Kuala Lumpur, Feb 9 : Malacca has become the first state outside India to recognize the ancient folk dance of Kolattam (a stick dance) in its annual tourism calendar. Chief Minister Mohammed Ali Rustam has urged the local-based Krishna Balaram Indian Arts as well as Cultural Society of Malacca to do the needful in this regard.

According to RA Sharavana Organising chairman, Indian cultural experts would be invited from Mauritius, Australia, Hawaii, Trinidad and Tobago, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Suriname and India to outline a proposal for the initiative. "We are delighted with the state''s recognition and will do our best to perform the dance flawlessly," The Star quoted Sharavana, as saying.

He also wants non-Indians to be invited to become a part of the folk dance troupes. "We see no problem in training other races," he added. (ANI)