London is often described as the centre of universe. It is the home of British Parliament. It has theatres, museums, palaces and art galleries of world renown. It has the largest diverse population compared to any capital city in the world.
Over 125 different languages are spoken here. It attracts millions of tourists whose contribution to British economy is substantial. The City of London's financial standing is the envy of the world. We all seem mesmerised by what London has to offer often forgetting that tucked away in different parts of the country are schools of culture and arts often surpassing what London has to offer.
Take Liverpool. Renowned for its football teams and the home of pop music made so famous by Beetles, Cilla Black and others. Then only recently there was the recognition of Liverpool as a city of culture. Little do we know that tucked away in all the beauty of this Merseyside city is the Capstone Theatre where over the past few years the most significant Festival of Indian Arts in Europe takes place. Indika brings together brilliant innovative artists who create entirely new concepts of collaboration and music making. It lasts over ten days, combines education with performance, and underpins two international Summer Schools of Indian Music and Dance: Dance India and Music India.
At the heart of this festival is Milapfest. It's aim is to "Unite hearts through Arts." On average Milapfest produces over 65 performance events and more than 385 education sessions each year.It has a unique record. It employs over 220 artists each year which engages with over 2500 young people every year through performance training and career development opportunities. It is one of the few cultural curriculum supported by the Arts Council in Britain.
Milapfest created SAMYO, one of the six National Youth Orchestras of Britain, and the only such national orchestra anywhere in the Western world. It provides year round training and developmental suppprt to over 50 young musicians between the age of 8 and 18 years, born in Britain, and aspiring to learn and play Indian classical music.
INDIA, the Spirit of India festival which started on 24 July was electric. Amongst its invited guests were Lord Dholakia, C B Patel, Professor Gerald Pillay, the Vice Chancellor of Liverpool Hope University and many other local dignitaries. Milapfest is the only Indian art organisation that has a strong partnership with a leading University of England. Based in the Creative Campus of the Liverpool Hope University, Milapfest is engaged in a number of pioneering educational projects with its departments.
The opening night featuredthe popular sarode virtuoso Pandit Ranajit Sengupta, Patri Satish Kumar, and Kousic Sen. A combination of Sarod, tabla and Mridangam. The sheer joy of the young audience and the standing ovation at repeated intervals showed the hunger that exists for cultural events of this kind.
Lord Dholakia said, "I feel humble and honoured to be invited to this event. Liverpool has demonstrated that support for such event is part of its cultural heritage. The young minds of our diverse community are craving to participate in such events and Milapfest has filled that gap. Youngsters no longer grow up in vacuum. Radicalisation has no place in their development as cultural participation makes them stronger in offering respect and loyalty to their adopted homeland that is Britain."
C B Patel said, " I am delighted and proud of the educational and art development work carried out by Milapfest regionally and nationally. It is important to recognise such pioneering work that provides life changing opportunities for many youngsters of the community; and we must not forget that the most important export India can offer to the world is its Arts, culture and Heritage, which has a universal appeal and relevance!"......
The work of Milapfest and its truly unique orchestra can make London look over its shoulder. A time will come in not so distant future when Liverpool and its citizens will overtake the Capital.- CB
