regions of India, Oman, and other GCC countries, said Manoj M N, Joint Secretary.
Apart from Sangeethothsav held in the evenings, during the day time on October 24-25, “Sageetharchana”, from 9:30am – 4:00pm, of 25th and 26th we would be having the “Sangeetharchana 2024”, will showcase classical musical talents of Oman by providing a vibrant stage for hundreds of artists to perform, revealed Babita.
This grand celebration of music features a diverse array of performances, highlighting both established and emerging talents from the region. With its focus on fostering creativity and promoting cultural exchange, Sangeetharchana has become a significant event in the local artistic landscape, drawing audiences and participants alike. The festival not only celebrates the rich musical heritage of Oman but also encourages collaboration and community among musicians, making it a memorable experience for all involved, she said.
Key performances at the Autumn Cultural Festival 2024 included the highly acclaimed Draupadi Ballet and Kamasutra, both known for their exceptional artistry and storytelling.
From September 14th to October 6th, the Pyramid Yoga and Dance Academy (PYDA), in collaboration with Sampradaayam and PMC UK, hosted a series of Kuchipudi dance workshops and cultural programs throughout the UK. The festival aimed to celebrate Indian classical arts, drawing participants and audiences from across the country.
Key performances included the highly acclaimed Draupadi Ballet and Kamasutra, both known for their exceptional artistry and storytelling. These were among the main attractions of the Autumn Cultural Festival 2024. In addition to the dance performances, breath mindfulness sessions were held, emphasising mental health and general well-being.
The programs showcased a wide range of Indian classical dance forms, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Odissi. Esteemed dance teachers from around the globe gathered to share their expertise, adding richness to the performances and creating a unique cultural experience for attendees. Events took place in cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Coventry, Crawley, and London.
A highlight of the festival was the participation of Sampradaayam Kuchipudi Gurukulam, a renowned dance institution from Andhra Pradesh. Kuchipudi dancer and director of the Gurukulam, Swathy Somanath, led her team—K. Balram, Yamini Kasireddy, N. Anjali, and Andhra Natyam exponent Chandu Chandini—in captivating performances.
One of the standout moments came from Padmavathi Pulamarasetty, CEO of PYDA International, who played the role of Dussasana in the Draupadi Ballet. Despite being unable to rehearse in person due to prior commitments, Padmavathi practiced by watching video recordings sent from India.
When a last-minute crisis occurred at the Oldham festival on September 22nd—when the original performer for Dussasana was delayed due to flight issues—Padmavathi stepped in at the eleventh hour and delivered a powerful, impromptu performance. Her ability to handle such pressure while executing the role with finesse earned her great admiration.
The Kuchipudi dance workshops held at various locations were particularly productive. Interactions with NRI students offered insights into the status of Kuchipudi dance in the UK, and many students have since enrolled in online classes through the Sampradaayam Gurukulam, in collaboration with PYDA International.
The performances of Draupadi and Kamasutra were met with standing ovations. Some audience members even came onto the stage to offer sashtanga namaskaram (a traditional Indian prostrated salutation) to the performers, demonstrating the profound impact the shows had on those in attendance.
The Autumn Cultural Festival 2024 successfully highlighted the beauty and significance of Indian classical arts, fostering cultural appreciation and bringing together communities through dance and mindfulness.
