SINGAPORE: The Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society on Saturday awarded scholarships to six Indian-origin students pursuing music, dance and playing musical instruments as part of its Gandhi Jayanti celebrations this year. High Commissioner Dr Shilpak Ambule handed the awards to the students as he shared Mahatma Gandhi’s life journey, saying, “Gandhi ji’s life was marked by simplicity, humility and a deep sense of purpose.”
“He was not just a political leader but a spiritual guide who inspired millions with his message of nonviolence, tolerance and love for all,” Ambule said.
“Gandhi ji’s attire, a simple loincloth and a shawl symbolised his identification with the common people and his commitment to a life of austerity,” the High Commissioner added.
Talking about the contributions of SIFAS, Ambule told, “SIFAS has also created opportunities for Singapore Indian talent in the cultural field.”
Welcoming the scholarship, Swaminathan Balasubramanian, father of Srisha Swaminathan, who received the scholarship in classical singing, noted SIFAS’ dedication to promoting culture among Singapore students such as his 18-year-old daughter who is a Carnatic vocalist and hosts concerts.
The 58-year-old violinist and banker from Mumbai, Swaminathan, said he is convinced that more and more Indian students will be taking to cultural activities including traditional dances in Singapore through institutions such as SIFAS.
Among other scholarship awardees is Sudhirvin Judes Robin, a 14-year-old Indian-origin student who has excelled in playing the keyboard.
Sudhirvin, a Roman Catholic of Indian origin, said the scholarship will help him further raise the standard of playing keyboard-based music under the tutelage of teachers and trainers who hail from India and are helping SIFAS in its mission to promote Indian culture among the growing Indian community.
“As parents, we strive to maintain our strong cultural and traditional links back home and we have been able to do so through opportunities created by the Indian community in Singapore,” said Swaminathan, the banking executive who has worked with financial institutions in India.
“He was not just a political leader but a spiritual guide who inspired millions with his message of nonviolence, tolerance and love for all,” Ambule said.
“Gandhi ji’s attire, a simple loincloth and a shawl symbolised his identification with the common people and his commitment to a life of austerity,” the High Commissioner added.
Talking about the contributions of SIFAS, Ambule told, “SIFAS has also created opportunities for Singapore Indian talent in the cultural field.”
Welcoming the scholarship, Swaminathan Balasubramanian, father of Srisha Swaminathan, who received the scholarship in classical singing, noted SIFAS’ dedication to promoting culture among Singapore students such as his 18-year-old daughter who is a Carnatic vocalist and hosts concerts.
The 58-year-old violinist and banker from Mumbai, Swaminathan, said he is convinced that more and more Indian students will be taking to cultural activities including traditional dances in Singapore through institutions such as SIFAS.
Among other scholarship awardees is Sudhirvin Judes Robin, a 14-year-old Indian-origin student who has excelled in playing the keyboard.
Sudhirvin, a Roman Catholic of Indian origin, said the scholarship will help him further raise the standard of playing keyboard-based music under the tutelage of teachers and trainers who hail from India and are helping SIFAS in its mission to promote Indian culture among the growing Indian community.
“As parents, we strive to maintain our strong cultural and traditional links back home and we have been able to do so through opportunities created by the Indian community in Singapore,” said Swaminathan, the banking executive who has worked with financial institutions in India.
