Page 50 - Mann Ki Baat - November2022

Konstantinos Kalaitzis : With Love from

Greece to India

India is known for its diverse plays the percussion instrument
culture, tradition, food and attire. tabla and sings various styles of
Along with these, it is also known bhajans, ghazals and qawwali
for its music! Today, various of North India and various forms
artists from across the globe are of south Indian music. Not just
finding their inspiration in the music and dance, Kalaitzis has
ragas and sargams of Indian also played leading roles in two
music. Konstantinos Kalaitzis is theatrical plays in South India
one such artist from Greece who with topics from Greek and Indian
has portrayed his affection for philosophy. He has also been a
India and Indian music for years. part of ‘Island Tourism Festival’
In the last thirty years, Kalaitzis in Port Blair twice where he sang
has visited India 44 times. His in Bengali, Urdu and Hindi. In
spiritual and musical quests have 2019, he was invited to take part
led him to visit all the 29 states in the global participation (182
of India, including the Islands countries) of Kumbh Mela in
and the Himalayan region. His Prayagraj by the Indian Embassy
purpose was to study India’s in Athens.
classical music, dance traditions Konstantinos Kalaitzis’
and contributions of many great fascination about India can be
personalities of Indian music. seen in his book titled ‘Indian
During his pursuit, he has Music’ in which he weaved
met many great Indian music his India-related experience
instructors and performers of the along with 760 photos. Most
vocal and instrumental Indian of these photos have been
music. As a musician himself, he clicked by him. The book, which
is a synopsis of Indian music
offers a mesmerising trip to
Indian culture to the readers.
It is published in Greek by
the Hellenic-Indian Society
for Culture & Development
(ELINEPA), with the support of the
Indian Embassy in Athens along
with other sponsors.
Such enthusiasm and
fascination about India by
foreign nationals is not just
heartening, but is also a matter
of pride for Indians, as the world
recognizes and accepts our
culture and traditions.

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