Artline

SPICMACAY seeks to conserve and promote an awareness of this rich and heterogeneous cultural tapestry amongst the youth of this country. It does this through focus on classical arts with its linked legends, rituals, mythology and philosophy and to facilitate an awareness of their deeper and subtler values,8221; he said.

A charismatic persona, every visit of Kiran infuses a fresh enthusiasm amongst the group of students who are the very life force of the movement in the region. Students and teachers from Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala and Ludhiana participated in the convention. The agenda which dominated Kiran8217;s visit was the holding of the week long Virasat. The week long Virasat consists of folk and classical performances, craft and art workshops, literature, cinema and yoga which is held in different educational institutions.

The aim of Virasat is to bring a closer interaction between students, artists and craftsmen. 8220;And more than holding the festival, it is the process which is more important. This effectivity of voluntary work inculcates a spirit of service. This is in fact the hidden agenda of this movement. Volunteers come from all walks of life with varied aspirations and skills.

They give their time to a larger and worthy cause which is also outside their immediate self interest. The emphasis is on participation without hierarchy and much formalism.8221; It is the body of students, who actually manage the whole show. Right from picking and dropping the artists, to arranging shows, performances, lectures and exhibitions, the young students do everything. From past experiences it has been noticed that the whole show is slickly managed, with a great deal of sensitivity and meticulous detailing. The spirit of the movement is what gets such extraordinary results.

The close interaction and a peep into the world of masters all of whom work for what is beautiful, lofty and wholesome in turn inspires the young students to become more sensitive, kind and gentle. The snowballing effect of such an interaction completely changes the life of the concerned individual. Anyone who has been associated with the movement does somewhere along the line build up a connection with his environment.

The star8217; of the 99 Virasat is Pandit Ravi Shankar who has promised Kiran to do a concert in Chandigarh. 8220;We are also focussing on the celebrations of the 300 years of the Khalsa, which is a dominant feature of the state in the coming year8221; said Kiran.

The Delhi Chapter of the SPICMACAY is still in the process of celebrating Virasat 98. The inaugural concert was by Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, the legendary Odissi dancer, and the Virasat 1998 focussed on the theme of daan and dedicated to Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya and Guru Manimadhav Chakyar. Talks, yoga camps, plays, screening of film classics, presentation of folk and classical music and dance forms, lecture demonstrations of eminent artists, craft and art workshops are being held in different educational centres in New Delhi till the September 9. 8220;Top artists will be brought to Chandigarh giving the young of the city an opportunity to interact as freely as possible with the greats,8221; said Kiran.

Over the years the complexion and texture of the movement is changing. Obviously the effects of development and change are being felt.

8220;The students are also changing. They may perhaps not be so deeply committed, but they are much more curious and that for me is a very positive thing and sustains my hope,8221; says Kiran.

At the end of the day long convention Kiran was busy with meetings garnering support for the movement which is playing a quiet but seminal role in inculcating a sense of compassion of value and pride in our cultural heritage and bringing about an inherent love for all that is beautiful and dharmic.