Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The University of Muhammadiyah, Jakarta, joined the ranks of Universities who have participated in the programs of “Sahabat India – The Festival of India in Indonesia” when it hosted folk dance performance of ‘Karakattam’ in its auditorium today.

H.E. Mr. Gurjit Singh, Ambassador of India to Indonesia and Timor Leste, Dr. Syaiful Bakhri, Rector, Mr. Manish, Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Johannes Made from Public Diplomacy Division of Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mr. Endang Zakaria, Director of International Cooperation, Muhammadiyah University watched the lively performance along with students and faculty of the university.

The colorfully attired folk dancers from southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, delicately balanced the brass pot on their heads and danced to the vibrant beats of drum and music of clarinet which enthralled every viewer. The students of Muhammadiyah University presented equally engrossing folk dances from Kalimantan and Bali and music performance based on Bandung folk music.

The teachers and students of JNICC also presented Yoga, Music and Kathak dance performance on the occasion. The joint program concluded with the “Durga and Kali” act performed by Karakattam folk dancers which was very engrossing with fabulous masks and costumes.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Syaiful Bakhri thanked Embassy of India for bringing Sahabat India to the Muhammadiyah University.

He recalled strong cultural and political links between India and Indonesia. H.E. Mr. Gurjit Singh, Ambassador of India, briefed the students about Festival of India and welcomed them to participate in the forthcoming activities of Embassy such as International Day of Yoga which is being organized by the Embassy in Jakarta, Bali, Medan and Surabaya on June 21, 2015.

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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