RIYADH: Soorya, an international organization with chapters in 25 countries, organized a cultural extravaganza at Indian Embassy premises here Thursday night, presenting kathak exponent Rajendra Gangani and veena maestro Rajesh Vaidhya to a large Riyadh crowd.
Rajeev Shahare, deputy chief of the mission, inaugurated the event titled “Ragam, Thanam, Pallavi.” He refreshed his memories with Krishnamoorthy, the chief architect of Soorya, and better known as the ambassador of Indian culture.
“This sort of program should reach a wider horizon,” Shahare said and promised his whole-hearted support to Soorya’s activities in the Kingdom. An ardent music lover, he remained glued to his seat till the curtain was rung down. Shahare played an important role in establishing Soorya’s Bahrain Chapter 10 years ago. “I am very happy to be associated with Soorya and support its motto of integration through culture,” he said.
Rafeek Younus, CEO of the Dammam-based Saudi Engineering Group International and chief coordinator of Soorya’s overseas chapters in the Gulf, Middle East, Australia, Europe and the Far East, said he has great plans to strengthen the organization.
He highlighted Soorya’s efforts to promote Saudi-Indian cultural relations. He also thanked Shahare for his tremendous support.
The stage then opened to Gangani who exhilarated the crowd with his intrinsic footwork. The concert by Rajesh Vaidhya and his team won the applause of music lovers in the capital city as he rendered soul-stirring numbers. Karunamoorthy was on thakil, Mohanaraman on mridangam and Subramaniam on ghadam during the concert.
“Soorya cast its spell and kept the audience spell bound,” said Padmini U. Nair, public relations in charge and English teacher at International Indian School, Riyadh.
“It was a novel experience and I have never seen such a program since I left Mumbai,” she said.
V.P Sashi, coordinator of Soorya’s Riyadh Chapter rendered the welcome address. Balachandran, first secretary at the embassy, and other dignitaries attended the event.
