Pune Thinktank Ignites Culture with Palash Festival

The Pune International Centre (PIC) is launching Palash, a new cultural initiative from February 27 to March 1 on its Pashan campus. This event signifies a strategic shift for the thinktank, moving beyond policy discussions to embrace music, dialogue, and public participation through the arts. Conceived by art and culture convenor Arti Kirloskar, Palash aims to foster broader public engagement.

Palash is designed as an annual platform to collaborate with Pune's existing arts scene, rather than compete. The initiative's title, 'Palash,' symbolizes knowledge, music, art, and renewal, reflecting PIC's goal of integrating culture with societal dialogue. This year's festival is headlined by Carnatic vocalist T.M. Krishna.

Krishna's participation includes launching his book 'We, the People of India.' He will also perform a collaborative concert with the Jogappas, a transgender musical community, followed by a solo performance. Krishna noted his anticipation for Pune's discerning audience, promising a blend of traditional Carnatic music with cross-genre explorations.

Arti Kirloskar highlighted the festival's commitment to inclusion, with Krishna's performance alongside the Jogappas challenging assumptions about 'high' art. The event is free and open to all with prior registration via social media, emphasizing art's role in shaping civic life.