Cultural center promotes understanding

Cultural center promotes understanding

Rita A.Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar

The relationship between India and Indonesia, Bali in particular, was established hundreds of years ago. Indian culture and religion can be clearly traced in every aspect of the life of the Balinese people, their culture, and religion. Thus, the establishment of an Indian Cultural Center in Denpasar has great significance for the people of Bali.

During the center's groundbreaking ceremony in early October, Indian Ambassador to Indonesia H.K Singh stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties between Indonesia and India.

"India has been the closest friend of Indonesia since centuries ago, especially during the Independence movement. The center is expected to boost cultural activities between the two countries," the ambassador said in his speech.

Bali Governor Dewa Made Beratha, who accompanied him during the ceremony, said Bali would be honored to be home to the country's second Indian Cultural Center.

"There are a lot of things that we (Balinese people) can learn from India and Indian scholars and students will be warmly welcomed here," said the governor, who has set aside a plot of land for the venue of the cultural center.

The first Indian Cultural Center was established in Jakarta.

The Indian Cultural Center (ICC) in Denpasar has a number of objectives.

First, the center will become a venue for both Indian and Balinese scholars to hold discussions.

The center will also have a library where local people can read everything about India, and other countries as well.

Dr. Somvir, the center's director, explained that in terms of culture, religion and history, India and Bali enjoy a very close relationship.

"We, Asian nations, have so many similarities and these are our valuable assets to build respected and dignified countries on the world stage," said Dr. Somvir, also a visiting lecturer at Udayana University in Denpasar.

For the first months of the center's operation, Dr Somvir has planned a number of programs, including classical Indian dance dances, Yoga classes, discussions and cultural and educational exchange programs.

"We will invite a number of Indian artists to hold workshops and perform with their Balinese counterparts," he said.

Bali, he added, has numerous talented artists, each with his or her own specialty. "Artists from both countries can share their expertise."

The cultural center is eager to promote education in India. Indeed, a number of students from Bali and other provinces in Indonesia are now pursuing degrees at various universities and colleges in India.

Indonesians, and other Asian students, have long had the impression that the best universities are located in Western countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. "They hardly think about going to India to get their masters or doctorate degree since they consider India to be the same (as Indonesia), a developing country," he explained.

In fact, India has many international-standard universities and colleges, with graduates who are sought after by employees in the United States and other Western countries. "We can boast that our medical schools and Information Technology (IT) schools are among the best in the world," he added.

Asian students, particularly those from Indonesia, are invited to continue their studies in India. "Tuition fees are, of course, cheaper than those of Western countries, but the quality of education is the same," he said.

Students from elementary school up are taught to speak English. "English is our second language. Everybody in India masters this international language and, therefore, Indian graduates can easily adjust themselves to the working environment of any English-speaking country,

"This does not mean that we forget or neglect our own languages and culture. But, in order to communicate our ideas and to express our minds to the international world, we have to master their language," Dr. Somvir said, adding that many Indonesian students, as well as lecturers, have a limited grasp of English or other foreign languages.

"It would be beneficial if they could manifest and express their ideas in English," he said.

Made Wijaya, a noted architect and landscape designer based in Bali, said that Balinese architects and artists are now working in a cross-cultural exchange with their Indian counterparts.

"Many Indian artists are now relearning the arts of Balinese sculpture and architecture, which previously came from India but cannot be traced in the present India," said the Australian-born Wijaya, adding that together with several Balinese artists, he is now working on large-scale hotels and resorts in India.

"We are now exporting our skills and transferring them to our Indian counterparts. This is the benefit of cultural relations," he added.

With the establishment of the Indian Cultural Center in Denpasar, local students, scholars and others will be given a great opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of Indian culture.