By Shamim Zakaria BEIJING, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- As he busily organizes the year's first Indian music performance scheduled in Shanghai, Siddharth Sinha, a co-founder of the Chaiti Arts Foundation, takes joy in witnessing the lively revival of musical exchanges between two neighboring countries, China and India, in the post-COVID era. As an active promoter of India-China classical music and cultural exchanges over the years, Sinha's foundation has contributed to this revival through a series of Indian classical music concerts across various Chinese cities. "Cultural exchanges, such as the Chaiti music festival, play a crucial role in promoting mutual understanding between regions," he said. "Through music and dance performances, workshops, and interactions with Chinese music schools, these events create a platform for cross-cultural dialogue and appreciation. They help bridge cultural gaps and foster a deeper understanding of each other's traditions, cultivating goodwill and friendship." Established in 2013 along with three other co-founders Madhumita Bhuyan, Ravi Shankar Bose and Soudamini Bose, Chaiti commenced with solo performances by young Indian artists in Shanghai and later evolved into a cultural organization with regular shows in multiple cities. The significance of these cultural exchanges cannot be overstated, particularly since they mark the first such performances after a nearly four-year hiatus caused by COVID-19. However, organizing international events in the post-pandemic era comes with its share of challenges and logistical complexities. "Ensuring the safety and health of both artists and audiences is a top priority," noted Sinha. "Logistical challenges like securing venues, coordinating artist schedules, and managing international logistics require meticulous planning to ensure the success of such events." Despite these challenges, Chaiti remains committed to bringing the magic of Indian classical music to Chinese audiences. Its upcoming concerts will feature captivating flute recitals led by Rupak Kulkarni and Rakesh Chaurasia, both renowned Indian artists. Reflecting on his previous experience performing in China, Kulkarni expressed his delight at the enthusiastic response from Chinese audiences. "I didn't expect to see so many Chinese people in the audience," he said. "This was surprising and also very heart-warming." Kulkarni also fondly recalled collaborating with Chinese traditional instrument players. "We didn't speak each other's language, but the seven notes of music are the same everywhere in the world. So, we connected with each other through the universal language of music," he said. Beyond the immediate joy of music, these cultural exchanges have far-reaching implications, as they contribute to a deeper cultural understanding and appreciation between regions, fostering friendship and cooperation, said Sinha. "They provide a platform for artists to gain international exposure and recognition," he explained. "They inspire future generations of artists and cultural enthusiasts, creating a lasting legacy of cultural exchange and enrichment. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen people-to-people ties and harmony between nations through the universal language of music and culture." One of the most heartening aspects of this cultural reconnection is the warm reception that Indian classical music receives in China, flutist Chaurasia noted, adding that there's one way to truly know each other, which is to experience each other's culture. "Without understanding each other's cultures, biases can persist through different news and information sources. But experiencing cultures firsthand can provide a different perspective, and, in most cases, it results in building good relationships," he said. Rishabh Dhar, a master percussionist who will be performing alongside the two flutists, echoed a similar sentiment. "I'm very happy to be back in China," he said. "Performing for the beautiful audience here is always a pleasure. The response and reciprocation I receive each time I perform are simply wonderful. Local Chinese audiences connect very easily with the performers." According to Yan Ni, who hails from Shanghai and plans to attend the show there, music has a unique ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, as it communicates emotions and stories that resonate with people from diverse backgrounds. "When artists from different cultures perform together or share their traditions, it creates a powerful shared experience that fosters mutual understanding and admiration. It allows people to connect on a human level, promoting empathy and appreciation for the beauty of cultural diversity," she said. The Chaiti Arts Foundation also announced its initiative to expand to more cities, collaborate with Chinese artists, and explore new formats for engagement to reach a wider audience. In a world where music bridges divide and unites hearts, the rekindling of cultural ties through Indian classical music serves as a harmonious testament to the enduring power of art and culture in fostering global connections and friendships, Sinha said.  

（Editor:Liao Yifan）