Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 30: Jammu witnessed the first ever International performance by the artists of Malaysia here today at Police Auditorium, Jammu. Organised by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India with the support of J&K Police, this programme by foreign artists mesmerized everyone through their highly professional performances.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu Shantmanu was the chief guest on the occasion whereas Rajesh Kumar, Inspector General of Police, Jammu presided over the function.
Welcoming the august gathering, the Regional Director of ICCR Jammu, Balwant Thakur gave a detailed account of the activities initiated by ICCR in Jammu.
Today’s programme featured ASWARA (National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Malaysia) which promotes local performances.
The programme opened with Indian Classical dance ‘Bharatnatyam’ which is included three segments Pushpanjali the offering dance that’s interpreted beauty and also offers salutation to the performances space Raagam: Naatai and Taalam: Adhi , followed by Alarippu, Raagam: Mohanam and Taalam: Kandam and concluded with Varnam Swami Naan Unthan Adimai, Raagam: Natai Kurinji and Talam: Adhi.
For the second half of the Malaysian programme there was a combination of classical and folk Malay dance of Malaysia. This part of the performance opened with a classical Malay dance from North of peninsular Malaysia called Terinai, afterwards followed a folk dance called Joget Cak Kun Cak which is performed by a couple of the dancers. The grand finale dance was Zapin Pekajang. Zapin means foot step. This dance is inspired by the Arab community, which is believed to have been introduced by Arab Muslims in the fourteenth century.
At the conclusion ICCR honored the artists including Mohammad Yunus Ismail, Norbaizura Abd Ghani, Mohammad Khairi Mokthar, Mohammad Naim Syahrazad, Mohamad Azizi Mansor and Rizianah John.
Prominent among those who attended the function included Khalid Hussain, Member of Regional Advisory Committee of ICCR Jammu, Lali Khan, Former DIG and Chander Gulati.
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