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.