By V. Ashok

MUSIC and culture are said to have a deep linkage between Malaysia and India.

In honouring this, The Indian High Commission organised a special musical event called “India-Malaysia@65: Musical Extravaganza” at the Shantanand Auditorium, Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, recently.

It was to mark 65 years of establishment of India-Malaysia bilateral relations and also to celebrate ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, commemorating 75 years of India’s Independence and its G20 Presidency in 2023.

The chief guest was Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff, the Deputy Secretary-General (Culture) representing the Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture of Malaysia.

Speaking at the occasion, he said that cultural ties between Indian and Malaysia remains as one of its key strengths and extended the full support of the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture (MOTAC) for taking forward the India-Malaysia collaboration in the field of culture and music.

Among other notable dignitaries attended were Minister of Human Resources, Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu, several Members of Parliament, diplomatic corps, representatives from the media, community and business. The special event was attended by over 400 people.

Samuel gives a splendid performance for the audience

The event began with a 45-minute sitar recital by maestro from Malaysia, Samuel Dass, who was accompanied by musicians from his team, Swara Community Arts Centre (Swarasia). The session explored the fusion of the classical and modern music genres. It was a treat to the ears as Samuel and his team enthralled the audience with their performances.

In 2014, he was awarded with the prestigious title “Sultan of Sitar” by MOTAC and received the ‘Gandharva Award’ from the Hindusthan Arts and Music Society in Kolkata, India, this year.

Meanwhile, The High Commissioner of India, B.N.Reddy spoke about the impressive strides made in the India-Malaysia relations over the past few decades and how the 2.7 million strong Indian diaspora in Malaysia, second largest abroad, has helped preserve and nurture the traditions of Indian music and culture in Malaysia.

He also thanked the Malaysian-Indian community for their encouraging participation at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. PBD 2023 saw participation of 150 Malaysian Indian delegations from prominent political parties, GOPIO Malaysia, Malaysia India Heritage Group (MIHG), Malaysia India Diaspora Association, business chambers & prominent NGOs.

The High Commissioner of India, B.N.Reddy speaks about the impressive strides made by Malaysia-India over the past few decades. All pix courtesy of the Indian High Commission.