A new examination of Hindustani classical music has turned attention towards khayal, a centuries-old vocal tradition, and the lesser-known musicians who continue to preserve its complex practices outside the mainstream cultural spotlight.

The book “The Secret Master Arun Kashalkar and a Journey to the Edge of Music” explores the journey of a khayal performer and examines the changing environment surrounding Indian classical music, including questions of commercialisation, institutional support and the survival of traditional learning systems.

The author described the work as both a biography and an analysis of the wider ecosystem in which Hindustani music exists. The book traces the evolution of khayal while looking at the challenges faced by musicians who maintain demanding artistic traditions away from popular platforms.

At a discussion in Chennai, the author spoke about the relationship between Hindustani and Carnatic music, saying that greater interaction between the two classical traditions could benefit performers and audiences.She said khayal attracted her because of its wide range of tempos and its emphasis on gradual musical development.

The form allows performers to move from slow, expansive passages to faster compositions while exploring different emotional and technical possibilities.Her interest in the subject deepened after she heard Arun Kashalkar perform at a small concert in Mumbai in 2016.

She later became connected with his teaching community and began exploring his approach to music and the broader tradition he represented.Kashalkar’s style combines elements from three different gharanas, or schools of Hindustani classical music.

The author said studying his career revealed the existence of a larger group of musicians who work within highly specialised traditions but remain outside the main cultural conversation.She said the book was written to understand why such musicians exist on the margins and to examine the relationship between mainstream recognition and lesser-known artistic practices.

The author said she interviewed leading figures in Mumbai’s Hindustani music community and attempted to address difficult questions rather than present a purely celebratory account of one musician.The book also explores the personal sacrifices involved in pursuing classical music at the highest level.

It examines the physical and emotional demands of long-term training and the challenges faced by artists when changing economic conditions affect opportunities for performance and recognition.

The discussion also focused on the changing place of classical music in contemporary India, where social media, commercial sponsorship and entertainment markets have altered how audiences engage with traditional art forms.

A noted Carnatic musician involved in the conversation said the book raises questions about how classical traditions survive in a culture increasingly shaped by commercial pressures.The author argued that khayal remains connected to India’s diverse cultural history and that its practitioners continue to recognise the contributions of different communities, including Muslim musicians and historical figures who helped develop the form.

However, she said the tradition faces pressure from broader cultural and economic changes. She described current debates around Indian culture as being influenced by political ideology, market forces and the demand for easily consumed entertainment.

According to her, this environment creates difficulties for art forms that require patience, concentration and long-term engagement from both performers and listeners.She said khayal represents a less visible part of India’s cultural heritage and requires stronger support systems to survive.

The discussion highlighted the role of institutions that provide performance opportunities and support for musicians. Some organisations have attempted to promote Hindustani classical music through specialised programmes, but the scale of support remains limited compared with investment in other international cultural events.

The shortage of performance spaces outside traditional centres of Hindustani music was also discussed. Chennai, known internationally for its Carnatic music tradition, has relatively fewer regular platforms for Hindustani performances despite interest among audiences.

The Carnatic musician said the city needs more smaller venues where younger performers can develop audiences and sustain their careers.“The problem in the South is that the only kind of Hindustani music we experience is one built around corporate sponsorships and superstar talent,” he said, arguing that smaller performance spaces could help create stronger ecosystems for emerging artists.

The author said the survival of the guru-shishya parampara, the traditional teacher-student relationship central to Indian classical music, depends on recognising the economic realities faced by teachers and students.She said institutions need to provide resources that allow gurus to continue teaching and allow students to pursue rigorous training without financial insecurity.

“We need institutional frameworks that will give these gurus money and other resources,” she said.The discussion also raised the possibility of expanding gurukul-style models across the country and creating stronger links between cultural institutions, artists and journalists who cover the arts.

The author said khayal currently faces uncertainty but expressed cautious optimism about its future.Ending the book on an ambiguous note, she referred to a Chinese proverb: “Dying embers can still start a fire.”

The week-long event highlighted how translation serves as a cultural bridge that connects communities, strengthens diplomacy, and supports creative industries.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the event positioned translation as a central element in cultural development.

Through workshops, discussions, and networking sessions, participants explored how language exchange can promote mutual understanding and global collaboration.

