Indian classical arts spark cross-cultural empathy in European schools

“Dance has a magical combination of elements that helps us become more in tune with our emotions and how we express them,” says dance exponent Sohini Roychowdhury, summing up the mission that recently took her across schools and universities in Austria and Germany.

The dancer conducted a series of performances and interactive sessions designed to foster empathy and cultural sensitivity among children and young adults through the transformative power of Indian classical arts.Joining her were sitar player Indro Roychowdhury and tabla player Sanjib Pal, whose soulful renditions created an immersive atmosphere of curiosity, wonder, and emotional connection. The experience was far more than a performance — it became a deeply engaging cultural exchange.Children from ages 6 to 18, including those with special needs, responded with enthusiasm, particularly during the interactive segments. Sohini led the young audience through expressive Bharatanatyam mudras and movements in a session themed around ‘Shiva the Kind.’ The performances culminated in a participatory musical segment where Indro explained the therapeutic qualities of Ragas, while children joined in singing and rhythm.

Moments like Sohini’s Thillana performance and Indro’s rendition of Ahir-Bhairav — evoking imagery of Krishna, spring, and joy — brought India’s classical traditions vividly to life. Through dance, music, and storytelling centered on the Rasas and epics like the Shiva and Vishnu Puranas, the sessions communicated timeless values in a universally accessible form.As the ghungroos chimed and the sitar rang through Alpine classrooms, the spirit of India echoed in young hearts. The Navarasa — traditionally the nine emotions of classical art — was reimagined for a new generation as empathy, peace, kindness, love, oneness, understanding, connection, healing and forgiveness.