When it comes to be a part of the nation’s celebration, how can the National Institute of
Kathak, Kathak Kendra, be far away. Recently, right after the magnanimous 36th Kathak
Mahotsav, Kathak Kendra had the opportunity to present a choreography at the India
Coast Guard Headquarters in Kautilya Marg, New Delhi, on the occasion of the 48th
Raising Day of Indian Coast Guard on 1st and 2nd February 2024.
The presentation was a choreographic piece “Maatribhoomi” which is a beautiful
amalgamation of the four prominent styles of Indian Classical dance, Kathak,
Bharatanatyam, Odissi and Manipuri. It was conceptualized and choreographed by
Guru Abhimanyu Lal, who is working as a senior Guru at Kathak Kendra.
The composition is delved with the lyrics from the very famous poem “Maatribhoomi” by
Maithili Sharan Gupt.
The lyrics, which say, “Neelambar Paridhan, Harita Path Par, Sundar hai...” and the
choreography around it, is an expression of being grateful, for being born and living in a
country, where a tapestry is woven with cultural diversity and historical richness, stands
as a testament to unity in diversity. Showcasing the blessedness to be a part of the
nation that not only embraces its past but also strides confidently into the future,
carrying the torch of resilience and cultural magnificence.
This performance was graced with the presence of the honorable Defence Minister of Govt. Of India,
Shri Rajnath Singh.
For Kathak, the artists were students of Kathak Kendra, as well as graduate students
of Kendra as well, namely Varsha Dasgupta, Swasti Jha, Ankita Dutta, Diksha Thapliyal
and Archana. Artists from Ganesh Natyalaya, were the Bharatanatyam artists, founded
by Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan and now led by Guru Rama Vaidyanathan, are, Priyanka
Rawat, Soumya Nandal, and Varsha Chand. Odissi artists, Anushua Chowdhury, Sonali
Barua and Arpita Debashree, are from the Sanchari Foundation, led by Guru Kavita
Dwivedi. Manipuri artists are Gibolata Devi and Laxmi Devi.
In the music part, Tabla was played by Shahbaz Ahmad, Pakhawaj by Salman Warsi,
vocals and composition by Santosh Sinha and Mridang by Manohar Balatchandirane.
Comments