“This year has been a particularly meaningful one, as Milap celebrated its 40th anniversary. It has given us a moment to reflect on four decades of performance, creation, and the development of Indian arts internationally — and on the values that have carried the organisation forward since its earliest days. These include artistic excellence, cultural integrity, curiosity, and the belief that arts from the Indian subcontinent have a vital place in the cultural life of this country, with the power to unite, inspire and uplift people.

Over the past year, we have continued to create, share and support new work. We launched MilapSpace, a landmark platform for the organisation; nurtured young musicians through our ensembles; and developed spaces where tradition and innovation intersect — across education, recordings, partnerships and public performance. Much of this energy came together through Indika Festival 2025, and we invite you to revisit those 15 days through the highlights shared on our website.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we are also sharing 12 Days of Milap across our website and social media — a chance to look back, take stock, and look forward. We hope you will enjoy these stories and milestones, and share them with others.

Looking ahead to 2026 and the next 40 years, we do so with optimism — inspired by the creativity of our artists, the growing confidence of the next generation, and the enduring importance of arts and culture as forces that bring people together. None of this work happens in isolation; it is made possible by our community, and by the ongoing support of our principal supporters, Arts Council England and Culture Liverpool.

As ever, we are grateful for your continued support — whether as an audience member, donor, partner, advocate or listener. Your belief enables our work.

We look forward to sharing much more with you in the year ahead. Until then, we wish you a peaceful festive season and a hopeful start to the new year.” 

Alok Nayak, Artistic Director of Milap