P 2 | JANUARYDECEMBER 2018 2017 Contents Volume 2, Issue 7 | January 2018

Editorial Team 04 Cover Story 22 Reviews 46 The Empowering Dance Glorified in Andhra's Editor’s Note 05 Monk of India : Alpha City : Amaravati Swami Vivekananda Nrithyotsav 2017 Cultural Bulletin 06

Awards 10

Torch Bearers 12 An Astute Advocate of Theatre Arts : MK Raina

Beacons of Light 38 Reports 54 A Vision for the Envisioned : Dr. SuparnaVenkatesh

Dance in India 18 MANIPURI Rays of Hope 42 Kutiyattam gives a significance to his life : Ramith Ramesh In Sight 64 Classifieds 65

P 3 | JANUARYDECEMBER 2018 2017 Editorial

‘The Dance India’- a monthly cultural magazine in English is our humble "If the art is poor, attempt to capture the spirit and culture of art in all its diversity. the nation is sick."

Articles may be submitted for possible Editor-in-Chief publication in the magazine in the following BR Vikram Kumar manner. Associate Editor • Send in your articles to [email protected] RMK Sharma Please include your full name, contact information (address and telephone Sub Editor’s number) and a short bio data. D Praveena • Articles are published in the magazine only Sandhya Parimala V on the condition that the author agrees to the terms of the Copyright Statement and Policy Feature Writer Ch Nikhitha Regd. Office: Trivikram Publications, Administration Manager D.No. 50-01-50/1, ASR Nagar, Seethammadhara, KV Lakshmi Coordinators Visakhapatnam - 530 013, A.P. (News, Advertisements & Tel: +91 8897987445 Communications Incharge Subscriptions) The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various writers in the articles and K Bhanoji Rao Sai Venkatesh Karnataka reviews do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the editorial team or Circulation Manager Kashmira Trivedi Maharashtra official policies of The Dance India. V. Srinivas Alaknanda Noida All rights reserved. © January 2018 - The contents published in The Dance India Lakshmi Thomas Chennai magazine are an exclusive copyright of Trivikram Publications. No part of the magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without Parinithi Gopal Sagar the written consent of Trivikram Publications. Girija Chandran Kerala All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts in GV Chari New Delhi Visakhapatnam only. Dr. Kshithija Barve Goa and Kolhapur Edited, Published and Owned by Anand Sharma Bathina Ranga Vikram Kumar, Mobile No. +91-9848137445, on behalf of Pathankot (Punjab) Trivikram Publications from D.No. 50-01-50/1, ASR Nagar, Seethammadhara, Dist. Visakhapatnam - 530 013, A.P. and Technical Advise and Graphic Design Printed by G. Sangameswara Rao Follow us on Sri Lekha Power printers D. No : 30-20-30 &31, Nehuru Sreet Seetarampuram, Elluru Road Vijayawada (AndhraPradesh) thedanceindiamagazine Editor: Bathina Ranga Vikram Kumar P 4 | JANUARYDECEMBER 2018 2017 Editor-in-Chief. BR VikramKumar, forms standinIndia? reality wheredoesthesocalled "SwachhSamskruthi"orArt government. Whencomingtothepracticalityorground popular initiativeswhichweretakenbythepresent SwachhBharath,MakeinIndia,etc...Weresomeofthe tourism monuments. Stillwelackinprotectingandpromotingourheritage individuals/event managementcompanies! hard earnedmoneyandfulfillingthevestedinterestsoffew cultural events?Itisonlythemerewastageoftax,payer's about whatistheuseoforganizingsuchahighcostforeign Butfromacommonman'spointofview, thequestionis promoting it. several eventsbyspendingcroresofrupeesinthename such asCulturalandTourism departmentsareconducting Forthelastfewyears,variousgovernmentdepartments our traditionsandclassicalartforms. conducting events.Theytendtoforgetingivingplatform terminology ofsmartcities,allgovernmentsectorsare being noticedthatgettingcarriedawaywiththesocalled Ifcontacted,evenartistswouldagreetoitbecauseis Art lovers and FellowCountrymen. Art lovers and FellowCountrymen. Art lovers and FellowCountrymen. Art lovers and FellowCountrymen. Art lovers and FellowCountrymen. all theReaders,W all theReaders,W all theReaders,W all theReaders,W all theReaders,W Season's greetingsto Season's greetingsto Season's greetingsto Season's greetingsto Season's greetingsto state ofdecay state ofdecay the sametimeitisinadvanced the sametimeitisinadvanced is ahighlydevelopedonebutat is ahighlydevelopedonebutat and culturalheritageprovethatit and culturalheritageprovethatit country". Inthiscontext,itshistory country". Inthiscontext,itshistory calling itasanunderdeveloped calling itasanunderdeveloped "Bharath isnotaspeoplekeep "Bharath isnotaspeoplekeep traditional andheritageartforms? Issmartcities'cultureisgoingtokillour into anegativeway. Nowatthispointoftimewearegoing state ofdecay the sametimeitisinadvanced is ahighlydevelopedonebutat and culturalheritageprovethatit country". Inthiscontext,itshistory calling itasanunderdeveloped "Bharath isnotaspeoplekeep Cultural &HeritageofIndia” “A DriftofArt, state ofdecay state ofdecay the sametimeitisinadvanced the sametimeitisinadvanced is ahighlydevelopedonebutat is ahighlydevelopedonebutat and culturalheritageprovethatit and culturalheritageprovethatit country". Inthiscontext,itshistory country". Inthiscontext,itshistory calling itasanunderdeveloped calling itasanunderdeveloped "Bharath isnotaspeoplekeep "Bharath isnotaspeoplekeep ell- ell- ell- ell- ell- . . . . . W W W W W ishers, ishers, ishers, ishers, ishers, P 5|DECEMBERJANUARY 2017 2018 Editor’s Note Source from PIB

The Supreme Commander of Armed Forces presented the President's Colour to the Submarine Arm of the Indian Navy

he President of India - Ram Nath Kovind, presented the President's Colour to the TSubmarine Arm of the Indian Navy during his two-day visit in Vishakhapatnam. Speaking on the occasion, the President of India - Ram Nath Kovind said, that our maritime interests are directly linked to India's economy, security and to the welfare of our people. Over 90 per cent of India's trade by volume uses the sea route. This enhances the role of the Indian Navy, not just in national security but in the wider process of nation building. The Navy is India's primary instrument of sea power. It is also the guardian of our maritime interests, both military and civilian. He further said that, the sea is an unforgiving medium for those who do not respect it. No one knows this better than the valiant submariners of the Indian Navy who operate their boats and perform their duties beneath the waves. All of them carry out their professional responsibilities with great skill and at grave risk. The nation is proud of their achievements and appreciates their contribution to national security. The colour was being presented to the Submarine Arm of the Indian Navy, in recognition of incredible service to the nation, in peace and war for the past 50 years. President Kovind congratulated the submariners on this achievement and paid homage to those Indian Navy submariners who have laid down their lives in the The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind service of India, acknowledging the sacrifice of the presenting President's Colour to the families of submariners both past and present. Submarine Arm of the Indian Navy, at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on This was ccording to PIB. 08-12-2017. The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lamba is also seen.

P 6 | JANUARY 2018 CULTURAL BULLETIN President of India launches the Center for Defence Studies at Andhra University

he President of India - Ram Nath Kovind, visited the Andhra University in TVisakhapatnam and inaugurated the Centre for Defence Studies. He also laid the foundation stone for the E-Classroom Complex and Incubation Centre. Speaking on the occasion, the President of India stated that it is impeccable to know that Andhra University, in particular it's College of Engineering is progressively engaged in R&D projects with the defence institutions. He noted that, the Centre for The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind unveiling the plaque to lay foundation stone of Defence Studies will focus on cyber security, the E-classroom Complex and Incubation centre nanotechnology, radar and communications, at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on 07-12- 2017. The Governer of Andhra Pradesh and corrosion technology and other technologies that Telangana, ESL.Narsimham, Union Minister for have strategic dimensions. Civil Aviation, Pasupati Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Nara The President also stated that professors and Chandrababu Naidu is also seen. researchers from the Andhra University are collaborating on specific projects with DRDO, as his happiness on becoming aware of the statistic of well as with the Naval Research Board and other 40% of the students being girls at the Andhra institutions. Professors from Andhra University have University. He expressed optimism, that the been employed as R&D consultants for missile inauguration of the E-Classroom and Laboratory projects, including in the development of the Complex at the Andhra University College of Brahmos missile. Additionally, intellect expertise Engineering for Women will enhance our country's from this University has been sought by the Eastern capacities to produce high-quality women engineers Naval Command, headquartered in and technologists. Vishakhapatnam, for civil engineering structural The President stated that, "a true test of India's applications and corrosion related issues. progress is in the access and opportunity, He added that research related to defence and we provide our daughters when it comes to military applications and technologies will have education" He pointed out that some of our leading numerous benefits for our country. It will act as a defence and space scientists - who have powered stimulant to the effort to 'Make in India'. And as our missile programs and rocket launches - are experience in other countries has shown, research women. He also mentioned the event of taking in defence technologies can also lead to innovations privilege in felicitating the senior DRDO scientist, that have diverse civilian applications. Dr Tessy Thomas, known as the "Missile Woman The President further said that the overall gender of India", earlier this week in Agra. On a concluding imbalance in our scientific and technological note, he appealed that; women achievers like her are institutions continues to be a concern. He articulated role models for our youth, particularly for our girl students in India. P 7 | JANUARY 2018 14.4% growth recorded in FTAs in November, 2017 By: Sanjay Kumar

ccording to the Ministry of Tourism's compiled compared to FTAs of 77.83 lakh with a growth of 9.4% monthly estimates of Foreign Tourist Arrivals in January- November, 2016 over January- November, A(FTAs) and FTAs of e-Tourist Visa on the basis 2015. of nationality-wise, port-wise, data received from Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) on e-Tourist Bureau of Immigration (BOI) has recorded a growth of Visa 14.4% in the month of November 2017. In the same way arrival of foreign tourists on e-Tourist The number of FTAs in November, 2017 was 10.05 lakh visa has recorded growth of 56.2 per cent in the month as compared to FTAs of 8.78 lakh in November, 2016 of November, 2017. A total of 2.14 lakh foreign tourists and 8.16 lakh in November, 2015. The growth rate in arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 1.37 lakh FTAs in November, 2017 over November, 2016 was during the month of November, 2016. During 14.4%, compared to 7.6% in November, 2016 over January- November 2017, a total of 14.57 lakh foreign November, 2015. FTAs during the period January- tourists arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 9.17 November 2017 were 90.01 laks with a growth of lakh during January- November 2016, registering a 15.6% over same period of the previous year, growth of 58.8 per cent, according to PIB.

Dr. Mahesh Sharma inaugurates the 'Bodhi Parva'

inister of State for Culture (Independent music performances, Charge) Dr. Mahesh Sharma has quiz show and a food Memphasized on the relevance of spreading trail. These will help in the message of peace and compassion of Lord building an awareness Buddha in present time, stating that those messages of BIMSTEC's rich and remain a amalgamating power among various nations. common heritage. Dr. Sharma, while inaugurating the three days 'Bodhi'Bodhi He said that, ParvaParva': BIMSTEC Festival of Buddhist Heritage' in BIMSTEC as a New Delhi, he addressed that the message of Lord Union Minister of State regional organization for Culture & Buddha is as relevant in the 21st century as it was two Tourism(Indepentdent comprising of seven and a half millennia ago and has been a unifying force Charge) Dr. Mahesh Member States among nations. The values of peace, accommodation, Sharma around the Bay of inclusiveness, and compassion that are part of our Bengal that brings together about one - fifth of the societies can be attributed to the influence of the world population and a combined GDP of over US $ teachings of Lord Buddha and Buddhism. 2.8 trillion and it also plays a crucial role in The Minister said that, 'Bodhi'Bodhi Parva'Parva' has entwined development of the region. The leaders of BIMSTEC various threads of the Buddhist heritage into a beautiful have imparted fresh momentum to the organization at mélange, including an exhibition of international and the Leaders' Retreat hosted by Prime Minister Indian Buddhist art and architecture, discourses by Narendra Modi in Goa in October 2016. He stated that eminent scholars and practitioners of Buddhism, the robust agenda that was agreed at the Retreat to guided meditation and chanting by Buddhist monks achieve greater connectivity, trade, people-to-people and choir, screening of film on Buddhism, dance and contacts, and sustainable use of resources is being steadily implemented. P 8 | JANUARY 2018 CULTURAL BULLETIN Dr. Sharma said that, India sees BIMSTEC as a natural In his address, the Minister for Culture, Tourism and platform to fulfill its key foreign policy priorities of Civil Aviation, Nepal, Jeetendra Narayan Dev said that, 'Neighbourhood'Neighbourhood First'First' and 'Act'Act East'East'.East' A number "there is immense potential in connecting transnational of initiatives have been taken to promote cooperation Buddhist Heritage in BIMSTEC." He asserted on the in BIMSTEC under the focus areas of security, importance of conservation of Buddhist Heritage transport and communication, environment and across BIMSTEC region, with its center at Lumbini. disaster management, tourism, traditional medicine Preeti Saran, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, and people-to-people exchanges, while several others Ibrahim Hossein Khan, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, are in the pipeline. He said that events such as 'Bodhi'Bodhi Bangladesh, Heads of Missions of BIMSTEC Member Parva' would also help immensely in promoting the States and artists and scholars from India and other 'Brand'Brand BIMSTEC'.BIMSTEC'. BIMSTEC Member States graced the occasion with their presence, according to PIB.

