Soka Gakkai Malaysia members performing the Dunhuang dance.
ABOUT 600 people gathered at Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) Selangor Culture Centre in Klang, Selangor, to celebrate peace and cultural diversity while enjoying various cultural performances during the Interfaith Music and Dance Festival.
Deputy Unity Minister Saraswathy Kandasami said the festival transcended cultural barriers to foster unity among people from different races, religions and backgrounds.
“Music and dance are universal languages that connect us all. These artistic expressions have the power to convey emotions, values and hopes,” she said in her opening speech at the festival, which was held in conjunction with the United Nations International Day of Peace (IDP).
She said the festival’s theme, “Cultivating a culture of peace”, embodied collective aspirations to foster mutual understanding and respect as well as promote lasting peace within the multicultural society.
United Malaysian Hindu Voice dancers at the Interfaith Music and Dance Festival. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
“Additionally, September is an important month as we celebrate Malaysia Day. It reminds us of the strength in our diversity,” she added.
The festival featured music and dance performances from six organisations -- the School of Arts and Islamic Entertainment, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, United Malaysian Hindu Voice, Malaysian Baha’i Community, Youth Empowerment Support and SGM.
It was jointly organised by the Interfaith Spiritual Fellowship (INSaF) of the Pure Life Society and SGM.
Each performance reflected the values of love, respect and peaceful coexistence between people from different cultural backgrounds, according to a media statement by the event organising committee.
Saraswathy said events like this were a crucial platform to promote interfaith dialogues, cooperation and appreciation.
“It’s not just about enjoying performances but also about enhancing the bonds among the people through mutual understanding.
“As Malaysians, we are fortunate to live in a society that embraces diversity as a strength. Our many cultures, traditions and faiths weave together a beautiful tapestry that reflects the soul of this nation,” she said.
Saraswathy says Malaysians are fortunate to live in society that embraces diversity as a strength.
She added that the festival was in line with the Madani Harmony Initiative aimed at enhancing Malaysians’ understanding of the country’s religions, cultures and customs.
Also present were SGM president Johnny Ng and Pure Life Society president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan.
Ng said the festival and other similar cultural activities could deepen friendships and bridge the differences between people of different backgrounds.
“Culture is a manifestation of human creativity and a medium that helps people appreciate the dignity of their lives.
“The music and dance performances today remind us to appreciate the beauty of life and cherish peace. It is also a great way to spread love,” he said in his speech.
He also called for the cultivation of peace in daily life by caring for others and forging trust within the community through actions and examples.
Performers from the School of Arts and Islamic Entertainment singing at the event.
Meanwhile, Ambiga said nothing comes without hard work, including promoting peace.
“I take IDP as an opportunity to remind ourselves that we cannot take peace for granted.
“Many around the world are suffering and we must do our part to help them.
“Promoting peace is a noble mission and we must never give up,” she said in her speech.
Ambiga said people could start by helping their own communities or neighbourhood before eventually exerting a bigger impact in society.
The festival ended with the audience swaying to the music of We Are The World, a song performed in 1985 to raise funds for Africans facing famine.
