Indian music was playing on nicely at Koesnadi Hardjasoemantri Cultural Center (PKKH). Zither sounds combined with tabla (drum) played by two musicians from India, Sirvastava and Lakshmi Ugrankar, added to the archetypal atmosphere of the ‘Ganges country’ music. The two musicians collaborated to present the famous classical song, Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, Mahatma Gandhi's favorite songs during his lifetime.
It was one performance which was staged in the 'A Slice of India' event, which took place in the main hall of PKKH, Wednesday (9/11). The activities initiated by UGM Faculty of Cultural Science and Jawaharlal Nehru Indian Cultural Center (JNICC) of Indian Embassy, was witnessed by the Ambassador of India to Indonesia, Biren Nanda, and Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Dr. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U, along with several students and lecturers of Indian origin in the UGM.
Ambassador Biren Nanda said the relations between Indonesia and India have long been closely intertwined, as proved by a variety of historic buildings in Indonesia, such as Borobudur and Prambanan. "This continues the course that has existed since ancient times," he said.
The activity that shows many things about India is increasingly providing insight and knowledge to young Indonesians about the country. Because according to the Ambassador, the youth is now more familiar with India only with films aired on television.
In line with his statement, the organizer of the event, Dra. Ni Gusti Ayu Roselani, M.A, said the activity this time brought various things about the culture of the native people of India, ranging from music, dance, and culinary as well as meditation (yoga). "We're featuring the original yoga, cooking demonstrations of Indian menus, application of henna, all for free," she said.
Besides introducing the culture of India to the academic community, she did not rule out that similar activities will be followed up with a variety of closer cooperation in scientific activities, such as students and lecturers exchange. "We will strengthen the academic and cultural cooperation," she concluded.