Sydney, 22 August 2026: Science, creativity and cultural diversity came together at the “Science, Visual & Performing Arts – A Multilingual Confluence 2026”, organised by Bandana Cultural School at the S P Jain School of Global Management in Lidcombe.

Held as part of National Science Week celebrations, the community event brought together participants from different age groups, cultural backgrounds and linguistic communities, creating a platform where science, mathematics, visual arts, performing arts, language and culture could intersect.

The initiative reflected the vision of Dr Tanima Banerjee, who sought to bring science, arts and culture together through an inclusive community programme. Children, young people, adults and senior citizens participated in exhibitions, competitions and performances, showcasing their knowledge, creativity and artistic abilities.

The event was attended and supported by a number of community leaders and public representatives, including Hon. Donna Davis MP, State Member for Parramatta; Hon. Warren Kirby MP, State Member for Riverstone and Co-Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India; and Clr Frank de Masi, Deputy Mayor of The Hills Shire Council.

Other guests included Raj Datta, former Councillor of Strathfield Council and President of SASH; Tuan Minh Dang, President, and Mr Kim Vo, Deputy Chair of Children’s Festival Organisation Inc.; Dr Sabrin Farooqui OAM, Women’s Rights Advocate and CEO of Cultural Diversity Network Inc.; Mrs Viji Sampath, President of Friends of India Australia; Sanjay Deshwal from Little India Harris Park Business Precinct; Ms Udeni from Little India Women Association; and Mrs Sharmila Maitra from Geetanjali School of Dance, along with other community leaders.

The programme opened with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolising knowledge, hope and enlightenment.

A particularly memorable moment came when an 85-year-old participant took to the stage for a singing performance, highlighting the event’s emphasis on lifelong learning and participation. The performance demonstrated that artistic expression and the pursuit of knowledge can transcend age.

The programme featured a broad range of activities designed to connect scientific learning with creative expression.

Participants took part in STEM-based science exhibitions, art and craft displays, multilingual recitations, extempore speaking, drama, instrumental music, singing and performances across various dance styles.

The event also included on-the-spot mathematics and science quizzes, interactive scientific games and competitions, encouraging audiences and participants to engage with science in an accessible and entertaining way.

Students from Kindergarten through university level presented science projects covering a range of topics as part of the National Science Week celebrations. Their projects demonstrated how scientific concepts can be explored through hands-on learning, experimentation and creative thinking.

Families were also encouraged to participate, with children and parents joining scientific games and competitions and competing for prizes.

The Art and Craft Exhibition was another major attraction, showcasing works that combined creativity, imagination and innovation under the theme “Science Meets Art.”

The exhibition highlighted the ways scientific ideas can inspire artistic expression, while art can also provide new ways of communicating and understanding scientific concepts.

Alongside the exhibitions, performances representing different languages and cultural traditions gave the programme a distinctly multicultural character.

The Multilingual Confluence 2026 went beyond being a showcase of performances and projects. It provided a common platform for people from different generations and cultural communities to participate, learn and share their talents.

By bringing STEM, mathematics, science, languages, visual arts and performing arts together, the event demonstrated how community programmes can encourage both intellectual curiosity and cultural exchange.

For Bandana Cultural School, the event reflected its broader commitment to education, creativity, cultural diversity and community participation, while creating opportunities for people of different ages and backgrounds to learn and celebrate together.

The successful gathering underscored the potential of community-led initiatives to make science and the arts more accessible, while strengthening connections across Sydney’s diverse multicultural communities.