National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has recognized the activities of South Asian Mosaic of Society and the Arts (SAMOSA) for its effort to quell ethnic animosities in the country.
Kenya’s SAMOSA Festival has contributed positively to social cohesion by bringing together artists and individuals of different ethnic and racial hues onto a common platform of arts, music and culture.
“We consider the SAMOSA team as fellow travelers for a common cause, a cause dear to all Kenyans who aspire to build a truly cohesive and integrated nation of Kenya,” read a letter signed by Commission Chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia and Commissioner Alice Nderitu.
The SAMOSA Festival was also recognised earlier this year at the launch of the African Festival Network (AFRIFESTNET) in Ghana, when Festival Director Ms Farrah Nurani was elected as the Regional Representative for East Africa.
Ms Nurani noted that the group is primarily mandated to promote solidarity and cohesion by fostering cultural encounters.
“SAMOSA Festival’s primary objective is to promote the message of cohesion and integration by facilitating cultural encounters. Its recognition by NCIC and AFRIFESTNET suggests that the culture and music are powerful tools which we can employ to promote a deeper understanding of our differences, and celebrate them as a source of enhanced diversity,” said Ms Nurani.
Ms Nurani, a social activist, has served as a senior member of the organizing committee since 2008 and has represented Kenya at international forums that address issues of social and racial co-existence.
SAMOSA Festival 2012 under the theme “Creating Cultural Encounters” will run from 20th to 29th September 2012.
The week-long event will include international music concerts, photography and painting exhibitions, a theatre production, mobile cinema, a musical production concert and oral storytelling.
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