ABOUT 600 people gathered at Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) Selangor Culture Centre in Klang, Selangor, to celebrate peace and cultural diversity while enjoying various cultural performances during the Interfaith Music and Dance Festival. Deputy Unity Minister Saraswathy Kandasami said the festival transcended cultural barriers to foster unity among people from different races, religions and backgrounds. “Music and dance are universal languages that connect us all.
These artistic expressions have the power to convey emotions, values and hopes,” she said in her opening speech at the festival, which was held in conjunction with the United Nations International Day of Peace (IDP). She said the festival’s theme, “Cultivating a culture of peace”, embodied collective aspirations to foster mutual understanding and respect as well as promote lasting peace within the multicultural society. United Malaysian Hindu Voice dancers at the Interfaith Music and Dance Festival.
— Photos: FAIHAN GHANI/The Star “Additionally, September is an important month as we celebrate Malaysia Day. It reminds us of the strength in our diversity,” she added. The festival featured music and dance performances from six organisations -- the School of Arts and Islamic Entertainment, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, United Malaysian Hindu Voice, Malaysian Baha’i Community, Youth Empowerment Support and SGM.
It was jointly organised by the Interfaith Spiritual Fellowship (INSaF) of th.