P 9 | JANUARY 2018 NMDA, Visakhapatnam conferred with PRSI's National Award as the Best NGO for its CSR initiative involving Kuchipudi

he 39th Annual meet of the Public Dr. Ajit Pathak, PRSI Secretary General Nivedita Relations Society of India (PRSI) has Banerjee, and other dignitaries. Thonoured the Nataraj Music and The criterion for choosing NMDA for the award Dance Academy(NMDA) led by Shri BR. was dedicated and focused teaching of the Vikram Kumar, with its prestigious PRSI traditional Indian cultural dance form, Kuchipudi National Award(2nd Prize) recognising the to the enthusiastic children of oppressed class in services rendered for nearly two decades. the society. The award was conferred by the chief guest This initiative was in support to the society and of the event Mr. Ganta Srinivas Rao, Minister mankind, promoting equality of rights as the for Human Resources Development, academy's contribution to corporate social Government of Andhra Pradesh responsibility. accompanied by PRSI National President

The Minister for Human Resources Development, GoAP, Ganta Srinivasa Rao presenting the ‘Best NGO Making Contribution to CSR’ award to the Founder & Director of NMDA, B.R.Vikram Kumar at 39th PRSI National Convention in the city. "Pride of India-2017" award to Dhanunjayan's

he Provoke Life Style Magazine has been bestowed with the title of has conferred South India's 'PRIDE OF INDIA-2017" by the Jury Tmost prestigious Special Jury appointed by PROVOKE LIFESTYLE award "Pride of India-2017" on MAGAZINE. It was a warded on 20- Dhanunjayan couple. The award 12-2017 at a function, which witnessed contained a citation that reads "This is a most colourful standard ceremony to certify that Mr. & Mrs.Dhanunjayan that was attended by a large crowd of people from different walks of life. Pics: Paul Spurgeon Nicodemus

ature is the 'Book'Book ofof Life'Life' and so travelling over the length and breadth Nof the country teaches us exotic bits and pieces, says one of the best theatre artists, directors and Sangeet Natak Academi awardees for Direction, Maharaj Krishna Raina fondly known as M K Raina in an exclusive interview with The Dance India Magazine.

Hailing from the beautiful city, Kashmir, M K Raina started theatre at a tender age of ten along with his education. He graduated from the famous National School of Drama in New Delhi, with a State Scholarship from the Government.

P 12 | JANUARY 2018 Though not having much of a cultural background After working on stage for a company for a while, he (father being a medical practitioner), Raina dared and decided to do freelancing, as it was natural for him. He decided to pursue theatre arts as profession at a very being very active in theatre and having renowned young age and was completely supported by his folks mentors such as his Principal, who was a legendary at home. poet of Kashmir who used to write beautiful Operas for the students, encouraged him to be a freelancer till "Kashmir has a very vibrant, secular theatre and culture date. "The people of Kashmir are very lovely", he movement and a fast progress during my growing expressed, saying that they would talk to him as if years", he proudly stated. He also said that he grew up conversing with the next legendary artist. He was in the best times of Kashmir when there was influenced by many poets who inspired and tremendous freedom and peace par excellence along encouraged youngsters to perform entertaining plays. with a lot of space for each person's art, work worth, Some of those inspiring poets were Dinanath Nadim, talent, etc. Staying in such a culturally vivacious city Abur Rehman Rahi and Amin Kamil. gave him an opportunity at a very youthful age to witness performances of prominent artists such as Another influential person in Raina's life was his father, Pandit Birju Maharaj and Begum Akhtar. who gave him the space he needed and let his studies

P 13 | JANUARY 2018 and theatre go hand in hand. He mentioned that his shows and plays has encouraged the local talent to father always encouraged him to experiment and dedicatedly work in the field of art and theatre. stood as a backbone, though he could not watch When asked about the massacre, which happened in every play of his, he watched few of his plays and that the year 2000, he said, that it was the worst period, with made him highly proud of his son and the work he was shoot at sight orders all over the place in the premises doing. leading to each and every person losing everything Raina is a cultural activist and is associated with and the complete clan had to move out and get Sahamat (Safdar Hasmi uprooted overnight in a Memorial Trust) which is need to save their lives. a politico- cultural During this period, he organisation having lost his mother and to members who are perform the last rites in actors, musicians, such critical situation he dancers and many had to get permission more. His father was from the paramilitary also a political activist, forces. His father who who worked with a luckily had children political party before settled in other states and after could move out without Independence, but quit any difficulty but his when the party relatives had to stay in refugee camps and had to start dissolved. from scratch.

Being a Kashmiri Pandit, M K Raina never felt any His life in National School of Drama (NSD) was difference in Kashmir and in the field of theatre, rather described as the most inspiring, where he had great his regular visits to the city since 16 years to organize theatre teachers like Ebrahim Alkazi, from whom he

P 14 | JANUARY 2018 learnt a lot and who was the most committed to theatre and was concerned about every student. For him, being a student at NSD was like chiselling a stone and shaping into a beautiful statue. He also said that, "It was like smashing the ideas of the student and bringing out ideas of modern aesthetics, world culture, theatre, art, poetry, music, painting, ancient drama, Greek, Sanskrit and Asian drama which were all present in the syllabus".

Raina possess an obsession for travelling all over the country and interests in acquiring details about every culture and folk of the realm. Hailing from Kashmir, which didn't have access for trains or railways for many years, he witnessed his first train at the age of 16. This led to his curiosity to visit every corner of the country and understand India.

When he was offered a scholarship to visit France, during his college days he firmly rejected the offer, to the shock of his examiners, as he wanted to visit places in India such as Konark, Ajanta, etc. He had a concept that before visiting a country abroad and gaining knowledge about their foreign culture, it is mandatory to thoroughly have knowledge about our own homeland, India. This would help in interacting with the people of that country as exchange knowledge. He still follows the principle, which also helped him in bagging a global assignment to teach in the West and work on an Indian production along with them. This helped him in making his personality lucid in understanding them to a great extent. He also stated that he believed in equality, when it comes to cultural exchange.

When asked about films, he said that they happened simultaneously along with theatre. The first film '27 down' which was made in the year 1972, won a National Award and was also praised by every artist and viewer. He mentioned that 70s was a fervent period on culture and there was a parallel cinema movement.

According to M K Raina, the theatre movement which mainly comes from folk drama is the base of P 15 | JANUARY 2018 any country and our country is considered very special for having a separate style of drama schools for every region. "Theatre is like the Pacific Ocean in which you can make a small boat for yourself to sail along and create your own identity", he pointed out.

In a trip to Andhra University in Visakhapatnam for a 3- month workshop in the year 1980, led him to visit the beautiful tribal places in and around the city and learn a lot about their culture and folk. After visiting these places, he realised that people in tribal areas speak many languages, showing the vastness and spread of India and helps in getting a richer and wider idea of India in a deeper way.

He also mentioned that, "there exists traditional and western theatre but western theatre is like proscenium and has very limited possibility". The traditional kind of theatre requires open space and the actors need freedom for exploration and improvisation.

M K Raina who is also a great director, is fascinated with technology which led him to make numerous documentaries on literature and heritage. He made documentaries on Ladakh, Kashmir, UP, Homi Bhabha, Music of Kashmir and many more. Some things which he tends to connect but which cannot be put into drama are put into documentary, he says.

"Documentation is a special science which is essential, but India hasn't completely opened up to it and there is little awareness about it", Raina stressed and added that India, there are no sufficient resources, encouragement documentation is the need of the hour and if and exposure to this art form. He said that, "Funds no proper documentation is made, many are definitely granted from Central and State valuable cultural aspects will vanish as time government but the dividends are higher and passes by. it is like a ritual to give some monetary support, but only to their terms and not in the About his family, he happily mentioned that his wife, terms of necessity." Anjali is in the medical field but is a classical singer and an art lover. His son, Ananth is a documentary film Folk theatres have different forms like Katha forms, maker and a music lover, while his daughter is the only ballet forms, etc., which are very important for the one who is in a different field and has done her development and maintenance of culture of the master's in Public Policy. country. The people of the respective folk forms need to be given lot of investment in monetary terms and Culture and theatre is the backbone to the country as it ample mentorship by eminent artists of the field. They represents the complete face of the country. But in should be encouraged to choose this field as P 16 | JANUARY 2018 profession to carry forward the tradition and legacy and the definition of entertainment does not of their traditional folk form. necessarily imply happiness or laughter rather it is an aspect which gives the audience different innovative The Yakshagana folk dance form was made popular thoughts and ideas and new emotions to delve and brought into prominence by three activists and upon. A good play soothes the mind and the nerves writers. This helped in saving such an art form from of the viewer". becoming extinct. He quoted that, "a country without culture is a pauper country and there exists no soul or Speaking of his most cherished moments so far, he spine for it so investment in culture development is a said that whenever, "he was given the freedom to do must." He also suggested that, "every district must what he wanted to do which gave him immense have a culture complex with space for performance, a pleasure." He also mentioned few incidents which library to store the documentation a rehearsal area were the most remembered memories from his and a stay for the artists". journey. One was where, he directed a play 'Andha Yug', an epic play which was about the last day of He mentioned that, if theatre is utterly neglected, it Mahabharata on the rompers of an old fort in Delhi implies that not only the government has failed but and also another incident where he directed a play in also the people have failed and are not aware of their Ladakh at an elevation of 12,000 feet with responsibilities. picturesque view of the mountains on one side and According to him, a play writer should know the the royal palace on the other. science of drama and science of theatre to write a He also said that, street plays are the best form of play. One should know and have a proper idea the entertainment in India and a very effective way to possibilities in theatre before showcasing a play. He spread key messages, when theatre and stage also stated that, "a good play is always entertaining plays cost a bomb.

P 17 | JANUARY 2018 anipuri is from the north- eastern state of Manipur. MManipur literally means "the city of jewels". It is indeed a jewel surrounded by beautiful hills and verdant fields, this lovely state has given forth one of the jewels of Indian culture and that is Manipuri dancing.

Dancing is a way of life for the people of Manipur. The people are deeply religious but no worship, no puja is possible unless it is accompanied by song and dance. As such every inhabitant knows how to dance and sing and many of them also play various instruments. The present Manipuri repertoire or the form was created sometime in the end of 17th century and beginning of l8th in the reign of Maharaja Shri Bhagyachandra.

P 18 | JANUARY 2018 defined. The tandava aspect is The current dance style, the classical part of it has two major presented in various drum streams. One is the sankirtana which is the devotional aspect and the dances pung-cholom and dances other is raasa. The people who are by and large Vaishnavites in their with cymbals in the hands faith have deep religious fervor towards Krishna and as such the Karatalacholom. The lasya aspect is presented by the ethereally beautiful and delicate movements representing the gopis and Radha. This is Manipuri.

The early pre-Hindu dances of Manipur were of an animistic nature; later came the dance performances offered as worship to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in their native avataras and then came vaishnavism which put in deep roots and is the chief religion of the state.

At present there are two sects in Manipur - the Meiteis and the Vishnupriyas. The pre-Hindu culture of Manipur is that of the Meiteis.

A favorite legend, which is part history also, is of Khamba and Toibi who are the principal male and female characters of the great Manipuri epic Moirang Parba. It tells the story of their great love for each other, the great privation and opposition that they had to face from the society, their eventual short-lived marriage which ended in the death of both of them.

