Music, culture, and a shared commitment to social impact came together at Kampala Parents School as the East Indian Cultural Association (EICA) hosted its annual Holi musical festival, a two-day celebration held as part of the wider Holi festivities in Kampala. This year’s event carried a powerful message of community responsibility, with the festival dedicated to raising awareness about cancer and supporting outreach initiatives that take awareness campaigns to villages across Uganda.
Cancer remains a growing public health concern in Uganda, with many cases still detected at advanced stages due to limited awareness and delayed screening. Health advocates continue to emphasize the importance of community education in addressing the challenge. Through its outreach initiatives, EICA has been supporting awareness campaigns that travel to rural communities, helping families understand the importance of early detection, regular medical check-ups, and timely treatment. By linking the Holi celebrations to this cause, the association, in partnership with Plascon and other stakeholders, sought to use the power of culture and community gatherings to spotlight an issue that affects thousands of Ugandan families.
The evening began shortly after 8:00 PM, as members of the Indian community, invited guests, and cultural enthusiasts streamed into the venue. Many arrived dressed in vibrant traditional attire, reflecting the festive spirit associated with Holi celebrations. Families exchanged warm greetings while children moved excitedly through the grounds, as anticipation built for the night’s performances.
Opening the programme were energetic performances by children’s cultural dance groups, whose colourful costumes and lively choreography immediately captured the audience’s attention. The young performers drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd, setting the tone for a night that blended cultural pride with community celebration.
The highlight of the evening was a captivating performance by celebrated Bollywood playback singer Shraddha Pandit. Taking to the stage to loud cheers, Pandit delivered a dynamic musical set featuring a mix of beloved Bollywood classics and contemporary hits. Her powerful vocals and engaging stage presence quickly transformed the atmosphere into a lively concert, with many in the audience singing along and dancing throughout the performance.
Kansai Plascon continued the company’s longstanding commitment to supporting cultural initiatives and community engagement within Uganda’s Indian diaspora by stepping in as a main sponsor. The festival was attended by the company’s Managing Director, Santosh Gumte, who was recognized by the East Indian cultural Association with an award in recognition for his and Plascon’s valuable contribution to the country and society towards community development.
He in his brief remarks reaffirmed the company’s pride in supporting an event that not only celebrates culture and unity but also contributes to meaningful causes. He highlighted that Kansai Plascon’s involvement reflects its broader commitment to community development and social responsibility, particularly initiatives that create awareness around important health issues such as cancer.
