Saturday November 7, 2009
High commisioner happy with opening of cultural centre
By PAUL GABRIEL
KUALA LUMPUR: Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha, who bids farewell to Malaysia on Monday, is signing off with a major accomplishment near the end of his stint.
Having overseen several major developments in his country’s relations with Malaysia since his posting here in 2007, nothing can be more cherished for the envoy than the establishment of an Indian Cultural Centre here.
The centre, mooted in 2003 by the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, finally opened its doors on Wednesday after painstaking efforts by Kantha, who wanted to see it realised before his departure.
“The opening of the centre is really a dream-come-true for me. Culture is a very important dimension of India’s partnership with Malaysia and the centre’s opening is an important initiative of the Indian Government in line with the high priority attached to its bilateral relations with Malaysia,’’ he said in an interview.
All smiles: Kantha and his wife Sharmila (right) being presented with a bouquet of flowers by Mrs Panka Jakshi (centre) during a farewell reception hosted by the latter in Kuala Lumpur recently. The centre’s spanking new premises at the CapSquare Signature Office B (Level 1) in Jalan Munshi Abdullah here, houses a multi-purpose hall, conference room, library stocked with 4,000 books, tourism kiosk, education help desk, exhibition gallery and a movie club.
Qualified teachers from India will offer classes in Kathak dance and carnatic music. There will also be tabla, yoga and Hindi classes.
“The centre will be a hub for music and dance performances, films and theatre, painting and photographic exhibitions as well as seminars, worskhops and book readings to attract talents from India and Malaysia.
“It will have a dedicated director and support staff who will supplement the excellent work already being done by numerous cultural organisations here to promote Indian art and culture,’’ he added.
The envoy said an ambitious calendar of activities had been planned for the centre, which will include a classical dance competition organised with Astro and an art exhibition.
“The top two winners will receive scholarships to study in India,’’ he added.
Summing up his stint here, Kantha, who is being posted as India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, said his country’s relations with Malaysia remained vibrant with many new initiatives being undertaken.
“It has been a wonderful period for me, both personally and officially. I could not have left KL on a better note,’’ added the envoy, who together with his wife Sharmila have been feted to countless farewell parties hosted by close friends.
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