Apart from their great love story, Goverdhan Panchal Guru Bipin Singh in Raj Nartaki - 1954 courtesy Shri Hasmukh Baradi they are remembered as great different raasas that Lord Krishna is supposed to have performed with dancers, that they were regarded the gopis of Gokul on the banks of river Yamuna predominate in the as avataras of Shivaand Parvati. presentation. The gorgeous colorful costumes enhance the aesthetic The favorite dance was known as beauty of the dance style which has both tandavaand lasya very well Lai Haraoba (Festivity of Gods),

P 19 | JANUARY 2018 iii) Lai Haroaba which is the oldest traditional stylized dance.

There are three types of Raasas - KunjaRaasa, VasantaRaasa and MahaRaasa.

Kunja Raasa describes the meeting of Radha and Krishna with the help of the sakhis in a kunja or arbor.

Vasanta Raasa describes the divine play of raasa by Krishna and the gopis and the resultant jealously of Radha and their eventual reconciliation. This dance is usually performed at the time of spring and ends with movements representing throwing and splattering of color by Krishna and Radha which is reminiscent of the Holi festival.

Maha Raasa captures the spirit of the divine raasa danced in a circle by Krishna and the gopis.

All the raasas are performed on special full moon (Purnima) nights. They are very lyrical and have very which is one of the main facets of today's Manipuri. graceful and liquid movements, done to soft and light stepping which creates an ethereal atmosphere. In the 18th century the king Pamheiba ascended the throne. He came under the influence of Vaishnavism In Manipuri, not only the hands and the face but the and thus, changed the entire nature of the social ethos entire body is used to communicate ideas and of Manipur. He ordered all his subjects also to meanings, thus one can say that it is nritya that embrace Vaishnavism and, in a religious fervor, predominates. In this light, the whole of the raasa destroyed all the records of the earlier religion and its technique though full of nritya patterns becomes, in culture. He also forbade the worship of Meitei and the effect, nritya. This use of the entire body to emote use of the Meitei language itself. has, very naturally, lessened the emphasis on the mukhajaabhinaya which in comparison to the other After him came the main architect of what we know as dance styles looks very tame and insignificant. Manipuri-Maharaja Bhagyachandra, who was a great devotee of Shri Krishna. In his reign, the influence of One must understand the completely philosophical Bengali took deep roots in Manipur. and spiritual meaning of this underplay of emotions where, the abhinaya is raised to such great spiritual It is Bhagyachandra who created the Raasa dance heights, that it ceases to be a mundane presentation under divine inspiration. of worldly moods and becomes exalted The present Manipuri repertoire has three major transcendental affair, where not so much the body streams. but the soul is to be taken as the supreme vehicle. i) Sankeertana which is deeply religious and Raasa thus, has an ultimate religious and devotional ritualistic in nature. fervor. The basic dance sequences, five in number are very intricate to dance which are called the ii) Raasas performed by Krishna and gopis. bhangipareng.

P 20 | JANUARY 2018 The Sankeertana is presented by the two types of choloms the Pung Cholom and the Kartal Cholom.

Manipuri is characterized by its fluid movements where each movement appears to flow into the next one. It also has extremely graceful movements of the wrists and palms. Though having a wide variety of tala patterns; unlike other Classical dances, Manipuri does not employ heavy and harsh pounding of the feet. The footwork is executed predominantly on toes Pungcholom literally means the drum dance where the lending the dance its renowned ethereal quality. The dancer dances with the pung, which is a Manipuri female dancers appear as if they are almost gliding in Percussion instrument. It is perhaps the most beautiful the air. Drum dances form an integral part of this dance Manifestations of the abstract concept of tala being style. Almost every dancer knows how to play on the presented in a concrete form. The dancer dances and pung and most, male dancers perform the accompanies himself with the drum. pungcholom.

A Picture from Pung Cholom Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy

P 21 | JANUARY 2018 155 th Birthday Celebrations of Swamy Vivekananda

prolific thinker, great orator, passionate patriot, Hindu monk and Aone of the most celebrated spiritual leaders with a commanding intellect and power of India, Swami Vivekananda crammed immense labor and achievement into his short life, 1863-1902.

Bright and full of energy as a child, his mother found him hyperactive and hard to control. Though not an adamant boy

P 22 | JANUARY 2018 'If you want to know India, study Swami Vivekananda' - Ravindranath Tagore

P 23 | JANUARY 2018 throughout, he developed fascination and curiosity for View of Man: the wandering monks of India and their saintly lives. Vivekananda's concept of 'potential divinity of the Born with a yogic temperament, he practiced soul' gives a new, ennobling concept of man. The meditation ever since his boyhood, and was current age is the age of humanism which holds the associated with Brahmo Movement for a while. At the man to be chief concern and centre of all activities and threshold of youth, shaping his personality, he attained thinking. Through the science and technology, man has the free-thinking philosophy of his Guru Ramakrishna attained greater success and power, and modern Paramahamsa advancing his life into a new paradigm. methods of communication and has traveled through His speech at the World Parliament of Religions still transfer of the human society into a 'global village'. stands as the impeccable The degradation of speech ever made by an man has been Indian, introducing him to increasing rapidly the world's culture. as a result of huge Vivekananda's increase in broken Contributions to the World's homes, immorality, Culture: violence and crime. Vivekanada's Making an objective concept of potential assessment of Swami divinity of the soul Vivekananda's contribution prevents this to the world of culture, his degradation; main contributions to the divinizes human modern world are relationships, and mentioned below: makes life Understanding of meaningful and Religion: worth living. Swamiji has laid the Swami Vivekananda foundation for emphasized to the modern 'spiritual humanism', world that religion it is a which is manifesting universal experience of itself through transcendent reality, several neo- common to all humanity. humanistic Swami met the challenge of movements and the modern science by A photograph taken at London in December 1896. current interest in showing that religion is as meditation, Zen etc scientific as science itself; all over the world. religion is the 'science of consciousnesses'. Religion Principle of Morality and Ethics: and science are not contradictory to each other but are complementary. He said that our universe is held in the The prevalent morality, in both individual and social life, hands of superstitions, dogmatism, priest crafts and where every human life is based on fear of public, intolerance. Everyone has to free oneself from all evils God's punishment, Karma, and so on. The current and have to search for supreme freedom, knowledge, theories of ethics also do not explain why a person and happiness. should be good to others.

P 24 | JANUARY 2018 Vivekananda has given a new theory of ethics and new principle of morality based on the intrinsic purity of our real nature, our true divine self of Atman. Similarly, we should love and serve our neighbors, because we all are one in the 'Supreme Spirit' known as Paramatma of Brahma.

Bridge between the East and the West:

Another great contribution of Swami Vivekananda did, was to build a bridge between Indian Culture and western culture. He did it by interpreting Hindu Scriptures, philosophy and their way of life and institution to the western people in an idiom which they could understand. He made the western people realize that they have to more to grasp from Indian Spirituality for their own well- being.

He showed that regardless of her economic situation and backwardness, India had a great contribution to make to world culture. In this way, he was instrumental in ending India's cultural isolation from the rest of the world. He was India's first great cultural ambassador to the west.

On the other hand, Swamiji's interpretation of ancient Hindu scriptures, philosophy, and institution prepared the mind of Indians to accept and apply the two best elements of western culture, namely science and technology and humanism in practical life. He has taught Indians how to develop spiritually and familiarize oneself to the western humanism, especially the concept of individual freedom, social This photo was probably taken in Jaipur, equality, social justice and respect for 1891. women in Indian ethos.

P 25 | JANUARY 2018 Swami Vivekananda: The clairvoyant culturist of the World

culture and ethical culture alone that can Text By: change wrong racial tendencies for the B.Satyanarayana Raju,,IRS better". Additional Commissioner of Income Tax, Mumbai. He appealed to the people of the country " In our life, blood is spirituality. If it flows clear, if it flows strong and pure and vigorous. Everything is right; politically, socially, any other materialstic defects, even the ccording to Swami Vivekananda, culture can poverty of the land, will be cured, if the blood is pure". be broadly defined as art and other collectively Indian civilization is more than ten thousand years old, Aregarded manifestations of human intellectual which produced a unique type of highly achievement and the ideas, customs, and social advanced and synthesised culture. In spite of the behaviour of a particular people or society. Swami innumerable regional, social and linguistic diversities of Vivekananda has opined that there is unity in diversity the country, there has always been a basic unity in within the Indian culture. He believed that every Indian culture. Moreover, this culture maintained civilization or culture has a particular life-centre, a steady continuity from Vedic times to the present day, dominant characteristic or trend. in spite of countless wars within the country, invasions In his view, the life-centre of Indian culture is spirituality, from outside and two centuries of subjugation by the which is a way of life oriented to the ultimate purpose British. This indestructible unity and steady continuity of or goal of life, which is the realization of the supreme Indian culture are derived from its deep spiritual spirit or God. Though he emphasised the spiritual foundations. aspect of culture, he equally extolled the art especially Indian spirituality is deeply rooted in the ancient Buddhist art, paintings, and sculptures. Swami philosophical and religious traditions of the land. Vivekananda was also a good singer and always Philosophy arose in India as a query into the mystery admired the Indian music and dance. of life and existence similar to the situation in ancient Swami Vivekananda advocated that spirituality should Greece. But, as Swami Vivekananda pointed out, the be manifested in all aspects of life and culture, which Greek philosophers confined their enquiries to the would help in the overall development of an individual. external world, and the method they employed was only speculation, whereas in India philosophical Swami Vivekananda quoted about India and its culture enquiries were carried out in the inner world. Indian as "The land, where humanity has attained its highest sages called as the 'Rushis' or 'seers' developed towards gentleness, generosity, purity, calmness, special techniques of transcending the senses and the above all the land of introspection and spirituality" .The ordinary mind, collectively called Yoga. With the help national ideals of India are renunciation and service of these techniques, they delved deep into the depths which strengthened, will protect the country forever." of consciousness and discovered important truths Swami Vivekananda also emphasized that, it's only about the true nature of man and the universe. spirituality which will bring transformation in human The sages found that man's true nature is not the body race. He quoted that, "No amount of force, or or the mind, which are ever changing and perishable, government, or legislative cruelty will change but the spirit which is unchanging, immortal, pure the conditions of a race, but it is spiritual consciousness. They called it the AtmanAtman. The Atman P 26 | JANUARY 2018 is man's true self, the true knower, the true source these hymns have deep mystical significance. of man's knowledge, happiness and power. ♦ Brahmana: This portion deals with various The sages further found that all individual selves are rituals and also with moral principles. parts of infinite consciousness which they called ♦ Aranyaka: This portion contains various BrahmanBrahman. Brahman is the ultimate reality, the meditations. Some of these meditations are ultimate cause of the universe. Ignorance of man's mental recreations of external rituals. true nature is the main cause of human suffering and bondage. ♦ Upanishads: These are the records of the transcendental experiences gained by Rushis By gaining correct knowledge of Atman and by following different contemplative Brahman, it is possible to become free from techniques. These experiences are actually suffering and bondage and attain a state of revelations about Atman, Brahman and other immortality, everlasting peace and fulfilment known eternal, universal truths regarding the ultimate as Mukti. Religion in ancient India meant a way of reality. life, which enabled man to realize his true nature and attain Mukti. These eternal truths and principles of the spiritual world, lying scattered in the Upanishads, were Consequently, philosophy provided a correct view brought together and codified by Badarayana in of reality, while religion showed the correct way of the form of sutras or aphorisms in the 5th century life; philosophy provided the vision, while religion B.C. These sutras known as Brahma Sutras form brought about the fulfilment; philosophy was the the foundation of the system of philosophy known theory, and religion was the practice. Thus in as Vedanta-Darshana. ancient India, philosophy and religion complemented each other where, they together constituted a single endeavour and an integral discipline. This integral religious philosophy or philosophical religion was called Vedanta. The term Vedanta comes from the fact that its basic principles constitute the last part or culmination of the ancient scriptures known as the Vedas.

The Vedas are the oldest and most authoritative scriptures of Hinduism and all other scriptures are subordinate to them. They were not composed by anybody; but were 'revealed' to the Rushis. Thus, they are also called 'Shruti', 'that which is heard'. The earlier part of the Vedas may have been composed between 2000 B.C. and 1000 B.C.

