Remarks by Ambassador Y. K. Sailas Thangal in Press Conference during the visit of Dr. L Subramaniam and Mrs. Kavita Krishnamurthy
(Astana, 12 January 2025)

Maestro Dr Subramaniam, Madam Kavita Krishnamurthy & Maestro Abzal Mukhitdin, Ladies and Gentlemen, Members of the Media, AL Salam Malik Kum , Namaskar, Vanakum & Salametsiz be

It is a great honour & privilege for me to welcome you to this press conference, which brings together three towering figures of the musical world from India and Kazakhstan, united by a shared commitment to artistic excellence and cultural exchange.

We are honoured to have with us Maestro Dr. L. Subramaniam, one of India’s most celebrated violinist, composers, and cultural ambassadors. Renowned globally for his extraordinary contribution to Indian classical music and for his pioneering role in building bridges between musical traditions across the world. Dr. Subramaniam is also the Founder-Director of the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival, an internationally acclaimed platform that brings together outstanding musicians from across the world in a spirit of harmony and creative collaboration.

Accompanying him is Ms. Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam, among India’s most eminent playback and classical singers and a Padma Shri awardee. Admired for her soulful voice, exceptional versatility, and enduring contribution to Indian cinema, classical, and devotional music. She represents the finest traditions of Indian musical expression and continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Her artistry—defined by grace, emotional depth, and musical excellence—has earned her wide respect and recognition on both national and international stages.

We are also equally honoured to be joined by Maestro Abzal Mukhitdin, a highly respected conductor and music educator of Kazakhstan. Renowned for his artistic leadership and commitment to nurturing young talent, he has played a pivotal role in promoting Kazakhstan’s rich musical traditions while actively engaging in international collaborations. His association with this initiative reflects the strong cultural synergy between Kazakhstan and India, and the shared commitment to fostering excellence through music.

The presence of these three stalwarts cultural figures at one platform is of special significance. Historically, India and Kazakhstan have been connected through ancient cultural heritage along the Silk Route, where ideas, art, and music travelled freely across regions. Today, this shared musical engagement revives that spirit of cultural dialogue in a modern and meaningful way. They are here in Astana for the audition and selection of talented Kazakh artists who will travel to India to participate in the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival 2026. Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival in India—creates a unique opportunity for Kazakh musicians to engage with Indian classical traditions, global orchestras, and international audiences. Equally, it allows Indian audiences to experience the depth and richness of Kazakhstan’s musical heritage.

Distinguished guests, you will agree with me that this kind of collaborations have a profound and lasting impact on our cultural ties. They nurture people-to-people contacts, inspire young artists, and create enduring cultural bridges that transcend official engagements. Music, as a universal language, has long been a powerful instrument of diplomacy, capable of connecting hearts and minds across borders. The coming together of these eminent artistes symbolises the depth of trust, mutual respect, and shared cultural values between our two nations. It reinforces the belief that cultural exchanges led by distinguished figures can build lasting bridges, complement and strengthen our broader bilateral partnership, and hold the promise of shaping a deeper, more vibrant cultural relationship—one that resonates with harmony, creativity, and shared human values.

Without much ado I now handover the mike to our respected maestros for their comments. Thank You & Khop Rahmeit.

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