‘Raga’, meaning melody, colour or mood in Sanskrit, is part of the classical music, national identity and rich cultural heritage of India. It links musical sounds with associated cultural meanings, and has important connections with the visual arts and literature. Different ‘Ragas’ expresses different emotions and have influence over peoples’ minds and health.

Partha Pratim Roy is one of the most talented performers of Indian classical music. He is a sitar player who trained from 5 years of age and belongs to the Maihar School of Indian Classical Music in Maihar, India. Aside from his performances in India, Roy has performed in Bangladesh, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Japan, Norway, France and many other parts of the world since 1996. He has won several musical awards throughout his musical career.

Dipak Kumar Chakraborty is a tabla drum player who belongs to Farrukhabad Gharana, one of the six prominent tabla drum playing styles (Gharanas) of North India and in Hindustani classical music. Chakraborty has also captured the style of other Gharanas in the Indian Tabla Tradition and he has given solo Tabla recitals in many prestigious music concerts in India and abroad. He is an empanelled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and has performed in Indian Cultural Centres and Embassies in London, Belgium, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

Rupa Chakraborty is a famous Indian dancer, artist and performer. In 2007 she became a champion of Dance Bangla Dance, a Bengali reality show program. In 2008 she also participated as one of the program’s judges. She has played roles in various Indian movies, such as Handa Bhonda and Dui Prithibi. She has also established 6 schools for various forms of dance and has presented numerous classical performances in various parts of India and abroad.

‘Raga’ is a cultural symbol of India, and no equivalent exists in Western music. Deeper understanding of Indian culture can be achieved through Indian classical music, which is a cultural force that can reshape and strengthen the cultural relations between India and the rest of the world. The music is used as soft power and plays an important role in providing better external communication.

‘Raga’ is a serious cultural resource in India, which is used for the cultural promotion and exchanges of the country. Raga’s contribution to Indian cultural diplomacy is essential. It leads to better international communication and has incredible importance for the cultural exchange between India and Germany.

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