Indo-Chinese cultural extravaganza enthrals audience

New Delhi, Dec 16 (PTI) Chinese folk dance fused with
India's 'Kathak' to create a cultural synergy Thursday night
enthralled audience here in the indian capital at a glittering
function, held to celebrate the 60 years of the establishment
of diplomatic ties between the two Asian giants.
The refurbished weightlifting arena of the Jawaharlal
Nehru Stadium reverberated with Indian and Chinese folk and
film songs as artistes from both the countries floored the
audience, including Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and
his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao.
Popular Chinese paper cut dance performed by women,
instrumental ensemble of 'Jai Ho' and Magic Oriental Charm
from the Chinese side and a 'Song and Dance to the Motherland'
by Indian artists kept the audience spell bound as the
artistes performed for an hour.
Indian and Chinese artists performed to the theme song of
Slumdog Millionaire 'Jai Ho'.
The message of Sino-India friendship was visible
everywhere at the stadium with flags of both the countries
dotting the venue.
A giant podium with a sophisticated sound system was set
up at the stadium.
China acrobatic troupe, dancers from Beijing Dance
Academy and folk dancers from Fujian danced in synergy with
Kathak dancers from Pandit Birju Maharaj institute.
There was also a performance by violinist Anupriya Dotale
accompanied by Ustad Akram Khan on the tabla.
The icing on the cake was the traditional Papercut dance
by Chinese women and the splendid performance by acrobatic
ball players.
'Dance Lotus of June' was performed after the
intermission followed by the song 'Ode to the Moon' by Chinese
artists. Acrobatics juggling bowls on the head integrated into
a festal melody of the 'Bumper Harvest' dance.
Addressing the function, Wen said one can now say that
the 21st century has arrived and it will be an Asian century,
a point endorsed by Singh in his speech later.
"Heart to heart exchanges between the two countries will
help in further boosting the ties between the two countries...
the outcome of my visit has been successful," Wen said.
Singh said he was happy that there was convergence of
views to widen and deepen and to further take multi-faceted
cooperation between the two countries.
"Universally, it has been acknowledged that 21st century
is Asian century. In the 21st century, India and China will
march together as friends and not as rivals," he said.
He also emphasised on the need to bridge the information
gap between the two countries and know about each other's
development on our own rather than through a third nation.