‘Sangat’ Event Champions Multiculturalism Amidst Rising Divides

India-West Staff Reporter

MILPITAS, CA – Spotlighting the message of multiculturalism and preserving cultural identity for a thriving democracy, the India House Foundation and the India Community Center hosted ‘Sangat: A Musical Gathering of Spirit, Unity, and Resistance’ on June 7, here. 

Attended by more than 200 people, the event brought together artists and community leaders to explore how cultural identity and artistic expression can serve as vital tools in preserving democracy.

Organizers said, “as rising majoritarianism, exclusionary politics, and attacks on multiculturalism threaten the social fabric that supports democratic values and inclusive civic participation, communities had gathered in solidarity to share a message of unity in diversity.” 

The centerpiece of the evening was the collaboration between Afghan American rabab virtuoso Qais Essar and Sikh American musician Sonny Singh.

Their project, Sangat, drew on centuries-old South Asian musical traditions and spiritual poetry from Sikh, Sufi, and Bhakti heritage to send a powerful message of solidarity across religious and cultural lines. The performance also featured cellist Roziht Eve and tabla player Jujhar Singh, blending haunting melodies with stirring vocals and harmonium.

“Sangat was more than a performance—it was a gathering of spirit, resistance, and unity. In a world increasingly divided by fear, Qais and Sonny reminded us that music can be a radical act of remembrance, healing, and solidarity,” said Nida Hasan, Executive Director of the India House Foundation.

Singh, who recently launched the Sangat project with Essar, explained the urgency behind their work: “A country cannot in good faith call itself a democracy without having communities from diverse backgrounds and identities participating in equitable ways in civic life.”

Following the performance, Nida Hasan led a conversation on the role of multiculturalism in sustaining democratic societies.