Young artists from 3 countries take part in India–Malaysia cultural festival

KUALA LUMPUR, OCTOBER 21 (MExN): Young artists from India, Malaysia and Indonesia participated in the India–Malaysia International Cultural Festival 2026, organised by the Art & Aesthetics Foundation (TAAF), India, from October 17 to 22. The festival brought together more than 150 students and 50 teachers and principals from six schools for activities spanning music, dance, visual art and experiential learning.A key event was a vocal masterclass conducted by New Delhi-based soprano and voice trainer Chanshim Makunga at the Faculty of Creative Arts, University of Malaya, on October 19. An alumna of the Nagaland Conservatory of Music, Makunga specialises in Western classical and contemporary voice and choral music.The festival was inaugurated on October 17 at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre (NSCBICC) in Kuala Lumpur. India's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Somnath Ghosh, Deputy High Commissioner Hitesh Rajpal and other dignitaries, artists and cultural representatives attended the inaugural ceremony.Young participants presented classical, folk and contemporary performances showcasing traditions from their respective countries. The performances highlighted the role of the arts in fostering mutual understanding, cultural appreciation and international friendship.Further performances and educational engagements were held at the University of Cyberjaya and the University of Malaya, followed by a cultural programme in Ipoh. Senior artists, gurus and resource persons contributed to sessions combining artistic practice with cross-cultural learning. Through performances, masterclasses and collaborative activities, the festival provided young participants with opportunities to develop their artistic skills, exchange ideas and build connections with peers from other countries.The programme also highlighted the importance of sustained partnerships among educational institutions, cultural organisations and artists in facilitating international cultural exchange. Bringing together participants from three countries through arts and education, the festival sought to strengthen cultural ties and promote friendship among communities.