Translation was described not merely as a transfer of words, but as a movement of ideas, emotions, and identities across borders.
Speakers emphasized that every translation carries a story, fostering empathy between people and preserving diverse cultural heritages.

Hailah Alkhalaf, the general manager of translation, spoke about the deeper significance of language. She noted that translation is an act of connection — one that conveys the richness of entire civilizations and human experiences.

The event included panel discussions on technology, training, and ethics in translation. Experts explored how artificial intelligence tools can enhance efficiency while maintaining the human essence of cultural interpretation.

Young participants shared enthusiasm for translation as both a career and a calling. Many students expressed interest in pursuing translation as a path to diplomacy, education, and cultural outreach.

Workshops offered practical training, covering areas like crisis translation, literary adaptation, and digital localization. These sessions provided attendees with real-world techniques and insights from experienced translators.

One of the key topics was language sustainability, focusing on how translation can help revive endangered languages. Speakers called for programs to preserve linguistic diversity and ensure that all communities have a voice in global dialogue.

Panels also discussed equal access to translation education. Experts recommended mentorship programs and grants to empower emerging translators and expand training opportunities.

The forum highlighted collaboration between academia, cultural institutions, and creative industries. Projects that combine literature, music, and visual arts were showcased to demonstrate how language can enrich all forms of expression.

Attendees enjoyed a gala dinner that celebrated cultural unity through music and cuisine. This closing event symbolized how translation not only bridges words but also connects hearts and traditions.

Technology’s role in translation was another major focus. Panelists emphasized a balanced approach that pairs digital tools with the intuition and sensitivity of human translators.

Discussions also addressed professional ethics, cultural respect, and the importance of accurate representation. Translators were reminded that their role carries both creative and moral responsibility in shaping intercultural communication.

The event created opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional collaboration. Students and experts discussed partnerships that could advance the translation ecosystem in the years ahead.

Organizers underlined the need for continued investment in research, education, and institutional infrastructure. Translation was framed as a foundation for cultural diplomacy, economic growth, and shared global prosperity.

By the end of the week, participants expressed optimism and commitment to ongoing cooperation. They agreed that translation has the power to transform understanding and foster peaceful international dialogue.

The forum concluded on a hopeful note, celebrating translation as both an art and an instrument of progress. It reaffirmed that through language, humanity can continue to build bridges, nurture empathy, and imagine a connected future together.

The meeting, held at the Jeddah governorate’s headquarters, reflected the growing partnership between the two nations across various fields, including culture, trade, technology, and sustainable urban development.

Both sides exchanged cordial conversations and discussed areas of mutual interest, reaffirming their shared vision for stronger collaboration and long-term friendship.

The discussion was attended by Japanese Consul General in Jeddah Daisuke Yamamoto and members of Governor Koike’s delegation.

The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people connections and the role of cities as gateways for international cooperation.

The dialogue highlighted how Jeddah, as one of Saudi Arabia’s leading coastal cities, and Tokyo, one of the world’s most dynamic metropolises, share a mutual interest in innovation, smart city development, and sustainable growth.

Governor Koike’s visit to Saudi Arabia formed part of her wider regional tour across the Middle East, showcasing Japan’s dedication to fostering partnerships with Arab countries.

Earlier in the week, she attended the Future Investment Initiative 2025 in Riyadh, where she shared insights on Tokyo’s ambition to become a global financial and creative hub.

During the conference, she joined a panel discussion alongside the renowned creator of “Captain Tsubasa,” Yoichi Takahashi, emphasizing how Japan’s creative industries, particularly manga and anime, can serve as powerful tools for global cultural exchange and tourism development.

Her visit to Jeddah came as both nations continue to explore new opportunities for collaboration in creative industries, renewable energy, education, and tourism.

The meeting also symbolized the strong diplomatic friendship that has long connected Japan and Saudi Arabia, built upon mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to economic progress and innovation.

The discussions reflected optimism about the potential for joint ventures, knowledge exchange, and cultural initiatives that will contribute to the prosperity of both societies.

The meeting between the Tokyo and Jeddah governors highlighted the growing synergy between Japan’s technological expertise and Saudi Arabia’s transformative Vision 2030 agenda.

