The Art & Heritage Conference 2024: Celebrating Global Beats, Indian Roots

The Art & Heritage Conference 2024, held on 14th September at the historic Vivekananda Ashram in Kuala Lumpur, was a significant highlight of the PIO International Festival 2024. Themed “Global Beats, Indian Roots,” the conference brought together 80 attendees, including distinguished scholars, cultural practitioners, artists, and community leaders, to explore the evolving legacy of Indian arts within the Malaysian People of Indian Origin (PIO) community. This landmark event was co-organised by the Sugam Culture Foundation, with support from the High Commission of India in Malaysia, and celebrated PIO Day of Malaysia.

A Platform for Cultural Dialogue

The conference served as a vital platform to discuss the preservation and transformation of Indian art forms such as dance, music, and linguistic heritage. The agenda focused on the role of these art forms in shaping diasporic identity and fostering intergenerational connections. The event commenced with a keynote address by Adjunct Prof. Dr. Chandrabhanu Haroon, who emphasised the importance of archiving Indian diasporic culture to preserve its vibrancy for future generations.

Engaging Panel Discussions

A captivating panel discussion titled “Indian Art, Heritage, and Identity in Contemporary Society” was moderated by Dr. Premalatha Thiagarajan, Deputy Dean (Undergraduate and Student Affairs) at the Faculty of Creative Arts, University of Malaya. The panel featured insightful contributions from:

• Prof. Dr. Joseph Gonzales, Former Head of Academic Studies, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, Hong Kong.
• Dr. Mumtaz Begum Aboo Backer, Senior Lecturer in Drama and Theatre, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
• Dr. Pravina Manoharan, Chairperson of the Department of Music, USM.

Their discourse provided a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by Indian arts in a rapidly changing global context.

Scholarly Paper Presentations

The conference also featured three enlightening paper presentations, each addressing a unique aspect of Indian heritage:

1. Traditional Dances: Learning and Preservation
   Presented by Mr. Shankar Kandasamy, Director of Dance at the Temple of Fine Arts, Malaysia, this paper delved into the techniques and strategies for safeguarding traditional Indian dance forms within the diaspora.
2. Preserving Linguistic Heritage in the Indian Diaspora
   Assoc. Prof. Dr. K. Thilagawathi, Former Head of the Department of Indian Studies at the University of Malaya, highlighted the critical role of language as a cultural anchor for Indian communities abroad.
3. Innovations in Indian Classical Music
   Prof. S. Venkateswaran, a veteran Carnatic music artist, explored how classical music can adapt to modern influences while maintaining its rich traditions.

Building Bridges Through Heritage

The conference underscored the importance of community engagement and cross-generational mentorship in preserving cultural heritage. It celebrated the transformative role of art and culture in shaping personal and collective identities, successfully bridging traditional and contemporary Indian arts. This confluence of ideas contributed to a global discourse on cultural preservation and innovation, highlighting the enduring influence of Indian heritage worldwide.

Conference Agenda

Date: 14th September 2024
Venue: Vivekananda Ashram, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

A Step Forward

The Art & Heritage Conference 2024 proved to be a resounding success, fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration among participants. By bridging traditional and modern approaches to Indian arts, it laid a foundation for sustained cultural preservation and innovation, inspiring future generations to cherish and adapt their heritage in a globalised world.