A vibrant celebration of science, creativity and cultural diversity brought communities together in Lidcombe on Saturday, 22 August 2026, as Bandana Cultural School hosted its “Science, Visual & Performing Arts – A Multilingual Confluence 2026” at the S P Jain School of Global Management.
The event was driven by the vision of Dr Tanima Banerjee, who sought to create a shared platform where science, education, languages, visual arts and performing arts could come together. The result was a community-focused showcase that encouraged participants of different ages and cultural backgrounds to share their knowledge, talents and creativity.
Held as part of National Science Week celebrations, the programme highlighted the idea that scientific learning can extend beyond classrooms and laboratories. Children, university students, adults and senior participants were given opportunities to explore science while also expressing themselves through language, music, dance, drama and art.
The gathering attracted distinguished guests and community representatives, including Donna Davis MP, State Member for Parramatta; Warren Kirby MP, State Member for Riverstone and Co-Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India; and Frank de Masi, Deputy Mayor of The Hills Shire Council.
Also attending were Raj Datta, former Strathfield councillor and President of SASH; Tuan Minh Dang, President of Children’s Festival Organisation Inc.; Kim Vo, Deputy Chair of the organisation; Dr Sabrin Farooqui OAM, women’s rights advocate and CEO of Cultural Diversity Network Inc.; and a former Cumberland City Council councillor.
Community leaders including Viji Sampath, President of Friends of India Australia; Sanjay Deshwal from the Little India Harris Park Business Precinct; Udeni from Little India Women Association; and Sharmila Maitra from Geetanjali School of Dance were also part of the celebration, alongside many other community representatives.
The organisers acknowledged the support of Rohit Choksi, CEO of S P Jain School of Global Management, and Saroni Roy from the Saroni Roy Foundation, whose assistance contributed to the successful staging of the event.
The programme opened with the traditional lighting of a ceremonial lamp, representing knowledge, hope and enlightenment. One particularly memorable moment came when an 85-year-old participant took to the stage for a singing performance, offering a powerful reminder that creativity and learning can continue throughout life.
Across the programme, audiences experienced performances and activities representing a wide range of cultures, languages and artistic disciplines. The event included science exhibitions, art and craft displays, multilingual recitations, extempore speaking, drama, instrumental music, singing and dance performances.
Science and mathematics were also placed firmly at the heart of the celebration. Participants took part in on-the-spot quizzes, interactive scientific games and competitions, creating an environment where learning became an engaging and shared experience for families.
Students from Kindergarten through to university level presented STEM projects covering a variety of scientific themes. Their work demonstrated how scientific concepts can be explored through hands-on projects and presented in ways that encourage curiosity and imagination among young audiences.
Families were also invited to participate in scientific games and competitions, with children and parents enthusiastically taking part together. The activities created an opportunity for learning to become a family experience rather than something limited to the classroom.
A significant element of the programme was the collaboration with Science City, Kolkata, India. The organisers expressed their appreciation for the institution’s support, describing the collaboration as an important connection between science, education, creativity and cultural exchange between India and Australia.
The event also received support from Jackie Bondell and Natalie Bowesman from OzGrav, whose participation helped encourage young people to engage with science and discover the possibilities offered by scientific learning and research.
The visual arts component provided another major attraction, with an Art and Craft Exhibition showcasing the imagination and creativity of participants. Built around the theme “Science Meets Art”, the exhibition demonstrated how scientific ideas can be interpreted through artistic expression.
By bringing STEM learning together with mathematics, science, languages, visual arts and live performances, the confluence created an inclusive environment where participants could learn from one another while celebrating their individual cultural identities.
The presence of people across generations was another defining feature of the event. From young students presenting science projects to an 85-year-old performing on stage, the programme illustrated the organisers’ emphasis on lifelong learning and participation.
For Bandana Cultural School, the 2026 confluence reflects its broader commitment to education, creativity, cultural diversity and community engagement. The event provided a platform for people from different backgrounds to come together, share their abilities and build connections through both learning and artistic expression.
“Science, Visual & Performing Arts – A Multilingual Confluence 2026” ultimately offered more than a showcase of performances and projects. It demonstrated how science and culture can intersect, creating opportunities for communities to learn, create, perform and celebrate together in an increasingly diverse Australia.
