Kuala Lumpur: Highlighting the cultural ties between India and ASEAN countries, a special cultural event with a gathering of over 600 people, titled 'Celebrating India-ASEAN Cultural Harmony', featuring music and dance, including the dramatic retelling of Ramayan, was held in Kuala Lumpur.
This event was part of the continuing celebrations of India's 79th Independence Day as well as Malaysia's Chairmanship of the ASEAN bloc for the current year.
According to the Indian High Commission, during the cultural programme, the Bharat Club members performed Malaysia's Joget Dance, Coconut Dance and Bamboo Dance, which are popular in several countries in the ASEAN region and also a dance drama with a dramatic retelling of a timeless tale from the epic Ramayan.
Additionally, a vibrant costume show from various states in India, celebrating its rich diversity through a tapestry of tradition and style.
The program was organized by the Indian High Commission and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre (ICCR) in collaboration with Bharat Club in Kuala Lumpur.
It was held under the Promotion of Cultural Ties with Diaspora (PCTD) scheme of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) at Shantanand Auditorium, The Temple of Fine Arts in the Malaysian Capital.
YB Tuan M. Kulasegaran, Malaysian Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law & Institutional Reform), attended the programme as the Chief Guest of Honour.
More than 600 guests, including the diplomatic community from member states of ASEAN, senior Malaysian government officials, prominent Indian community members, and Bharat Club Kuala Lumpur members, along with leaders of community and cultural organisations, and representatives from business and media, attended the event, the Indian High Commission mentioned.
Welcoming the guest, Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia B.N. Reddy underscored the importance of a comprehensive strategic partnership, cultural connections and harmony between India and Malaysia, as well as with the wider ASEAN region.
