"After a long wait, it is humbling to have the region come together in person for a robustly engaging programme, from sports, arts, mental wellness, to an Ismaili CIVIC engagement programme. To quote Mawlana Hazar Imam, 'Listening to music, practising music, sharing music, performing music, have long been an intimate part of life for Muslim communities across the world ... every individual can respond to art and music, whether it emanates from a different culture or not. For after all, art is a matter of humanity just as much as it is a matter of identity. As the Islamic tradition has reminded us for many centuries, the Divine spark that bestows upon us our individuality also bonds individuals in a common human family.' We look forward to nurturing our talents for the global festival," said President Zain Fancy, Ismaili Council for the Far East.
From start to finish, artists put together heart-wrenching, beat-stomping performances. The panel of judges of Inayat Bana, Pangasaasinii Gowrisan, and Thamayanti Devai Sundram, needed to extend their judging time to come to a final conclusion.
"Today, it's been a privilege to dive into the incredible visual and performing arts entries put forth by both the young and young at heart. I would like to thank each participant for passionately and courageously committing to showcasing their talent on the regional stage, and their friends and family for supporting them to pursue their creative abilities. We couldn't have done this without the esteemed panel of judges I worked alongside who each brought a wealth of expertise to the deliberation table," said Chief Judge Inayat Bana, accompanied by Pangasaasinii Gowrisan and Thamayanthi Devai Sundram.
The three-hour programme began with the latest collaboration by Karim Barolia with Far East performers and local artists. Karim Barolia composed a song specifically for the Far East Festival entitled 'Nayi Subah' that was performed as the finale of the event. The audience, hosted by Jihan Alani and Rizwan Hirani, were inspired and thrilled by dance performances, poetry, and songs. Highlights included a dance by our ECD students, a multi-medley of tap, kathak, bollywood, and fusion dances.
"I have never performed on stage for such a large audience and am grateful to the community for mentoring and working with me," said 14-year-old, Rumi Mawji, who won the instrumental category.
For the first time in five years, the community came together for an event of such magnitude, and a night to remember for years to come.