There are four Vedas: Rig-veda, Yajur-veda, Sama- veda and Atharva-veda. Each of these has four divisions: Samhita, Brahmana, Aranyaka and Upanishads. This famous photograph was taken at ♦ Samhita: This section is a collection of Chicago during September, 1893. hymns addressed to various deities. Many of

P 27 | JANUARY 2018 The Vedanta Vedanta alone remained the main philosophy of India from the Vedic period, and Vedanta only got identified The term Vedanta stands for three inter-related things with the religion of the land, as both philosophy and which are listed below: religion. This combined religious and philosophical ♦ The Upanishads collectively, which form the last tradition of India came to be called 'Sanatana Dharma', and the most important part of the Vedas; meaning the 'Eternal Religion' and, later was named as ♦ The eternal truths and principles of the spiritual Hinduism. realm; Other scriptures of ♦ The system of philosophy based on Brahma Vedanta Sutras. Although the Upanishads constitute the original and However, it is collectively in the last sense of Vedanta most authoritative source of Vedanta, they are not the Darshana (Vedanta Philosophy), that the term Vedanta only scripture of Vedanta. Several other books were is commonly used. In relation to this, it should be accepted as authoritative sources. Among these, the pointed out that five more systems of philosophy most important one is Bhagavad Gita, which arose in India in the early centuries of the Christian era. introduced several new concepts into Vedanta, such They are: as God incarnating himself as the Avatar age after age, ♦ Mimamsa, founded by Jaimini devotion to personal God as means to Mukti, discharging one's duties of life in a spirit of selflessness ♦ Vaisheshika, founded by Kanada and self-surrender to God as a spiritual path. Over the ♦ Nyaya, founded by Gautama centuries, great teachers like Shankara, Ramanuja, and ♦ Sankhya, founded by Kapila great saints of medieval period enriched Vedanta with philosophical concepts and devotional songs. ♦ Yoga, founded by Patanjali The three phases of These five systems of philosophy always remained confined to small groups of intellectuals and were Vedanta never identified with the mainstream religion of the land, Vedanta is not a static philosophy or religion, but it is a and in due course, they ceased to be in vogue. highly dynamic, ever-growing philosophy and religion,

Speech of Swami Vivekananda in the Chicago Parliament of Religions in the year 1893. Image Courtesy – http centenary

P 28 | JANUARY 2018 capable of meeting challenges and overcoming The main religious sects were: Vaishnavism, obstacles. In this process of growth, Vedanta has Shaivism and Shaktism. Each of these had passed through three phases. They are: several sub-sects. These sects produced many saints who spread Vedantic ideas among the (i) Formative Phase: This phase extended common people through songs and teachings. from around 1000 B.C. to 3rd century B.C. During this period the Upanishads, the Gita and Also, two other religion-philosophical traditions the Brahma-sutras (these three scriptures are associated with Indian culture, namely Buddhism together called Prasthana-traya) provided the and Jainism, which arose as spiritual movements basic concepts of Vedanta such as Atman and in the 6th century BC. They shared some of the Brahman. basic concepts of India's ancient belief system such as karma, re-birth, samsara, dharma and (ii) Scholastic Phase: This phase extended direct spiritual experience. But their rejection of the from about the 8th century A.D. to the 13th authority of the Veda, caste distinction, belief in an century. During this period, great teachers like ultimate reality as the supreme deity and ultimate Shankara expounded and expanded the cause of the universe, and other principles original intuitive insights of Vedic Rushis and alienated them from the main stream of Vedantic the teachings of the Gita, and established culture. As a result, Buddhism and Jainism faded Vedanta as a cogent, comprehensive system away in India and after the 12th century AD. Later, of philosophy - the most cogent and Budddhism ceased to have any direct influence on comprehensive religious philosophy the world the development of Indian culture. has ever seen. (iii) Modern Phase: The third phase of But during this period, Vedanta split into a number Vedanta was inaugurated by Sri Ramakrishna of philosophical schools and religious sects. The and Swami Vivekananda in the 19th century. main philosophical schools were the following: During this period, Vedanta was transformed ♦ Advaita or Non-dualism propounded by from an ethnic religious philosophy into a Shankara universal philosophy of life.

♦ Vishishta-advaita propounded by Ramanuja Thus, Swami Vivekananda cautioned the entire ♦ Dvaita propounded by Madhva nation in his own words, that 'if we neglect our culture, the result will be very dangerous'. He also ♦ Shuddhadvaita propounded by Vallabha stated that, ♦ Achintya-bheda-abheda propounded by Jiva "But mark you, if you give up that Gosvamin spirituality, leaving it aside to go after the These schools of philosophy carried on material civilisation of the west, the result acrimonious debates among themselves, which will be that in three generations, you will kept up the intellectual vigour of the people. During be an extinct race; because the backbone this period, India produced many great scholars of the nation will be broken, the and thinkers. foundation upon which the national edifice has been built will be undermined, and the result will be annihilation all around".

P 29 | JANUARY 2018 SWAMI VIVEKANANDA'S CONCEPT OF EDUCATION

of achievements in the external fields for last four Text by: hundred years. Swami Nityayogananda, We live in a cyber age now where science is evolving Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, exponentially, sometimes even beyond our Visakhapatnam. imaginations. There is no doubt that these innovations in the external world are conquering the external nature which is necessary for our human growth. Without these achievements in the external fields, human INTRODUCTION: progress will come to a standstill and the result will be he human race has come a long way since their the stagnation and decay. The study of the external first appearance on this planet. It has passed world and thereby unlocking the secrets of the nature Tthrough different phases for thousands of is undoubtedly grand. But yet grander, vaster and years, and today it stands out unique among all other more majestic and more important is the study of the living beings of the world. The development, from the world within, the study of observer himself.

man living in the caves and hunting wild animals for his The study of this internal world along with its external food, to the man leaving his footprint on the moon and counterpart will complete our education in totality. But orbiting the planet, is simply remarkable and to our great dismay, we neglect altogether the study of astonishing. the internal world while paying our whole attention only We now live in the highly sophisticated and advanced onto the external fields, and as a result all sorts of scientific age. Scientific discoveries and technological moral degradations are invading the society and progress are growing in huge proportion. This in turn creating uncontrollable disaster today.

is bringing about radical changes in the life style Knowledge gives us tremendous power and wealth. everywhere, in the East as well as in the West. Our eyes We are much more powerful today than the primitive are dazzled as it were by the glamour of the men of the past, for we have much more knowledge extravagant pomp of the scientific discoveries and its today than the primitive men living in the caves and application. It is getting on our nerves and we are forests. The primitive men were almost totally under the swept away by that influence of scientific glory, and as control of the forces of the nature. But as science a result we are pushing every basic thing to mere a advanced, we could control the natural forces and use secondary level. This progress in the magnificent them as we wanted; we human beings are the only scientific fields which increases our creature comfort is creatures who can say "no" to the nature. We can precisely what we call civilization in modern extract huge wealth from the nature for our use. But if terminology. we don't know how to handle this wealth and the power But one thing we must remember, these scientific we possess, the same wealth and power will destroy marvels with its awe-inspiring technology, if not us. And then, we became another kind of primitive men handled with proper measure and control, can easily controlled by the internal nature, and that is what we are turn against us and destroy us from our root, as we today. As the great commentator Sri Shankaracharya see it happening in our lives today. There are so much puts it while writing the commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad.

P 30 | JANUARY 2018 "The wealth that is acquired without acquiring modern language to the modern world. He clearly the pure wisdom only destroys the foresaw the defect of the modern system of possessor." education. He exhorts:

It is discussed in Upanishads, "how the teacher is "The education that you are getting now imparting the teachings to the student, first to has some good points, but it has a purify the intellect and develop the wisdom and tremendous disadvantage which is so then handle the power and wealth so that those great that the good things are weighed powers and wealth will never be misused." down…Education is not the amount of Therefore, we must have the wisdom and subtle information that is put into your brain and growth to deal with the external wealth. This runs riot there, undigested, all your life. wisdom of handling power and wealth for the We must have life - building, man - good of all comes from the education pertaining making, character - making assimilation to the internal world, which alone is the source of of ideas." all values and ethics. The Secular Education: Advantages and Swami Vivekananda in his inimitable way Disadvantages expressed the idea of the character making again The secular education we receive today gives a and again and it is superfluous to mention, that he beautiful sense of dignity and the individual worth traced back the root of the man-making education to the student. A village child goes to school with to our sages and the Vedanta. He taught this fear and hesitation in his mind. He bears no faith in vedantic concept of education in more forcible himself, but within a few days in the school a change comes; he develops the faith in himself, he develops the idea in himself that he is free and he is somebody independent.

A sense of individual worth comes to the child through this education. When he gets higher degrees like Bachelors, Masters and so on, this sense of dignity, freedom and the individual worth grow stronger in him, the more the secular education the stronger this sense grows. This is very much important for our growth, to have more confidence. This system is excellent and we are having it today in plenty in every country. It is a great blessing on us today. But that is not enough. That individual must develop the sense of responsibility simultaneously.

We have not understood well nor have we assimilated this second value, the sense of responsibility. It is on this that our real progress and development rest. The more we develop this

P 31 | JANUARY 2018 sense of responsibility the greater will be our progress. We may get a very high secular education, a Master's degree or a Ph.D or a Post Doctorate, that will definitely be the asset to an individual and of the country, but that secular education will remain always within the frame of an individual being, will never come out of his narrow organic system for the social benefit unless we have grown enough to have some sense of responsibility.

We have plenty of resources, plenty of brain power in India; we should have gone much higher than many of the developed countries abroad. But we are not progressing as the countries like Japan or other European countries do because we lack that one quality which is the sense of responsibility, that psychic development. Our heart is to be expanded. We must feel concerned for others. We must get out of selfishness, self-centeredness and other pettiness. Right from the dawn of the modern civilization, i.e. from the eighteenth century or so, we in India never practiced unselfishness; never practiced the concerned for others, the millions of mass were A photograph at California in 1900’s. neglected as they are neglected even today. "To me the very essence of education is We practiced the horrible untouchability for centuries concentration of mind, not the collection of together, and even today these kind of moral facts. If I had to do my education once again, degradations are being practiced around us. The result facts. If I had to do my education once again, I would not study facts at all. I would develop is that in spite of having all the resources in our country, the power of concentration and detachment, our progress came to a halt. Neither have we grown as and then with a perfect instrument, collect individuals nor as collective. We have all the resources, and then with a perfect instrument, collect facts at will." but we lack the character resource. We spend crores of rupees but only fraction reaches the people. We Therefore by the Education of the internal, by may exhaust all our available resources, but without the disseminating the moral values and ethics alone we character resource nothing will come to our help, can bring about a significant change in us as everything will be a colossal waste. That is what we see individuals and also as collective. The mere brain today- corruption of every form, from top to bottom. power is not enough at all. It can be our It will neither benefit an individual nor the collective. greatest enemy if we don't educate ourselves to use this power in a proper way. The THE CHARACTER-MAKING EDUCATION: intellectual development alone cannot constitute the LOOKING INSIDE human development. In the higher education that we This psychic maturity in character development is the receive today we develop a very fine brain power. We crying need today. And this character resource, get tremendous intellectual capacity. according to Swamiji, comes from the training of the This secular education can very well be an excellent internal instruments, namely the mind, the intellect etc. vehicle to disseminate the values and the ethics. He says:

P 32 | JANUARY 2018 Through the higher education the intellect becomes thinker and Nobel laurite Bertrand Russell sharp and expanded and therefore becomes the remarked: fittest instrument to grasp the finer truths lying "What stands in the way? Not physical or within us. It is not possible for a dull and confused technical obstacles, but only the evil intellect to understand the profundity and power of passions in human minds: suspicion, fear, this internal truth. We must work out on this line lust for power, hatred, intolerance" today - combining the external and the internal Education. Now to eradicate all these 'evil passions' from human minds, we clearly understand that the But in the present days, even after understanding Education we are receiving now is not enough. In all the shortcomings of this one-sided intellectual fact, it is this kind of one-sided education that development, we glue ourselves to only secular gives birth to endless evils. Swami Vivekananda education what we receive in the schools and emphasized this need again and again. It is not universities ignoring altogether the internal simply a gathering of information from various development. Even though we know this fact from sources and thereby making a person mere decades and also from the teachings of the great machine. Swamiji clarifies: thinkers, we refuse to implement it in our practical lives. This implementation in the true sense of the "If you have assimilated five ideas and term is the real need of today. We have heard made them your life and character, you enough, we have talked enough; we must now have more education than any man who practice. Because It is only and only the Practice has got by heart a whole library." that makes a man perfect. So the object of the ideal system of education, This erosion of values is perceived everywhere according to Swamiji, is not merely the due to this negligence, and today we have come advancement of theoretical knowledge in various almost at the bottom level of that erosion. We are fields but also the advancement of life, now face to face with the serious problems, the development of the highest powers and most serious of which is the corruption. We are capacities, and enfoldment of the noblest experiencing a serious moral and ethical potentialities of the student. An individual must be degradation which in turn consumes the very vitals enabled at the same time to apply to his own life of the individual and of the social structure. We are all the ideas that he has learnt and gathered and in dictated by such a system which tells us to turn promote his growth - physically, intellectually, become more and more ego-centric and selfish, morally and above all spiritually. This system of and thus giving birth to every form of evil and education will bring out the inner perfection of an chaos in the society. This is the prevailing individual. It is needless to say that only a pure atmosphere today; an atmosphere of moral and and alert mind has the acumen to grasp spiritual decay, with political and intellectual instantaneously the instructions - secular and domination all around. The secular education that spiritual. The ancient Indians with their we are getting today cannot solve this problem. incomparable knowledge of practical psychology We need a different kind of Education along with laid proper stress on the prerequisites of an ideal the conventional one, taught by the great thinkers - student hood. They had, of course, spiritual the education to train and regulate the internal realization as the highest goal of life and made all functions, namely the mind. The great Western secular knowledge subservient to it. But the path

P 33 | JANUARY 2018 they prescribed for the attainment of knowledge holds equally good for receiving both types, namely secular as well as spiritual.

