Indian artists visit Yunnan- Colorful national culture sparks creation
On October 18, the vibrant atmosphere at the Yunnan Literature and Art Museum was filled with applause and laughter as artists from India joined forces with local singers and performers from Yunnan for a unique live performance. James Shikiye Swu, leader of the Indian delegation and a composer, remarked, “We have the opportunity to blend the languages and melodies of our diverse cultures, expanding the possibilities for musical creation for the younger generation.”
From October 14 to 19, a music delegation consisting of six Indian artists—including composers, lyricists, conductors, singers, and music educators—visited Yunnan. They explored various locations, including Yunnan Minzu University, the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences, and several cultural sites in Dehong Prefecture. They also engaged in discussions with the Yunnan Provincial Government’s Foreign Affairs Office to learn about the region’s rich ethnic culture and foster Sino-Indian cultural exchanges.
The performance that day featured an impressive array of acts, including bel canto solos, hulusi (a traditional wind instrument) performances, and Naxi singing, alongside traditional Manipuri folk songs and Nagaland instrumental performances and dances from Indian artists. The highlight of the event was an impromptu rendition of the song “You Are My Sunshine,” which energized the audience.
Among the Indian artists, four were visiting China for the first time. Zhang Zhizhong, director of the bilateral division at the Chinese Consulate General in Kolkata, noted that Yunnan’s stunning natural scenery and diverse ethnic culture had led the consulate to organize two groups of Indian artists to visit Yunnan this year, building a bridge for grassroots exchanges between China and India. “Kolkata is the hometown of poet Tagore and has a rich cultural heritage. We hope to organize trips for Yunnan artists to India in the future to further promote exchanges and mutual learning between our civilizations,” he stated.
The diversity of Yunnan’s ethnic customs, culinary culture, and performing arts left a deep impression on the Indian artists. James Shikiye Swu shared, “What struck me the most was sitting together at a table sharing food and sending blessings to each other—it felt very warm.” He was particularly fascinated by the traditional music of the Jingpo, Dai, and Naxi peoples of Yunnan, believing that combining Indian music with Yunnan’s ethnic music could provide new artistic experiences for the younger generation.
Merenyangla Pongener, a singer and bandleader from Nagaland, expressed her amazement at the show “Impressions of Yunnan,” mentioning that the performance by the actress portraying the peacock princess was particularly captivating. “The performance was truly stunning,” she said, adding that she was pleasantly surprised to find many similarities between the traditional costumes of the Jingpo and her hometown’s attire, which made her feel a sense of connection.
Her sister, Nungshitula Pongener, a singer and songwriter, remarked on the striking contrast of Yunnan’s ethnic songs, which feature high and melodious tones compared to the traditional music of her home. “This has inspired me, and I would like to experiment with creating more upbeat music. I hope we can continue to interact and exchange ideas with Yunnan artists in the future to spark more creative collaboration,” she concluded.
