Report - Participation of faculties/ students of down town University at 7th International Convention at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi organized by Spic Macay during 3rd - 9th June 2019.

The faculties and students representing Assam down town University namely Ms. Sangita Boro (Assistant Professor, Microbiology & Treasurer - AdtU - SPIC MACAY Chapter), Ms. Banasmita Devi (Assistant Professor, Biochemistry) along with the three students Miss Jutima Baruah, Miss Angana Khataniar and Miss Arunika Borah from the department of Microbiology and Nursing had participated at the 7th International Convention organized by Spic Macay held at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi from 3rd - 9th June 2019. The faculties and students representing the University felicitated Padmashri Prof. , Founder, Spic Macay and Dr. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi at the 7th International convention.

Felicitation of Padmashri Prof. Kiran Seth and Dr. M. Jagadesh Kumar at the 7th International Convention

Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) organized its 7th International convention at the JNU campus where nearly 2000 participants from across the globe attended and participated and were provided the opportunity to witness the concerts by eminent artistes (national/ international repute) of Indian Classical Music - Carnatic& Hindustani, Classical Dance performances, Folk performances, Talks by eminent writers and painters, a Cinema screening followed by a discussion, Heritage Walks, Workshops in Classical Music, Classical Dance, Folk Art and Crafts, Yoga, Naad Yoga etc.

The convention was inaugurated by performances of Gurus of renowned fame. The first performance was by Guru Ghanakanta Bora Muktiyar and also his disciple Dr. Anwesa Mahanta (Satrriya). This was followed by a scintillating performance of Carnatic Violin by Vidushi A. Kanyakumari. Chief Guest for the evening was Mr. Manoj Tiwari, M.P. for North East Delhi. Artists performing at the 7th International convention at JNU

A day at the convention starts with getting up at 3.30 am during the very special time called the ‘Brahma Mahurat’, doing various kinds of yoga or meditation for three hours under the guidance of the Gurus. It was then followed by Shramdaan- a very beautiful way of devoting our time in cleaning our surrounding in which we stay. Then after a period of 45 minutes which includes freshening up and having holistic breakfast the next session for the intensives starts. Intensives included various art forms- Classical Dances, Hindustani Vocal, Dhrupad, Craft, Painting, Puppetry and Yoga. Each of these art forms was taught by the learned Gurus, Vidhwans and Vidushis.

Kuchipudi intensive by Padmashri Guru Jayarama Rao After the 3 hours’ intensives from 9:00-12:00, holistic lunch was served and after that from 1:00 pm onwards a very effective mean of meditation called Yog Nidra by Swami Tyagraj was performed. This yog completely relaxed the body, making it free from all the tiredness and energizing it more to tirelessly spend the rest of the day. The Yog Nidra was succeeded by various programmes like- Puppet Theatre by Shri , Qawwali by Warsi Brothers, talk on Art by Shri , Screening of the Making of Mahatma and later a discussion with the actors- Shri Rajit Kapoor & Pallavi Joshi, Pung Cholam by Guru Thanil Singh, Gusadi, Pandavani by Smt. , Choir by Capital City Minstrels, Buddhist Meditation and Gurbani. After these effective learning and interactive sessions, it was time for the holistic dinner at 5:00 pm. After this break for 45 minutes it was yet again time for the last session of the day. The last session of the day always had awestrucking performances by eminent vocalist, instrumentalist and danseuse. To name a few they were Ustad (Sarod), Pt. Rajan Mishra & Pt. Sajan Mishra (Hindustani Vocal), Begum Parween Sultana (Hindustani Vocal), Vidwan T.V. Sankaranarayanan (Carnatic vocal), Vidushi Malavika Sarukkai (Bharatanatyam), Ustad (Hindustani Vocal), Ustad Shahid Pervez (Sitar), Vidushi Ashwini Bhide Deshpande (Hindustani Vocal), Ustad Baha'ud'din Mohiuddin Dagar (Rudra Veena), Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma (Santoor), Vidushi (Hindustani Vocal), Vidushi Kapila Venu (Koodiyattam), Vidwan Lalgudi GJR Krishnan & Vidushi Vijayalakshmi (Carnatic Violin), Ustad (Dhrupad). The 7-day convention surely provided a mystic experience to every participant a unique ashram-like atmosphere which helps to learn the core values and ethics of our own culture. This convention has helped to replenish the Guru Shisya Parampara helping everyone to gain a lot of knowledge on so many cultural heritage and traditional art forms of India.

Jointly Reported By Mr. Nishan Kakati (Advisor) & Ms. Sangita Boro (Treasurer) AdtU-Spic Macay Chapter