[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 52 (Monday, April 28, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E760]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           SALUTING THE ORGANIZERS OF THE THYAGARAJA FESTIVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 28, 1997

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to recognize an 
extraordinary group of citizens in my congressional district. Recently, 
the music department at Cleveland State University hosted the 1997 
Thyagaraja Festival. This 2-week celebration marked the 20th 
anniversary of the Thyagaraja Festival. This festival enables 
international musicians from the country of India and other parts of 
the globe to come and perform in the city of Cleveland. In addition, 
this event offers those in attendance an opportunity to witness an 
array of cultural performances. Visitors travel from a majority of the 
United States from Arizona to California and Connecticut to Alaska. 
Others came from Hong Kong and India to be a part of these phenomenal 
activities.
  This year, the festival's total attendance was estimated at 12,000; 
the event included the children's music competition, the Aradhana and 
luncheon, the ballet, Lakshmi Probhavam, and 18 full-length concerts. 
The total number of participants is indicative of the tireless effort 
and dedication put forth by the Cleveland State University Music 
Department and other volunteers to organize such a spectacular event.
  Mr. Speaker, while some countries within our international community 
are stricken with obstacles such as war and poverty, the Thyagaraja 
Festival stands as an illustration of our city and Nation's commitment 
to international unity and appreciation for cultural diversity. Again, 
I salute the organizers of the 1997 Thyagaraja Festival for creating an 
opportunity for the city of Cleveland and our great Nation to partake 
in an attempt to increase multicultural awareness and secure global 
peace.

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