RYTHM Foundation launched its arts grants and scholarships programme with a grand celebration of music and dance with the inaugural Kala Vriksha (Tree of Time). This unforgettable event showcased traditional art forms at their finest, blending the richness of cultural heritage with the vibrancy of live performances.
As the Foundation’s first step in championing the Vijayaratnam Fine & Performing Arts Grants & Scholarships Initiative, the evening highlighted the transformative power of the arts in preserving traditions while fostering the next generation of artistic talent.
Offered by RYTHM’s local chapter, Vijayaratnam Foundation, this initiative aims to empower talented artistes and arts organisations to develop their talent, sustain the arts ecosystem, and promote the continuous development of Malaysia’s vibrant artistic community.
The show brought together the Temple of Fine Arts Kuala Lumpur (TFA), Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA), Kalpana Dance Theatre, and Sugam Karnatica in a remarkable collaboration.
Hosted at TFA, Kala Vriksha captivated the audience from the moment the lights dimmed. The stage came alive with vibrant performances, seamlessly blending the rich traditions of Indian classical music, contemporary fusion, and an array of traditional dances.
From Music to Movement
The evening began with Cultural Soundscapes, blending Indian classical and fusion music. TFA set the tone with Anaamika, a soulful mix of Reethigowlai raga and Western-Malay elements. Sugam Karnatica’s Tap to Ragas choir followed, captivating the audience with Carnatic-Western fusions of You Raise Me Up, the Malay folk song Jong Jong Inai, and Edelweiss from The Sound of Music.
The second segment, Heritage in Motion, captivated the audience with stunning dance performances. Highlights included Kathak’s Tarana by TFA, Odissi’s Sthai by Sugam Karnatica, Kalpana Dance Theatre’s Pranavaakaaram homage to Lord Ganesha, and ASWARA’s vibrant celebration of Malaysia’s heritage with the Zapin and Chinese Handkerchief Dance.
The finale showcased a stunning fusion of Malaysian ethnic dances and Indian classical forms, celebrating unity in diversity. Vibrant costumes, intricate movements, and expressive performances captivated the audience, embodying cultural interconnectedness.
In her opening address, the Chairperson of RYTHM Foundation, Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran, emphasised the initiative’s vision: “Let us rise above divisions. We must embrace collaboration if we are truly committed to preserving our cultures and ensuring their growth.
Together, we can create platforms where young Malaysian talents, regardless of their backgrounds, can thrive – a Malaysia where a dancer from Penang can learn both Bharatanatyam and Chinese classical dance, where a musician from Perak can master the rhythms of both the Indian tabla and the Malay gendang.
“To achieve this, we must foster an environment that supports artistic collaboration and innovation. This means actively promoting each other’s programmes, sharing resources, and ensuring our platforms are open to all,” Datin Sri Umayal added.
In his remarks, the Founder and Executive Chairman of the QI Group of Companies, Dato’ Sri Vijay Eswaran, reflected on the cultural richness of the performances.
“Malaysia has a unique gift for embracing influences from around the world and making them its own. This ability was beautifully exemplified on stage today, where diverse traditions harmonised.
“Let’s not forget what truly sustains us – our music, arts, and cultural heritage. These legacies will endure across generations, offering hope and unity despite the divisions around us.”
Kala Vriksha was more than a celebration; it started a movement rooted in the belief that the arts can transcend boundaries, sustain traditions, and shape a future where unity and creativity thrive. The event laid a strong foundation for our arts initiative, reaffirming RYTHM’s commitment to preserving traditions while empowering future generations of artistes.
