Art and culture work as bridge b/w two countries: Awasthi

Art and culture act as a bridge between two countries and help connect different societies through their intangible power, noted folk singer Malini Awasthi, who was among the august attendees at the Republic Day parade, said today.
The singer, who has been chosen for the Padma Shri award this year, also praised the various tableaux that were on display at the Rajpath in front of French President Francois Hollande, the chief guest at the event.
"Republic Day celebrations reflect us as who we are, a slice of India. And, art and culture work as bridges and help connect different societies," she told PTI.

Awasthi, who hails from Uttar Pradesh and is renowned for her songs in Awadhi and Bhojpuri, spoken in Bihar and eastern UP, said some of the tableaux just "wowed me".
"The moment Bihar's tableau came and the accompanying song was played, I recognised it was Shardaji's (Sharda Sinha). And, it felt so good that 'Bihar's kokila's' voice was showcased before the French president.
"Even, Uttar Pradesh with its zardozi textile heritage as a centre-piece and replica of the iconic Rumi Darwaza of Lucknow as a backdrop, was so delightful," she said.

On Indo-French cultural ties, the singer said, she has performed thrice in Paris and people there "appreciate Indian culture a lot."

On Bihar's tableau, she said, "it was also nice to see Gandhiji's satyagraha in Champaran forming the central theme of it."
"Also, the Chhattisgarh tableau depicting the Khairagarh Music and Art Academy was something that I as an artist really appreciated that it was presented to our guest (Hollande) from France," she added.
"I also loved the fly-past and the dog contingent that marched on the Rajpath after a gap of 26 years...Whenever, I'm in Dehi I try to attend this event every year," she said.
36 Indian canine soldiers, consisting of 24 Labradors and 12 German Shepherds marched during the 67th Republic Day parade drawing the loud cheers from the crowd.