The Kerala Mappila Kala Academy inaugurated its Muscat chapter on Friday evening, drawing a large expatriate audience for a cultural night that also paid tribute to Oman’s 55th National Day. The event began at 6.30pm in the auditorium of Al Khoud Middle East College, where Indian ambassador G. V. Srinivas presided as chief guest.
Kerala Mappila Kala Academy Muscat chapter
Officials from the Kerala Mappila Kala Academy and members of the Malayali community in Muscat attended the ceremony. A. K. Mustafa, acting president of the Academy at the state level, and Arif Kappil, state general secretary, were among the dignitaries on stage. Local cultural leaders and representatives of the Mappila community in Oman joined to mark the chapter’s formal opening.
The highlight of the evening was a large-scale cultural production described by organisers as a “mega show”. Designed to coincide with Oman’s National Day celebrations, the event featured a specially composed title song dedicated to Oman. The musical piece was prepared under the direction of music conductor Sunil Kaitharath and brought together 55 singers on stage at once.
Organisers said the collective performance symbolised solidarity between the Kerala Mappila cultural community and their host nation. Noted vocalists including Kannur Sharif, Asif Kappad and Sindhu Premkumar were among the performers, alongside several other prominent artists. The variety programme mixed traditional Mappila songs with contemporary arrangements to appeal to a broad audience.
Indian ambassador G. V. Srinivas praised the academy’s move to establish a presence in Muscat, noting that cultural initiatives strengthen ties between the Indian diaspora and their host countries. He emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding and celebrating shared values.
Academy representatives highlighted that the Muscat chapter will serve as a platform for artistic exchange, training and community events. The chapter intends to organise regular performances, workshops and collaborative projects that involve both expatriate artists and local partners in Oman.
Entry to the event was free, organisers said, and attendees filled the auditorium to witness the evening’s performances. The programme also offered opportunities for emerging singers from the community to perform alongside established names, reflecting the Academy’s emphasis on nurturing new talent.
In addition to live vocal performances, the evening included spoken tributes and short cultural presentations that reflected the history and traditions of the Mappila community. Guests noted the careful planning and coordination required to stage a production of this scale abroad.
With the Muscat chapter now inaugurated, the Kerala Mappila Kala Academy aims to expand its activities in the region. Officials have indicated plans to collaborate with local cultural organisations and educational institutions in Oman to promote arts education and preserve the distinct musical heritage of Kerala’s Mappila tradition.
Organisers thanked the community and partners in Oman for their support and invited residents to future programmes. The establishment of the Muscat chapter marks a new chapter for the Academy’s international outreach and underscores the role of culture in fostering ties between India and Oman.
Key Takeaways:
- The Kerala Mappila Kala Academy Muscat chapter officially opened in Muscat with a high-profile cultural programme.
- Indian ambassador G. V. Srinivas served as chief guest at the inauguration held at Al Khoud Middle East College auditorium.
- A 55-singer mega performance led by music director Sunil Kaitharath marked Oman’s 55th National Day celebrations.
- Entry to the event is free, organisers said, as community leaders and prominent artists took part.