This is the real education that Swami Vivekananda wanted us to imbibe, the real education that will give us a healthy material prosperity and a sound spiritual growth. This is the real need of today's scorching world, and we have to move forward taking this education as the prime support- this man-making Education. In the words of Swamiji :

"Men, men, these are wanted: everything else will be ready, but strong, vigorous, believing young men, sincere to the backbone, are wanted. A hundred such and the world become revolutionized. The will is stronger than anything else. Everything must go down before the will, for that comes from God and God Himself; a pure and a strong will is omnipotent…"

Another great thinker and a Nobel laureate of Rabindranath Tagore, defines higher education as: "The program trains children to resist "The highest education is that which does not temptations and distractions and to practice merely give us information but makes our life tasks designed to enhance working memory in harmony with all existence." and flexible thinking… These techniques are potentially so powerful that in centers of Many such great modern thinkers in the human history higher learning, economists now contemplate like Herbert Spencer, Mahatma Gandhi etc., have public policy measures to improve self control emphasized again and again this point to give a as a way to "enhance the physical and solution to the modern day problems. Therefore we financial health of the population and reduce must wake up. We must disseminate the values and the rate of crime ', remark the authors of the moralities to the next generation to save our society study that appeared in the February (2011) from utter ruin. Sooner we do the better for all of us. Proceedings of The National Academy of The Western nations, known to be the materialistic Sciences (PNAS)." nations, also are undertaking an extensive research work on this subject currently. Even they agree with the The UNESCO also re-thought the definition of fact that mere secular education is not enough. A Education. The twenty first century definition of recent research conducted in the National Academy of Education given by UNESCO is LEARNING: THE Sciences, USA revealed this startling fact and opened TREASURE WITHIN. They further elaborate: the eyes of the West. They undertook the research "There is, therefore, every reason to place work as to how would be the effect of practicing self renewed emphasis on the moral and cultural control right from the childhood. Following is a part of dimensions of education, enabling each their proceedings: person to grasp the individuality of other

P 34 | JANUARY 2018 people and to understand the world's "Desire can never be calmed by enjoyment erratic progression towards a certain unity; of the objects of desire. Rather it but this process must begin with self- becomes stronger, just as does the fire by understanding through an inner voyage adding ghee to it." whose milestones are knowledge, Therefore the concept of ownership must be meditation and the practice of self- replaced by the concept of trusteeship. Through criticism." the trusteeship the selfishness goes away and all OWNERSHIP VERSAS TRUSTEESHIP - round development takes place; a beautiful healthy UNDERSTANDING 'NEED' AND 'WANT' growth comes in and we naturally feel for others. We feel that others grow too along with us and the When the students grow through the higher result is wonderful individual and collective secular education the sense of individuality in them development. This is the need of today. This grows stronger as well. They become more and concept of trusteeship comes through the right more tied down to their tiny organic system; the kind of education taught by Swami Vivekananda body-mind complex, and as a result they try to nurture their ego and selfishness all the time. Every Swami wanted this idea of trusteeship to be action they perform is then guided by that motive implemented in every field of productive work. force of self-centeredness. Gradually in this When Jamsetdji Tata and Swami Vivekananda met process the ownership enters in them. They want in a voyage, Swamiji suggested this concept to to consume the things of the world only for Jamsetdji to be implemented; Jamsetdji themselves even at the cost of anything in this implemented it in his Tata Group of which he is the world. The greed for acquiring everything in this founder. world enters into them even without their However this feeling of Trusteeship doesn't come knowledge. They begin their lives with needs and to one who has only secular higher education slowly the needs of their lives change into wants. devoid of moral and ethical training. On the This attitude of 'want''want' is the root cause of all the contrary the students trained only in the secular evils and degradation today that we see around education, quickly develops the idea of corporate. us. This ownership in turn grows more and more They tend to become a part of a corporate body strongly and they want to possess everything in or they themselves want to create a corporate this world. The desire for wealth, for name and for body of their own. Whereas the sense of fellow- fame keeps on increasing endlessly. This attitude feeling, unselfishness become natural traits to one of ownership must be stopped in order to save who has education both in secular level and in the the society from the disaster, and in that place the character level. The students of this second class Trusteeship should be brought in. We must are more productive and beneficial for the society. demarcate between our needs and our wants. The desire can never be fulfilled by satisfying our By practicing the idea of trusteeship we will desires. It is like trying to put out the fire by steadily learn that we actually own nothing in this pouring butter into it. We learn from Srimad world. To put it in another way, we will learn that we Bhagavatam, the great king Yayati remarked after are the trustees, the care takers of the resources he enjoyed the sense objects to the maximum of the world, and which will be gently handed over possible extent: to our next generations, and we all, as per our maximum capacity, will put our shoulders to the

P 35 | JANUARY 2018 wheel for a better and higher growth of humanity. This PREPAREDNESS FOR HIGHER VALUES is what is to be taught everywhere, if we want to live our Therefore this is the type of education we must stress life peacefully and want to hand over a glorious society upon individually as well as collectively. And to get this to our next generation. The concept of corporate education we need to prepare the foundation. The bodies, which is a very prevailing concept today, is preparation comes from the discipline of the mind exactly opposed to the idea of Trusteeship. And the through renunciation and dispassion. The teacher must result of it is very much palpable everywhere. The first see whether the student is fit to receive this kind of product of it is the no feeling of concern for others - the education, whether the student has sufficient incalculable cruelty and blood-sucking tendencies. purification, and then impart these values and ethics on EDUCATION OF THE MASSES them. In case the students lack the required qualifications to receive, the teacher must make the To have a healthy and balanced development we must students fit enough to receive the instruction. We find in pay attention to the education of the common masses. the Katha Upanishad that the God of Death Yama, It is an important trait of Swamiji had extraordinary before imparting the highest knowledge tests the concern for the poor and the downtrodden masses of student Nachiketa of his qualifications, and when the our motherland. He always emphasized that the teacher Yama is satisfied with Nachiketa's renunciation masses must be raised and proper education must be and dispassion he starts disseminating the knowledge imparted to them. In fact this was the mission of his to Nachiketa. Moreover the student must come to the whole life. In several occasions he forcefully asked us teacher with a sense of humility and the attitude of to serve them, educate them and thereby uplift them. service. As the Bhagavad Gita puts it: He said: "Know that by prostrating yourself, by "…my heart ached to think of what we think of questioning, and by service; the wise, those the poor, the low, in India. They have no who have attained the Truth, will instruct you." chance, no escape, no way to climb up…They sink lower and lower every day, they feel the If the knowledge is given without this preparedness, it blows showered upon them by a cruel society, will not be received by the receiving end and the and they do not know whence the blow knowledge will go in vain. And it will remain always in comes." the pages of the books as mere theoretical jargon.

He further says: In the same way the teacher also must possess certain qualities to disseminate such values and ethics to the "The chief cause of India's ruin has been the students, to make a better and peaceful society. Mere monopolizing of the whole education and theoretical instructions will not have any impact in such intelligence of the land, by dint of pride and cases. These values must be disseminated by the royal authority, among a handful of men. If we teachers who in the first place have practiced in their are to rise again, we shall have to do it in the own lives, and realized in their hearts of its true import. same way, i.e. by spreading education among Secondly they must be capable enough to come down the masses." to the level of the students, to understand the student's "So long as the millions live in hunger and position clearly and then impart the values to them. ignorance, I hold every man a traitor who, This way the dissemination will be smooth and having been educated at their expense pays effective. A word of warning is sounded in the Katha not the least heed to them!" Upanishad in case the teacher does not elevate himself to the higher level of morality and ethics and yet makes an attempt to teach the students.

P 36 | JANUARY 2018 transform all the values we practice to a higher spiritual dimension. That is how we will evolve - from animal-man to man, and from man to God. God must we become. This is what Swamiji precisely teaches us. And this is what the Vedanta asks us to do. We must find that dimension in us which is divine; and thus by the dint of that divinity all pettiness and weakness will vanish in no thin air "Let the lion of Vedanta roar and the foxes will fly to their holes." , as framed by great sage Swami Vivekananda.

Finally, when we are established in this Vedantic Truth we will never take a false step, we will never "Remaining within the fold of ignorance and be shaken by anything in this world. From us will thinking that they are learned and wise, the always emanate the good wishes for the world at deluded ones are buffeted, like the blind large. leading blind." In our ancient society, these ethical and moral CONCLUSION: values were very naturally practiced by almost everybody. The men with demoniac propensities It is therefore absolutely necessary in today's were very few. Even the evil persons of the then context to put the ideas of Swami Vivekananda into society used to maintain some higher standards practice. Both the teacher and the taught are of values which we utterly lack today. We must not required to understand the importance of the moral forget that the blood of the Upanishad times values and ethical standard, and then work out with sages is flowing in our body. We are the diligence and steadfastness to make them our part descendants of those sages who could shake off and parcel. It is rather more important for the all weaknesses and negative traits effortlessly, teachers, the real architects of the future bring all their tendencies under their will power generations, to understand its right import in the and work incessantly for the good of one and all. right spirit. The practice of these values will surely The result was a wonderful, healthy society. We unfold our hidden dimensions and potentials which must get that state back again, nay, we must be are actually based on the spiritual bedrock. We will much more than they could achieve. The same slowly learn that though we appear to be a tiny ancient teachings are once again preached by the organic system with puny body-mind complex we prophet of the modern age Swami Vivekananda. have infinite dimensions lurking inside, hidden as it Let us join hands, work together to raise all of us were under the veil of finite. to the higher spiritual plane. Every being in the We will uncover the veils by the practice of these world has the birth right to it. Let us rise beyond morals and ethical values. We will transform the ideas of caste, creed, sex and religion, and go ourselves from narrow finite individuals to a forward with a glorious mission. Sooner or later limitless infinite person by transcending our organic we must conquer our all weakness and rise system, by uncovering our higher dimensions. That above the nature - internal as well as external, for is our real goal of the life, and that is how we we are infinity whereas the nature is finite.

P 37 | JANUARY 2018 tanding differently in all means and angles; SuparnaVenkatesh chose the vision to visualize the SEastman colours of the world through the sense of music and dance, with expertise in the respective field, mesmerizing the audience and making the auditorium spell - bound with her performances.

Dr.SuparnaVenkatesh is a Bharathanatyam and Kathak artiste, teacher, choreographer and mentor for visually challenged dancers. She started learning Bharathanatyam ever since she was four years old under the guidance of Mangaluru U.S.KrishnaRao. Shelater was trained by Guru Jayalakshmi Alva and Ramakrishna Alva who groomed her in the art of Bharatanatyamand sowed the seed of interest and enthusiasm making a decision for her to pursue as a dancer.

In the year 1988, she was exposed to various classical dance forms, when she attended the NatyaShastraShikshana camp, a 15-day workshop conducted by Dr.Padma Subramanian.In that event, she first met her Guru. Dr Maya Rao, and later enrolled herself in Natya Institute of Kathak and choreography.

Dr Suparna's parents and grandparents, who stood as pillars in her life, supported her throughout her dancing

P 38 | JANUARY 2018 journey.In the year 1981, she completed her Rangapravesha, after which she moved to Bangalore and was further trained in Bharatanatyam under Guru Narmada. She learnt Kathak under the Guru Dr.MayaRao and ChithraVenugopal.

