Port Blair, Sept. 27: As part of the celebration of World Tourism Day, a first ever concert by Slovakian & Indian Flutists, was organised by the Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration, in collaboration with Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Govt. of India, Ministry of External Affairs at DBRAIT auditorium here this evening. The Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi was the chief guest on the occasion. PBMC Chairperson, Shri B. Eshwar Rao, Senior officers of the Administration, PBMC Councillors and a large number general public witnessed and enjoyed the mesmerising performance.
Addressing the gathering soon after lighting the ceremonial lamp to mark the inauguration of the programme, the Lt. Governor expressed his happiness that on the occasion of World Tourism Day, the A&N Administration in association with Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is organizing this beautiful programme of flutes by Slovakian and Indian artists.
“The MoU between the ICCR and A&N Administration will not only connect the A&N Islands with the world but will also provide the artists from these Islands platforms to present their talents at the International level. With this, the composite culture of these Islands as well as the Nicobari folk culture will get recognition internationally”, said the Lt. Governor. Such events will not only encourage the artists of the Islands but also boost tourism in the Islands, he said adding that our artists will also be able to participate in important festivals in foreign countries. With the arrival of artists from other countries to A&N Islands, exchange of ideas will take place, which will be an enriching experience for our culture, he said.
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations, the Lt. Governor said, plays an important role in connecting Indian culture with other countries of the world by making and implementing such programmes. The Lt. Governor expressed hope that our cultural ties with ICCR will be beneficial to the A&N Islands on all aspects.
Turning to today’s event, the Lt. Governor said, flute holds an important place in Indian culture. Lord Krishna and flute are synonymous. Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia has taken this instrument at the international level in the modern era, he said adding that like India, Slovakia is also a country based on culture with a confluence of beautiful cultures. He also welcomed the Slovakian and Indian artists to A&N Islands.
The concert comprising of internationally renowned artists from Slovakia Mr. Micheal Smetanka (Flutist), Ms. Lenka Smetankawa (Manager) and Indian artists Shri Ajay Prasanna (Flutist) accompanied by Shri Prasanjit Poddar on tabla mesmerised the audience with their harmonious presentation of a special choreography of flute which received thunderous applause from the audience. The presentation, a confluence of east meets west showcased the beauty of music beyond barrier. The Slovakian flutist, Mr. Micheal captured the audiences’ attention with his melodious performance on Slovakian flutes viz. Fuyara, Drumbla, Okarina and Bag pipe musical instruments. He also sang some Slovakian shepherd songs on the occasion while Indian flutist Ajay mesmerised the gathering with his performance, specially on ‘Ram Dhun’.
The artists also expressed their gratitude to the A&N Administration for having been invited to perform in the Islands.
Earlier, the Secretary Art & Culture and Tourism, Smt Ankita Mishra Bundela while welcoming the gathering remarked that music forms an important aspect of Indian culture and as part of World Tourism Day, this programme has been organised by the Art & Culture Department in association with ICCR. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Director, Art & Culture, Dr. R. Devdas.