With Jeddah emerging as a center for tourism and urban modernization, and Tokyo serving as a model for innovation and smart infrastructure, both sides expressed interest in exchanging ideas and strategies to develop sustainable and resilient cities.

They discussed enhancing cooperation in areas such as renewable energy solutions, digital transformation, and cultural heritage preservation.

Governor Koike praised Saudi Arabia’s ongoing development projects, noting the remarkable progress in urban planning, green initiatives, and efforts to create a diversified economy.

She expressed admiration for Jeddah’s vibrant culture and its role as a historical gateway to the Kingdom. In return, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi commended Japan’s leadership in technology, education, and cultural innovation, acknowledging the importance of collaboration in achieving shared development goals.

The meeting also emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in building bridges between nations.

Through initiatives such as cultural festivals, student exchange programs, and creative partnerships, Japan and Saudi Arabia aim to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen global cooperation.

Koike’s visit to the region, which included stops in the UAE, Kuwait, and Egypt, demonstrates Japan’s growing engagement with the Middle East and its commitment to long-term collaboration built on trust and respect.

As the meeting concluded, both leaders expressed optimism about the future of Tokyo-Jeddah relations, envisioning a partnership that promotes innovation, creativity, and sustainable growth.

The dialogue reinforced the shared belief that collaboration between cities can serve as a foundation for stronger global relations and mutual prosperity.

His remarks came during an event at the University of Westminster on October 17, which included a special screening of “Rewriting Arab News,” a documentary celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Saudi newspaper and its digital transformation.

Vaizey emphasized the importance of cultural understanding and collaboration between nations, describing culture as “the soul of the country.”

He noted that cultural investment brings both economic and social benefits, praising Saudi Arabia for taking a proactive approach to fostering its creative sector.

“For someone who has been a culture minister in the UK, where it is often a challenge to communicate the value of culture, seeing Saudi Arabia make culture a core part of Vision 2030 is remarkable,” he said.

The event included a panel discussion with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas and University of Westminster Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability Dibyesh Anand.

Vaizey highlighted Saudi Arabia’s $20 billion creative industries sector, projected to contribute 3 percent of GDP and grow to $48 billion by 2030.

He described it as one of the Kingdom’s fastest-growing non-oil sectors and a significant opportunity for international collaboration, particularly with the UK.

Vaizey also discussed his ongoing involvement in projects linking British and Saudi cultural initiatives, including work with the cultural consulting firm BOP, Riyadh-based arts organization Edge of Arabia, and the Saudi-UK Creative Forum.

He stressed the importance of bringing changemakers from both countries together on an equal footing to share ideas and foster innovation.

“Saudi Arabia has the potential to offer valuable lessons to cultural institutions worldwide on innovation and creative development,” he noted.

During the event, Vaizey reflected on his recent visit to the inaugural Cultural Investment Forum in Riyadh, highlighting the Kingdom’s focus on culture as a driver of economic growth.

He said, “By investing in culture, Saudi Arabia is strengthening not only its economy but also the identity and vitality of its society.

The Middle East, and Saudi Arabia in particular, is an economically and culturally dynamic region, and it is inspiring to witness this ambition and confidence.”

University of Westminster Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dibyesh Anand highlighted the role of universities in fostering dialogue and understanding across cultures.

He noted the challenges faced by institutions in navigating global tensions while promoting diversity, open dialogue, and mutual respect. Anand said the university aims to equip students with the skills to navigate complexity while maintaining respect for differing perspectives.

Abbas, a 2009 Westminster graduate, spoke about Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as an outward-looking plan requiring international partnerships.

He emphasized the value of knowledge transfer and collaboration in areas ranging from cultural industries to technology and energy.

Abbas also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing diplomatic role in regional and global affairs, citing efforts to mediate conflicts and promote stability as integral to both economic and societal development.

Looking ahead, Abbas shared plans for Arab News’ new AI-powered translation system, developed with regional startup CAMB.AI.

The platform will allow the newspaper to publish content in 50 languages, reaching nearly 80 percent of the global population, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation and international engagement.

The event, attended by academics, students, diplomats, and professionals from the UK and Arab world, underscored the growing cultural, economic, and diplomatic connections between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.