Denpasar, breakingnews – The cultural ties between India and Bali were once again strengthened through a cultural exchange event organized by KIP Tours Bali DMC in collaboration with the Denpasar City Government and supported by the Department of Culture. This event brought together two classical traditions India and Bali through a meaningful dance performance that fostered cross-national understanding and appreciation.
One of the main figures in this event was Kathak maestro Guru Sangeetacharya Vrushali Dabke from India. She is the founder of Shree Mudra Kala Niketan and Pratibha Kala Pratishthan, and began her formal dance training at the age of five under the mentorship of Dr. Manjiri Deo and Talamani Mukundraj Deo. With a PhD in Kathak and several accolades such as the Tejaswini Award, Adarsh Dombivalikar, and Nrutyanipurn Vaibhavi, Dabke has performed and taught internationally, including for children with special needs in over 40 countries.
Her dedication to preserving Indian culture is reflected in her many contributions, including educating young children through her “Natkhat Batch” group, producing 75 cultural videos for Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, publishing articles on art and spirituality, and conducting international workshops. She also actively participates in cross-cultural forums such as the World Marathi Conference in Mauritius and cultural seminars in Dubai and Bangkok.
In her address, Dabke stated that such collaborations are a symbol of mutual respect and cultural openness. “We believe that music and dance transcend language barriers and bring hearts closer,” she said.
One of the standout youth performers at the event was Swarang Dabke, a recipient of the Central Government’s CCRT (Centre for Cultural Resources and Training) Scholarship for 2024–2025. A gifted tabla soloist, Swarang has performed at prestigious venues such as the Dwarkadhish Temple during Diwali Sandhya, the Sumananjali Festival at Sawitribai Phule Auditorium, Dombivli, and the Dombivli Utsav Festival. He has also performed solo for three consecutive years at the Guru Purnima Utsav organized by Shree Mudra Kalaniketan.
Swarang has also performed in Ayodhya, including a solo recital at Kalaram Mandir, and accompanied artists like Sunil Sunkaraji (Yuva Bismillah Awardee), Dr. Vrushali Dabke, and Kartik Raman at both Kalaram and Rajaram temples. He won second prize in the 2023 Interschool Gymkhana Tabla Solo Competition and regularly accompanies students of renowned Kathak dancer Nidhi Prabhu’s Naad Nidhi Academy in Thane.
By personal request, he was honored to accompany Shri Ayodhya Sharan Mishra, a revered Kathak artist from the traditional temple lineage, during his performances at Shree Ganesh Nrutya Kala Mandir and Ghantali Devi Mandir in Thane.
His other notable performances include a solo tabla performance in Pune during a family mundan ceremony, accompaniment in two Kathak recording sessions for eight students of Shree Mudra Kalaniketan, participation in the Zhankriti International Competition where he reached the semi-finals among 1000 participants, and ranking first in Dombivli city in the Madhyama Pratham (4th level) exam of the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalay.
Swarang has accompanied 63 students across five levels of Kathak exams and participated in tabla competitions including those organized by Gomantak Maratha Samaj and Dadar Matunga Cultural Centre. He has also accompanied Kathak dance workshops led by international tabla maestro Guru Taalmani Pandit Mukundraj Deo and Gandharva Mahavidyalay Kathak exams for over 80 students.
Other appearances include performances at Guruvandana in Dombivli (2021, 2022), Diya Gite’s monoact as a kirtankar, school group singing in the Gymkhana competition (2022), and the professional tribute “Smruti Vandan” honoring Padmavibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj, organized by Aradhana Academy. His accolades also include first prizes in the 2022 Gymkhana Competition and 2021 Avishkar Youth Festival, along with third Tabla exam (Praveshika Purna) top rank in Dombivli.
The Indian delegation also presented a mesmerizing dance-drama based on the Ramayana, transporting the audience into the heart of the epic tale through rhythmic storytelling and vivid expression. Dilip D. Thanekar, Founding Secretary of the International Cultural, Educational and Social Forum, stated that this partnership is a manifestation of India’s commitment to fostering a harmonious global cultural network.
From Indonesia, the Denpasar City Government, through the Department of Culture, showcased two classical Balinese dances: Sekar Jempiring and Tri Sakti, representing the grace and richness of local cultural values.
Cokorda Istri Indah Apsari, S.S., founder of KIP Tours Bali, emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy in maintaining global harmony. “This event is more than a cultural performance; it is a bridge of understanding between two civilizations rooted for centuries,” she expressed.
Also present at the event were Neeta Malhotra, President of the Bali India Friendship Association (BIFA), Cokorda Krisna Yudha, Chairperson of Pemuda Pancasila Bali (2023–2024), Ni Luh Putu Riyastiti, S.S., M.Par., Head of the Denpasar Tourism Office, representatives from the Denpasar City Government, and the Duta Teruna-Teruni Denpasar 2025.
Through this cross-cultural showcase, Denpasar and India demonstrated that art and tradition can serve as powerful unifiers. The event was not merely a celebration of beauty, but a true embodiment of friendship, collaboration, and a shared commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world. tim/jp
