Patriotic poses

Unity in diversity is the hallmark of India. This feeling of oneness, and patriotism was sensed by the audiences in the auditorium at Til...

Unity in diversity is the hallmark of India. This feeling of oneness, and patriotism was sensed by the audiences in the auditorium at Tilak Smarak Mandir on Wednesday as they witnessed the dance programme, Nritya Jhankar. A long cherished dream, Nritya Jhankar was conceived by the trustees of Shri Nritya Jyoti Academy of Dance and Music with the aim of paying tribute to the gallant soldiers who fought at the Kargil front through dance and bringing together those who wish to contribute for the welfare of these soldiers.

The trust endeavoured to bring together three independent dance academies for a noble cause. The dance academies who performed on the occasion were Kalavardhini, Academy of Indian Dances and Nritya Jyoti Academy of Dance and Music. These schools attempted something other than traditional Bharatnatyam by blending it with elegant dance movements, traditional music and Sanskrit shlokas which reflect the search for the Almighty. These dances depicted the ideas of unity and pride in the glorious past of our nation.

The themes bear relevance to burning current issues. Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya was the first dance performance presented by the students of Kalavardhini directed by Guru Sucheta Chapekar. This group recital was an eye-catching collage of four different ideas which threw light on issues of national importance like unity, integrity and faith in one8217;s own ability to win over the evil. The dance was a beautiful melange of graceful gestures and expressions.

The second dance piece ManMohini was presented by The Academy of Indian Dances under the guidance of Guru Maithili Raghavan. This dance piece takes you on a voyage where you experience the sense of peace, happiness and love, but at the same time a feelings of pain and suffering. As is the human nature, even on the battlefield sweet memories of his Manmohini inspire him to bravely combat the enemy.

The third and the last dance piece titled Dwandh was performed by the students of Shri Nritya Jyoti Academy of Dance and Music, which has been founded by Guru Meenakshi Venkatraman and C.P Venkatraman. This nritya natya depicted the emotions of a human involved in a fight for rights between two units which have spent amicable times together. But turbulence created in their stream of understanding leads to a situation of bloodshed and misery.

Through their dance the artists tried to lift the morale of such an individual, who though physically strong and well equipped is mentally losing the battle. This dance piece brought together Rajasthani folk dance and quawwali to highlight the harmony and virtue of the different states of India.

Through this programme the trust was able to collect a sizable amount of Rs. 69,700 from the sale of the tickets. The cheque was handed over to Maj.Gen Malhotra who presided the function. This donation would be sent to the Kargil Relief Fund.