Dr Suparnaholds a Bachelors degree in choreography from the Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography, a Masters Degree in Arts and Philosophy from Bangalore University and a Doctorate for her research work on "Devadasis and their contribution to Indian classical dance forms " .

Dr. Suparna honed her dance skills in Bharathnatyam, folk tradition and martial arts under the supervision and guidance of Dr. PadmaSubramaniam, GuruT.K.MahalingamPillai, Guru Sonar Chand and Guru ShashidharAcharya. She was inspired by the life journey, struggle, recognitions, knowledge and dedication of her gurus and parents which motivated her to practice and excel in dance forms like Bharathanatyam and Kathak, gaining much respect from the society. A still Dr.Suparna Venkatesh at a Kathak performance In the years to come, she aspires to be more actively involved inteaching studentshelping them to attain their venturing in to the new productions and travelling dreams and pursue dance as a full-time career, across borders. Under her tutelage at her dance school "Sai Arts International", several dancers have made their debut and have carved a position for themselves. She has conducted several workshops in India and abroad.

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress;working together is success.

This excerpt stands apt for the Dr. Suparna and her husband Sri SaiVenkatesh, who has been conducting programs, "Sai Nrithyotsav", a dance festival on the first day of every month providing platforms to dancers earnestly since the past 8 years. The institution proudly celebrated the 100th Sai Nrithyotsav on the 1st of September 2017, where many stalwarts of Indian Classical Dances performed in the festival. They have Dr. Suparna with her daughter, also been organizing festivals on the World Dance Day Swetha and her betterhalf Sai Venkatesh and the National Dance Festivals.

P 39 | JANUARY 2018 She has choreographed ballets and dance features in her home productions and has associated with several educational Institutions surrounding Bangalore and organized shows based on Indian classical dance traditions. She is also a guest faculty member in Bangalore university, and in the Examination Panel of Jain University, Alliance, GangubaiHanagalUniversity, Bangalore University,NatyaInstitute of Kathak and Choreography and Eartha College . She is also a member in the Text book committee of the Karnataka Secondary Education Board Kathak.

Above all these Dr Suparna was honoured by "Karnataka Kala Shree" by the Department of Culture, Government of Karnataka and Karnataka SangeetNritya Academy.

Her involvement in articulate ability, in training the visually challenged to perform Bharatanatyam, has taken her across continents. Above all these, she desires to be dance teacher dreaming to teach as many students as possible with her gifted craft, which makes her shine throughout the world as a Beacon of A childhood picture Dr.Suparna Venkatesh Light.

Dr. Suparna is honoured in the presence of senior Cultural Critic Padmashree Dr. Sunil Kothari

P 40 | JANUARY 2018 P 41 | JANUARY 2018 heatre was his first exposure, but the dance form enthralled Thim. Kerala, the sphere of performing arts offered him a 1000 year rich heritage dance form, Kutiyattam, enabling his fervor towards dance.

P 42 | JANUARY 2018 Hailing from Manathana, Kannur prominent for its Ramith gains his strength and support from his family. 'Theyam','Theyam', the ethnicity and cultural heritage of the His parents, Smt. Puspha and Sri. Ganesh have God's own country, Kalamandalam Ramith dreamt for him to become an artist unlike others Ramesh has been contributing to the dance form forcing him into booming professions and stood as since nine years and currently focusing on Chakyar his key support. They give confidence to him that by koothu and Kutiyattam, the mother of all traditional being an artist, one can entertain and spread joy to dance art forms. thousands of audience at once by performing on a stage. His sister also encourages and appreciates his Kuttiyattam and Chakyar koothu are among the work. dramatized dance worship services in temples of

Ramith receiving Natyasree award at Vysakhi Nrityotsav for Kutiyattam ancient India, particularly in Kerala. Both these dance Currently admitted in ITI (Intercultural Theatre Institute) forms find several mentions in ancient sangam in Singapore for professional diploma in acting, Ramith literature of south and also in the epigraphs belonging started as theatre actor tending to his passion in to subsequent Pallava, Chera, Chola periods. theatre arts, winning the best actor accolade for 3 years continuously in school youth festivals. He also Ramith's grandfather was an artist in 'Villadichan bagged top positions in Mono Acting at primary Pattu', an ancient ritual art form, where he creates a school level and sub-district level competitions. strong foundation of roots to pursue the interest in dance and arts.

P 43 | JANUARY 2018 The Kerala Kalamandalam was his first school of ethnicity under the leadership of our Prime Minister of the dance form 'kutiyattam' suggested by his India was his euphoric day. His dance aura also then drama guru. He was enlightened that extended globally when he performed at "Namaste 'kuttiyatam' was a Sanskrit drama, playing a key France Festival" conducted by ICCR in Paris in role in the cultural art forms of Kerala. Excitement October 2016. sprinted in his nerves when he first saw a For the year, 2012-2013, Ramith performed top notch Kuttiyatam performance which inspired him to in 'Kutiyattam' and received the prestigious Achutha become skilled in that dance form. Kurup Endowment from The Kerala Kalamandalam. In In the year 2008, cracking the entrance exam and 2017, he was awarded the Natyasree award and interview, Ramith joined the Garden of arts and Natwar Gopalakrishna National award for his culture, The Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed dedication to promote 'Kuttiyatam' in Visakhapatnam University of Art and Culture. He fell in love with and Bhilai. 'Kuttiyatam' and developed a never-ending Apart from currently practicing contemporary theatre passion creating a sagacity and path in his life. with Kuttiyattam, Ramith also contributes his His love towards it, nurtured all through his time at knowledge and creativity to the art of film making as the university. assistant director for a couple of short films. He also His work and dedication earned him several has been a panel judge for many competitions. In his opportunities to work with renowned artists such leisure, he enjoys making dub videos of famous and as Padmasree Kalamandalam Sivan Namboothiri, funny dialogues from movies, enjoying his zeal Kalamandalam Ramachakyar, Kalamandalam towards acting. Girija Devi, Kalamandalam Rama Chakyar, In his view, dance festivals provide a good platform for Kalamandalam Kanaka Kumar and young budding artists like him, in showcasing their Kalamandalam Sangeeth Chakyar upon skills and talents, spreading the art of dance in various completion of his 'Arangetram' in the year 2010. cities, and creating an identity of their own. His 'Arangetram' performance was one of his 'The importance of dance and arts always stands as a best moments in his dance journey, which traditional pride of India, and will be preserved by generated oodles of interest and enthusiasm in encouraging young artists to perform at dance him for future ahead. festivals.' says, Ramith. His major learning sources were his dance gurus He appeals to promote and focus solely on staging namely Kalamandalam Kanaka Kumar the dance form with sincerity and dedication rather than Kalamandalam Rama Chakyar, and considering it for monetary terms that are earned from Kalamandalam Sangeeth Chakyar. Padmasree it, following the motto that 'Only pure dedication helps Kalamandalam Sivan Namboothiri is his spread the traditional dance form'. inspiration to pursue heights in the dance form. He aspires to reach heights in his dance journey, yet Ramith has performed over 180 stage shows in be a modest, happy and a passionate artist. Learning various major cities of India. He has performed in 'Kuttiyatam' has created a sense of meaning to his life numerous national music, dance and art festivals and wishes to promote the dance form throughout his all over India spreading the importance of the life creating many milestones of achievement dance form 'Kuttiyatam'. showcasing his passion for 'Kuttiyatam'. Performing in the Capital City, Delhi at the Yogaparv, an event to preserve the cultural

P 44 | JANUARY 2018 P 45 | JANUARY 2018 ance festivals are integral part of the nation's of the National Dance Festival was to showcase the culture. These festivals showcase art forms hidden talent of the kindled spirits and flairs of the Dwhich are performed to the strong beats of legendary artisans across the country. percussion music by artists who share the same The event was categorized into two phases: Solo and culture. Irrespective of any parameters such as caste, Group performances. Many upcoming and renowned color, creed, sex and religion these festivals give equal artistes were a part of it. The Commissioner of Andhra opportunities to individuals to elevate their cultural Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority savvy. These dance carnivals add to the merry-making (APCRDA & CA), Dr. Sreedhar Cherukuri was the and festivities. Chief Guest of the function. Other dignitaries were As part of the same, Nataraj Music and Dance Additional. Commissioners of Income Tax, Sudagani Academy had organized Indian Dance Festival Ravishankar Narayan and CV Pavan Kumar, Ex MLC, "Amaravati Nrithyotav" on 2nd and 3rd December, CMD of Hotel Ilapuram, Ilapuram Venkaiah, Director of 2017 at Siddhartha Auditorium, Mogalarajapuram, Department of Language and Culture Dr. D Vijaya Vijayawada. The two-day event was a splendid blend Bhaskar, Retd. Deputy Collector SVL Narasimha Rao, of all classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Fesitval Chairman Ilapuram Raja and Editor-in-Chief of Kuchipudi, Kathak Odissi and many more. The motive Monthly Cultural Magazine 'The Dance India' BR

Performance of 'Durguna Samhaaram' by KV Lakshmi’s group at Amaravathi Nrityotsav

P 46 | JANUARY 2018 NEWS

Mesmerizing performance of Kuchipudi by KV Lakshmi’s group in Amaravathi Nrithyotsav

Vikram Kumar. The program commenced on a was recreated by K. V. Lakshmi. For her highest devotional note by lighting the lamp and offering degree of involvement and contribution to the salutations to Lord 'Nataraja'. dance form and breath-taking performance, Geeta Narayan was conferred with 'Amaravati'Amaravati Award'Award' The inaugural day's program was superlative with during the event. some solo dance performances by country's prominent artists. Especially, Geeta Narayan's Padmashree Darshana Javeri, a Manipuri Kuchipudi performance "Choodaramma Satulala" dance exponent from Mumbai has performed which is a symphonic song by "Annamayya" who along with her team from Natanikkyan Jalpaiguri, described Godadevi ; the divine consort of Lord North Bengal in the Nrityotsav. This dance item had Venkateshwara as "Andaal" who initially wears a garland four forms of styles which included: and then adorns her deity with it. The song in ♦ Jugal Nartan where Lord Krishna and Radha Ragamaalika raagam and Aadi taalam was composed dance with utmost joy and happiness. This by the NMDA Principal, K. V. Lakshmi. chapter is about the Raas-leela which Resident of City of Destiny- Visakhapatnam, Geeta represent Taandav (masculine), Radha's Narayan while performing "Astapadi", gave her best Laasya (feminine) of Manipuri dance form. to elevate the beauty of Lord Krishna and the sacred ♦ Manini Radha - it depicts four "Nayika love among Krishna and Gopikas. She elegantly bhedas" (States of Heroine in love). Here, this emphasized the real essence of the divine romance. phase displays various stages of Radha who Another Ragamaalika song with Aadi taalam and waits for Krishna for quite a long time. music was composed by Jayadeva (12th Century),

P 47 | JANUARY 2018 ♦ Mandila Nartan - it is the dance performed during the festival of Jhulan Yatra in August, where the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are placed on a holy swinger.

♦ Mridang Vadan - it is a fascinating display of intricate rhythm patterns on the drum in different ways on "Taal Dashksah" of seven beats and five stresses along with "Taan Panchep" of four beats and one stress.

The Life-time achievement award was conferred on Padmashree Darshana Javeri by the Jury of NMDA. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Padmashree Darshana Javeri stated that all of her sisters dedicated their lives to Manipuri Dance Form and she was the youngest among the sisters. She felt utmost privileged to receive the prestigious lifetime

Kuchipudi Dancer Geeta Narayan in the attire of Godadevi at Amaravathi Nrithyotsav

achievement award at Amaravati Nrithyotsav.

One of the eminent Kathak Dance organizations from Bangalore, Nirantara Dance Group, led by Somasekhar Chudanath performed 'Gan Ganapathaye, Teen Taal and Shiva Vandana.' Their performance was stunning with appealing costumes, Mariia Osmacho, wonderful dance postures and perfect a Odissi Dancer synchronization among the members of the group. from Ukraine performed for The twirling moves has mesmerized the audience. Hari Riha Mugda Continuing the spirit, the second day's program started magnificently with the lighting of lamp by the dignitaries, Additional Commissioner - S. Ravi Shankar Narayan, Festival Chairman -Ilapuram Raja, Festival Director- B.R. Vikram Kumar. The Additional Commissioner while addressing the gathering mentioned about the need for a 'Kalagramam''Kalagramam' - a cultural village for every city and district to protect and promote the region's culture and art. He also said that, 'such projects will be encouraged to the maximum possible extent '.

