Hamsadhwani Celebrates 30th NRI Festival of Music and Dance

The 30th NRI Festival of Music and Dance, hosted by Hamsadhwani, was officially inaugurated on Thursday at the Youth Hostel in Indira Nagar, Chennai. The event, which coincides with the 36th Annual Festival of Music, Drama, and Dance, aims to showcase the rich tradition of Carnatic music and its influence among non-resident Indians.

Vaishnavi Vasudevan, the Consul (Political) at the Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Chennai, delivered the inaugural address. She emphasized the vital role of parents and teachers in nurturing young talent within the NRI community. Reflecting on her experiences, Vasudevan discussed the challenges of balancing academics with artistic pursuits. “Such promising talent among young artistes must be encouraged,” she stated.

K.V.S. Gopalakrishnan, a former Indian Police Service officer and president of the P.S. Educational Society, spoke about the global impact of Indian music. He highlighted how cross-cultural collaborations have enriched various musical genres worldwide, with many renowned musicians promoting Indian culture through their international performances.

The festival is set to feature an impressive lineup of 75 artistes, with approximately 60 performers coming from countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Singapore. According to R. Sundar, secretary of Hamsadhwani, the festival will present 26 programmes over 13 evenings, including a special remembrance for Hamsadhwani’s founder, R. Ramachandran, on January 1, 2026.

In addition to the NRI festival, Hamsadhwani will also host its annual festival, which will run from January 18, 2026, to April 14, 2026. This festival will feature around 30 events, including dramas and concerts, scheduled for weekends during this period.

The inaugural ceremony concluded with an engaging dance performance by acclaimed Kuchipudi exponent Sailaja and students from the Sailasudha Arts Academy, adding a vibrant touch to the celebration. The festival not only honors the legacy of Indian music and dance but also strengthens cultural ties among the global Indian diaspora.