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The ethos of the diverse culture of the Indians, its enigma and charm has had a profound impact on people and civilisations across the world. Spread by ancient scholars, traders, empires and in recent years by the PIOs, the Indian culture and the adopted versions are celebrated in many countries globally. PIO is a person and people of Indian Origin.

The PIO International Festival KL 2012 is a thread of gala events to celebrate the arts and culture of the PIOs from around the world. This spectacular Festival includes exhibitions, sporting events, beauty pageant, cultural demonstrations and performances by PIO communities from various countries across the globe.

The three days Festival is organised by GOPIO Malaysia at the Batu Caves Sri Subramanyar Temple premises and around Kuala Lumpur and is from Friday 20th till Sunday 22nd April 2012. GOPIO, the Global Organisation of the People of Indian Origin is for the 30 million PIOs living worldwide. PIOs reside mainly in the US, Myanmar, Malaysia, UK, South Africa, Canada and Mauritius.

The Festival is also in recognition of the Asian Traditional New Year celebrations of 14th April. Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and many states in India celebrate 14th April as their New Year. In Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka this celebration is referred as Thamizh Putthaandu, Chitthirai Putthaandu or Tamil New Year.

PIOFEST KL 2012 will bring together various ethnic PIO groups from Malaysia and around the globe to demonstrate and celebrate their arts and culture. There will be an influx of PIO tourists from Singapore, Australia, France, Indonesia, Guadeloupe and Norway.

The reach of the International PIO Festival are Malaysians and the global PIO Communities. The PIOFEST KL 2012 is organized to further enrich the value of unity in diversities, as the world is converging into one virtual nation.

The heritage of the PIOs or the People of Indian Origin is the rich culture of diverse colourful traditions. This is revealed in the diversity of their many ethnic languages and religious sects. The evolution of these multi cultural sects have transcended over a period of more than 5,000 years. Each ethnic Community has evolved different variations of attire, arts and food. All, having their own unique customs while sharing a cohesive commonality.

Today Indianess means respect and acceptance of the vast diversities in the inter Communities and inter religious relationships. This Unity in Diversity is the unique pillar of the Indian Civilization. It is this value of rich diversities of many Communities living peacefully together that has impacted and inspired other Civilizations and many Communities and countries throughout Asia, especially countries in ASEAN.

The PIO International Festival KL 2012 is a celebration of this important value of ‘Unity in Diversity’. Many countries in South Asia, ASEAN and some among the Indian Ocean rim celebrate the Traditional New Year during the week around 14th April. Together, more than 500 million people celebrate this traditional New Year and its importance is seen in the spread of the number of public holidays in some countries.

The International PIO Festival is in recognition of this Asian Traditional New Year celebration and to demonstrate Unity in Diversity with the people of these countries. The PIOFEST KL 2012 summarises and symbolises the spirit of humanity.