AR Rahman to perform at UN for India's Independence Day celebrations

NEW DELHI: The 70th Independence Day of India will be celebrated at the United Nations General Assembly on 15 August. The highlight of the event will be a musical evening by music maestro A R Rahman.

A Photo Exhibition will be held to commemorate the birth centenary of India’s carnatic music legend Dr. M S Subbulakshmi on 15-19 August, 2016 at the United Nations. This year marks the 50th anniversary of her performance at the United Nations. The photo exhibition will depict various facets and moments of Dr. M S Subbulakshmi’s life and times providing a rare insight to the music legend’s achievements.

Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar will attend the events.

The events are being organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations with the support of Sankara Nethralaya, an India-based civil society organization. The role of civil society is a growing one at the United Nations.

The United Nations is also celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. As India celebrates its 70th Independence day, the event will emphasize that the wisdom of Indian traditions remains relevant to current global thinking. The musical evening will provide a glimpse of gaiety and dynamism of India.

United Nations Postal Administration will issue a stamp to mark the birth centenary of Dr. M S Subbulakshmi.

Dr. M S Subbulakshmi, a legendary Indian musician was invited by the then UN Secretary General Late U Thant to perform at the UN General Assembly hall on 23 October 1966. She thus became the first Indian to perform at the UN General Assembly Hall.

Dignitaries from the United Nations, Permanent Missions to the United Nations, Permanent Observers to the United Nations, UN specialized agencies and invited guests from the international community will be attending the event.