P 48 | JANUARY 2018 NEWS It was an eye-treat to the audience to see a foreigner applaudes. Mariia OsmachkoOsmachko, an Odissi dancer from Ukraine Sumita Bhattacharjee from Kolkata magnetized dancing in an Indian Dance Festival. She performed on with her perfection in Bharatanatyam. She performed "Hari Riha Mugda". Radha's intense experience of love "Parashakthi" composed by Papanasam Shivan and and longing compliments which reflects on Lord choreographed by Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan with a Krishna was well depicted through her performance. perfect blend of Hamsadwani Raagam in Aadi Taalam Her work on Odissi was not only wonderful but also and sung by Snigda Venkataramani. It was a multi- won accolades . She travels all the way from Ukraine, faceted theme of the empowered Goddess- Shakthi, for three months every year to learn Odissi and who was extolled to confiscate all the evils, spreading perform in various programs. Expressing her views on peace and harmony. Indian culture, Mariia Osmachko said that "India is a country of diversity which is really rich in cultural Another, Bharatanatyam dancer, Kshitija Barve from heritage. It is the responsibility of every Indian to Goa showcased her talent through a theme of preserve the original essence of the various art forms "Mudhrashtakam" in Ragamaalika Raagam with Aadi and should continue the Taalam. It is a composition legacy to the coming of Shri Vallabhacharya in generations. Every praise of Lord Krishna, who individual should be has a persona of encouraged to uplift the sweetness. Her cultural heritage of India". performance was highly appreciated and was a great OOne of the reputed dance attempt adding the groups of Mumbai cheerfulness in her work. Thakshasila headed by the Bharatnaatyam Yet another Bharatanaatyam exponent Kashmira Trivedi dancer, Sai Sanjana from gave one of the best Chennai performed a performances. The "Varnam on Karna" from participants include- Mahabharata in Octogenarian Padmashree Darshana Javeri Swathi Badle, Madhura Ragamaalika and Aadi giving Matured and experienced performance taalam. The entire theme Pawaskar, Prathibha during Amaravathi Nrithyotsav Kulkarni, Shital Veer, revolved around the story of Sakshi Kulkarni, Yadavi Ganguly and Sanika Devalekar. birth and donating of Kavacha-Kundanalu. The The troupe performed on a theme which praises Lord charanam elaborated on the qualities of the Ganesha along with Malhari. The concept and protagonist. Finally, the varnam ended with a happy choreography was by Kashmira Trivedi. Another item note of bhakthi for Karna. was on "Kirtanam Kshirasagara", which is the famous Akruthi, a Kuchipudi dancer from Visakhapatnam has Kriti of Saint and poet Tyagaraja who praises Lord performed on "Krishna Shabdam" which is a traditional Vishnu, choreographed by Guru Deepak Mazumdar, composition and a synonymous with Kuchipudi dance which was individually performed by Kashmira Trivedi style. This item was a combination of Nritta and Nritya not only mesmerized but also left the audience spell- with equal amounts of Mukha-abhinaya. It was in bound. A great enthusiasm by the viewers was Mohana Ragam and Aadi Taalam. Though it was a witnessed in all the performances, followed by and good attempt from her in performing Kuchipudi, but it

P 49 | JANUARY 2018 was noted that the dancer needed ample practice and effective guidance from her teacher in order to give a top notch performance. Much more of perseverance was expected from the art lovers.

Another Kuchipudi dancer from Visakhapatnam Maanasi performed the "Krishna Shabdam" which was always an integral part of the Kuchipudi repertoire right from the Yakshagana period. The Shabdams, literary mean sounds in Telugu are compositions where a Deity or a King is praised by the composer and the dancer. This item was also a combination of Nritta and Nritya with refined facial expressions. It was Mohana Raagam and Aadi Taalam. Her performance was commendable.

Narayana, a Kuchipudi dancer from Visakhapatnam performed Shiva Padamanjeeranadam. It described about the struggle of Lord Bhagiradha who tries to bring Goddess Ganga on to the earth. It continued with the prayer to Lord Shiva to bear the step of Ganga. The play also depicted the lockage of Ganga in Lord Shiva's hair which is well known as Jata-jutam. The item was in Khanda Taalam.

Roopa Gayatri, a Kuchipudi dancer also from Visakhapatnam, performed for an item which described about Lord Sri Krishna, one who converses with the wise essence of all the vedas as he is the King of kings. She conveyed the praising by sages; Sun and Moon as his eyes through her dance performance. Therefore, the item has set to Attana ragam and Aadi taalam, composed by K. V. Lakshmi. Though it was a good attempt but it was observed that the artist needed ample practice

P 50 | JANUARY 2018 NEWS

to overcome the stage fear. Because "Practice makes a Man perfect".

RachanaRachana, a Kuchipudi dancer from Visakhapatnam has performed on the theme "Brindavana Nilaye" which was a beautiful composition by Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer in Reethigowla Raagam with Aadi talam. This composition was later choreographed by Late Guru Vempati Chinnasatyam, a legend in Kuchipudi dance form. Undoubtedly, Rachana did good work and chosed a fine ballet. However, a little more of focus on her foot work and good facial expressions would enable her to present a master-piece.

A. Divya Sree, from Tenali performed "Gajavandana Beduvey" in Ragamalika raagam and Aadi taalam. As Ganesh is the Lord who removes obstacles, Divya Sree had performed Kuchipudi dance form for this theme. Despite being the youngest among the participants, Divya Sree stood at par with others as she carried rich facial expressions and postures.

Adding one more to the list of best performances, was Girija Nair from Mumbai whose goodness is known for the maturity levels in the Bharatanatyam fraternity. She presented "Krishnarpanama". The main concept revolved around the mischief of Lord Krishna where he is found the whole universe in his mouth. Later, the devotee realizes that it was all "Krishna Maya"and surrenders with joy to Lord Krishna. This fantastic act was a concept and choreographed by Guru Deepak Mazumdar. Girija Nair had been best in elevating the concept to reach the audience in a perfect manner.

P 51 | JANUARY 2018 Conferring the Lifetime achievement award of Padhamashree Dharshana Javeri during Amaravathi Nrithyotsav

Madhura MukherjeeMukherjee, from Kolkatta performed on suicides, molest, female infanticides in various phases "Ganapathi Kirtana in Hamsadhwani raagam and Aadi of life. The group attempted to elevate these social taalam. It was a Kirtana on Lord Ganesha. The item issues of women and came up with a message stating consisted of playful movements which expresses that women should be empowered and should be pranaam. She also performed on Kalika Stotram which fearless. is an elaboration of different forceful actions and the They also portrayed how women should act beautiful grace of Maa Kaali. spontaneously during any obstacle and should come Pinkey ChoudaryChoudary, an Kathak exponent from New out with appropriate ideas in order to save them. Self Delhi performed on "Ganesha Vandana" which included defense arts should be taught to the women in order to taat, aamad, thithai, etc., and ended with Sargam. Her protect themselves from other evil minded humans. costume seemed to be most fascinating as it was a The difference between a motherly pain and worldly wavy lehanga of Persian style with pleasing contour. pleasures are to be well-known to the mankind. With She mesmerized the audience group with her grace, this fantastic dance item of Kuchipudi, the auditorium foot work, expressions and successive twirls. She got was filled with laurels and a standing ovation was given trained and nurtured from legendary artists of the to it. It was composed by K. V. Lakshmi. This act country in Kathak. clearly explained about the societal evils and brought awareness among the public through this classical art As the sky turned dark, the audience developed keen form. interest to witness the valedictory of this season Amaravati Nrithyothsav. The last stunning performance This group also performed "Thillana", where a thillana is was "Manishasura Mardini" by K. V. Lakshmi and a rhythmic piece in Carnatic music that is generally group from Visakhapatnam. The team members were performed at the end of a concert and was widely B. R. Vikram Kumar, Sudha, Teja Sree, Bhagyasri, used in classical dance performances. A Thillana uses Joshika, Sujana, Padmini, Tejaswi, Sanjana, Sachita, taalam-like phrases in the pallavi and anupallavi with Aruna Paramesh, and Shreya Pushkar. lyrics in the charanam. It was in Raagamalika raagam and Aadi taalam which was composed by legend Dr. As we all know that Goddess Kaalika has assassinated late Dr.Mangalampalli Bala Murali Krishna. Manishasura who was a demon, this theme also depicts the same. It represented the contemporary This was followed by felicitations by the Chief Patron B. situation of women who face many social R. Vikram Kumar to all those who were instrumental in consequences such as dowry system, acid attacks, the successful organizing of the festival.

P 52 | JANUARY 2018 NEWS esteemed work. He notified that the broadcast journalist's research, investigation and presentation of Book Release on news via television, radio and internet, should not affect "Broadcast the real content of the revelations. The Guests of Honor were Prof. D. V. R. Murthy, Head Journalism" of the Department for Foreign Languages, and Dr. Challa Ramakrishna, Head of the Department for Journalism and Mass communication, Andhra book titled as "Broadcast Journalism" was University. Other dignitaries like Kurra Vijayakumar, one released by the Former Vice-Chancellor of of the experts of electronic media and departmental Andhra University and Vice- Chancellor of A heads were present on the occasion. Centurion University Prof. GSN.Raju at function organized at Public Library, Visakhapatnam in the The book has been authored together by Prof. P. second week of December. It was with the good Bobby Vardhan, Chairman for Board of Studies as well wishes of Writer's Academy. as Dean of Media Cell for Andhra University and a renowned journalist Dr. Suman Kumar Kasturi. As a Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest of the part of writer's response, each of them shared various function, Prof. GSN.Raju, stated that the need for insights on the principles, guidelines and important effective and efficient communication is the need of the aspects of Broadcast Journalism which is quite an hour and emphasized on how proper broadcasting is essential in this modern era. They said that the book essential for an unbiased presentation of news. He also aims broadcast journalists to present information in a congratulated the authors for bringing out such an balanced, accurate and motivating way.

: The Chief Guest of the function and Vice - Chancellor of Centurion University, Prof. GSN.Raju, accompanied by Chairman of Writer's Accademy and Editor of Vernacular daily(Leader) V.V.Ramana Murty, Prof. P.Bobby Vardhan, Prof. DVR.Murty and Dr. Challa Ramakrishna releasing the book on 'Broadcast Journalism'.

P 53 | JANUARY 2018 A magnificent celebration with true essence of dance: The 6th Margazi Festival - Kala Srinivas

. V. Ramani Natya Kala Foundation, formerly known as the Takshashila Dance Academy, Gunveils the 6thMargazhi Festival at Marathi Sahitya Mandir, Vashi (Navi Mumbai). It was a two-day festival of Indian classical dance organized by Gayatri Subramanian. The festival emerged as a stand-alone the years, it has grown in scale and influence, and fixture on cultural calendar of many dance artists. Over has come to be known as the 'December season' for the artists.

On 15th December, the first day of the event, Hema Balasubramanian and her team delivered a mellifluous concert as a tribute to legendary poet, Subrahmanyam Bharati ably supported by dancer Aishwarya Harish. Students of G. V. Ramani Natya Kala Foundation added the icing on the cake, with two lively 'kummi dance' presentations.

The second day of the event witnessed a few soulful performances by Parwati Dutta, Director Mahagami, Aurangabad and four other dancers from her academy. In their performances, 'Khamaajpallavi' and a composition based on an Oriya poem, written on Lord Krishna stood as the focal attraction of the presentation.

On the same day, the legendary "Dhananjayans" couple conquered the hearts with their performance. The illustrious duo, Padmabhushan Dhananjayans presented a 60 minute performance from The Ramayana. It was a performance portraying an episode from the Epic Ramayana involving three characters Manthara, Kaikeyi and Dasaratha, where Manthara poisons Kaikeyi's mind, against Rama's

P 54 | JANUARY 2018 NEWS coronation and followed by King Dasharatha's state, when Kaikeyi asks for two boons that breaks his heart into pieces.

The characters Manthara, and Dasaratha were skilfully performed by V.P. Dhananjayan and Kaikeyi by Shanta Dhananjayan. The duo portrayed the characters superlatively gluing the audience to their seats in wonder.

One cannot actually decide which role was better portrayed. Manthara's body language, her walking style and actions, Dasaratha's robust walk with that erect poise of a King and his spontaneous fall on the floor on hearing about Rama being sent to 'Vanavaasam' stood as intense scenes of the performance. They whole episode kept the audience engrossed and captivated.

The Margazi Festival is for seasoned as well as emerging artists, December being the high point of the year. Attracting diverse audiences from all age groups-scholars, students of the arts and other passionate folks, the Indian classical dance festival is not to be missed.

P 55 | JANUARY 2018 city. Member of th All India Parliament from All India Anakapalle M. Public Relations Srinivasa Rao, PRSI National Office Conference Bearers Dr. Ajit Pathak(President) and by PRSI Nivedita 39 Banerjee(Secretary General), Vice- President- South- U.S. Sarma, Chapter & he 39th National Conference of Public Conference Chairman- Relations Society of India (PRSI) was held in Prof. DVR Murthy, Tthe City of Destiny -Visakhapatnam from 15th Secretary- PLK to 17th December of 2017. The conference was Murthy AU former formally inaugurated by the Minister for Human Rector- Prof. A. Resources Development, Government of Andhra Prasanna Kumar, and Pradesh Ganta Srinivasa Rao at Hotel Novotel in the other senior PRSI members were a part of this treasured conference. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Member of Parliament, M. Srinivas Rao expressed his love for the mother tongue and its importance in communication, which should not be ignored. He felt happy to get associated with the PRSI and desired that more funds be allocated from both State and Central governments. Despite we being in the era of global village due to the benefit of urbanization, privatization, etc, Rao opined that our own language should not be neglected. P 56 | JANUARY 2018 NEWS

The Chief Guest Ganta Srinivasa Rao presented the Followed by this, the Architect and Designer Nitin National Awards in various fields to public and private Killawala from Mumbai in his presentation spoke on sectors. "Smart thinking for cities". People are exercising IMPRINTS OF DAY 2 smartness out of compulsion which leads to high urbanization. About slum free- environment, he quoted Getting into the business, the second day started its the example of Mumbai where gradually real estate first session with the CEO of Adfactors PR, Mumbai business has bloomed and about economic paradox Madan Bahl as the Session Chair Person and Nitin by explaining in detail with a line "we are rich but poorer Killawala, Subodh Dakwale and Dr. Pragnya Ram as in terms of standard of living". He touched issues pannelists. related to smart cities and related problems and The Executive Director (Corporate Communications & concluded by giving Social housing as infrastructure Branding), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Mumbai project which can create solution for this Smart cities Subodh Dakwale began with his presentation on project. "Smart Outlets and Refreshing Branding for Smart The Group Executive President- Corporate Cities. He informed that we will be using smart Communications and CSR Aditya Birla Management technologies everywhere in near future. In this context, Corporation Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai Dr. Pragnya Ram he described about various advanced techniques like addressed with the theme of "CSR for Smart Society" petro stations, digitalized innovations, branding and focused on the need of the hour where the through digit media apps and many other fine importance of CSR is being widely noticed. CSR concepts with respect to the Indian Oil Corporation. should not be from the business point of view, rather it Effectiveness in communication can bring progress in should be from the heart.. Giving some statistics living a life in a better way.

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regarding the student drop outs in 11-13 age composite ultra filtrations etc. and also mentioned bracket, she concluded by saying smartness few effective water treatments using charged nana- should be present in all aspects of the society. filtrations and membrane pouches. The second session was chaired by the Chairman The Vice- President (Corporate affairs) ITC Kolkata of Visakhapatnam Port Trust M.T. Krishnababu and Nazeeb Arif emphasised on the importance of the K.G. Suresh, Nazeeb Arif and Daniel Chellappa.as conservation of natural resources, mountains, hills, pannelists. natural formations, fossil fuels, etc. He shared few interesting facts like the common perception that The Director General of Indian Institute of Mass Rajasthan is a desert region full of sand dunes but Communication New Delhi K. G. Suresh dealt with a there existed a man made river which has been concept of "Foundation for Smart Cities in India". He quiet essential during drought times and helped spoke relevant aspects which are related to the the locals residing in the nearby areas and present day facts about how we carry our day to concluded by saying that ITC has been showing day life of using technology to keep us updated. We concern in transforming the lives of many are in a technological era where everything can be destitute. massed under one roof. Smart communication is something which has to come out of Responsible Third session was chaired by the Vice- President communication and people from every walk of life, (East), PRSI M. S. Mazumdar and O. Naresh using technology. Smart cities are those which have Kumar, Anuj Dayal, Rajeev Goel and Neelesh smart mindsets of the citizens and concluded that Taunk. As pannelists. technology has taken everyone along. Speaking on "Metro Rails for Developing Smart Speaking, on "Science and Technology- Backbone cities", the CEO of Symbiosis Technologies O. of building Smart cites", the Senior Scientist (TCW), Naresh Kumar. gave statistics on the City of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Destiny and quoted few examples of most Government of India Chennai Daniel Chellappa, liveable. As Melbourne is confined as the most deliberated on the role of advanced technologies in liveable city but when it comes to the scenario of various sectors of the society. He shared the our country we do not have good cities which can relevant information on Technologies for safe be called so but Hyderabad( un-divided Andhra drinking water, development of unique membrane Pradesh) has been globally ranked 144 and based water purifiers, desalination of sea water, concluded by saying that crime rate, security, online availability of domestic water purifiers, nano- availability of daily needs like food water shelter,

P 59 | JANUARY 2018 Hospitals of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Dr. Sandeep Chatrath spoke on "Management of Smart Health Care" and stated that the basic needs to live are food, clothing and shelter. He cited a few services rendered by the Apollo Group of Hospitals for the well being of the common man. The Executive Director of Indian Oil Corporation Bhubaneshwar P. C. Choubey, Executive Director of HPCL Vizag Refinery Visakhaptnam Prasad Sarma and the Group General Manager of NTPC equal distribution of wealth and natural resources and Visakhapatnam N. K. Sinha were the panellists. many aspects are to be taken into consideration while analyzing a smart city. The Central Information Commissioner Government of India New Delhi Prof. M. Sreedhar spoke on "Right to LAST DAY COMMENTARIES information for Smart Governance" and elaborated on The last day's first session was chaired by Prof. DVR Smart Cities. Murthy with Jatin Trivedi, Nori Prabhakar and Dr. The Vice- President, PRSI Unmesh Dixit chaired the Sandeep Chatrath as pannelists. third session with Saroj Chelluri, Satyen Bhat and Jatin Trivedi of Trivedi & Co. Ahmedabad spoke on Chakraphani as panellists. "IPR and Communication". He differentiated between The Managing Director of Prism Public Relations Pvt. Intellectual Activity and Intelligent Activity. He also Ltd Chennai Satyen Bhat spoke on "Smart Public spoke on Characteristics of IP, Trademark registrations Relations: Smart Organization". He spoke on the Smart criteria, Case studies on Intellectual Properties, etc.. The Chief General Manager (PR & Branding) BPCL Mumbai N. Prabhakar spoke on the topic of "Customer Care- Winning the Trust". He shared few smart ways to reach one's own customers, effective communication with customers, etc. The CEO of Apollo

P 60 | JANUARY 2018 NEWS property citing examples of companies which grew eminent Devlok project which comprises of certain exponentially by adopting new one and improving elements like idols of spiritual gods, leaders, their systems nationally and internationally. He also Sagaramadanam, fountains, Kamadehenu food court, spoke on the concept of Artificial Intelligence. Neelakanta waterfalls, etc.. The General Manager (Technical) NTPC Simhadri This was followed by the Valedictory function. Member Saroj Chelluri spoke on "Power Management for of Parliament, Visakhapatnam Dr. Kambamphati Hari Smart Cities" and advised ways to use technology Babu was the Chief Guest of the function and The in order to conserve natural resources by using Director General, Delhi Police Vasudeva Rao as the renewable resources. She said that Smart energy Guest of Honour. It was presided by the Central drivers, Internet of energy, effective load Information Commissioner, Government of India New management, smart control systems, smart grid Delhi Prof. Madhabhushi Sreedhar. The Editor, PR systems, smart demand responses, etc.. would Voice, Hyderabad Dr. C.V.Narasimha Reddy was also yield good results to Power Management in smart present. cities. Dr. K. Hari Babu spoke about the greatness of The Deputy General Manager of Devlok Project Visakhapatnam city. He stated that PRSI has rightly Tirupati Chakraphani acknowledged people with the chosen the title as "Smart Cities". He recollected the Devlok project which has to be established in near decision by M. Venkaiah Naidu to chosse future. The Devlok project has initiated in Tirupati is Visakhapatnam as one of those smart cities and a complete man-made spiritual world consisting of because of which the city has seen a tremendous mythological aspects and as well as entertainment development. He glorified the City of Destiny by part. He spoke about certain characteristics of this recounting several industries that bedeck the city.

P 61 | JANUARY 2018 P 62 | JANUARY 2018 Geetham,Vaadyam and Nrityam. He served in Kalakshetra, dedicated himself to the institution and became an integral part of the majority of Rukmini Devi's Naatya productions. His first public recognition came from the Dhananjayans Bharatakalanjali (Chennai) and way back in the 1970 he was awarded the tittle 'Sangeetagna'.'Sangeetagna'. Last year, Bharat Kalachar honored him with a special commemorative and life-time achievement award. He was also a - Bhagavatula Seetharama recipient of the Sangeet Natak Sharma Akademi Award for 'Naatya'. He was tuning his Shruti in ersatile persona breathes his preparation for an arangetram in last tuning to 'sruti' Bhagavatula Bangalore, when he was said to be Seetharama Sharma, a noted VV suffering with heart attack, he was singer and Nattuvangam exponent expired found dead on his way to hospital. on Sunday at the age 81. He is survived by His cremation was held at Chennai a wife, two daughters and a son. on 12-12- 2017. Bhagavatulu Seetaram Sharma is born at Indeed, it was a great loss for all his Kuchipudi town in Andhra Pradesh. He beloved ones. May his soul rest in developed a profound knowledge in all the peace and The Dance India salutes three aspects of Sangeetham, him for his services rendered.

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KUCHIPUDI Atharva School of Fine Arts Teacher : Mrs. Shamal Pawar C-1401, Gulraj Tower, Nehru Nagar, Nataraj Music & Dance Academy Kurla (E), Mumbai – 400024. Teacher: K V Lakshmi +91 99690 23246/ 9869272392. 50-1-50/1, ASR Nagar, Seethammadara Bharatanatyam and Folk Dance Classes, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India Website-www.atharvaschool.com, Contact No: + 91-9553222969 [email protected]

BHARATANATYAM KATHAK

Geeta Nritya Vidyalaya Teacher: Girija Nair Nritya Tapshya Kathak Dance Academy 'Gurukul' 32/2 Powai Chowk behind Teacher: Chetan Saraiya. MA, Kathak. Shastri Nagar, Vasai Nallasopara, Kandival. Grand Road Saibaba Temple Mulund Colony Pune, Maharashtra, India West Mumbai - 82, Maharashtra, India Contact No: +91-9821138190 Contact No: + 91- 9867234249 Nritya Darpanan Foundation Takshashila Nrityakala Mandir Teacher : Paullumi B Mukheerjee Teacher: Kashmira Trivedi Alap C.H.S. B woing, Plot No 173 A - 405, Asawari Co. Op. Hos. Soc. Sir Bhalchndra Road, Pokhran Road No - 1, Varkat Nagar, Opp. 2nd Lane Hindu Colony, Dadar (E) Thane (W) - 400606, Maharashtra, India Mumbai - 400014 . Contact No: + 91- 9820649671 Contact No. 9821583004

Sri Krishna Kala Mandir Kalanand Nritya sanstha Teacher : Gayathri Gopinath Teacher : Bhavana Sanjiv Lele No 5-469 .18th St Sathuvachari Phase - 2 Shop No-2,3,4,5 Rosewood Building Vellore - 632009, Tamil Nadu, India Prestige Residency, Dongripada Contact No : 98945 29708 Waghbil Naka,Ghodbunder Road Shanmukha Arts Institute of Performing Arts Thane West, Maharashtra Teacher : Kala Srinivasan Contact No : 9223440605 D-309 , Usha Nagar, Village Road Bhandup West, Mumbai- 400078 Akshata's Dance Academy Contact No : 98671 14223 Shivaji housing society, Behind JW Marriott, Nitya Veda Academy Senapati Bapat Road, Teacher : Vidya Sriram Shivajinagar, Pune- 411016. E - 404, Krishna bldg. Email id: [email protected] Vasant Sagar Complex Contact: 9920990182 Thakur Village Kandivli (e) 400101

P 65 | JANUARY 2018 P 66 | JANUARY 2018 P 67 | JANUARY 2018 Registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India under No. APENG/2016/68616. Date of Publication 5th of every month and Posted between 5th to 10th of Every month under License No. VM/219/2016-2018

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