BIG HOPE – JUNE 4th to JUNE 11th 2008 – UK – PART 4
That morning is an unforgettable morning as we walked into the Lecture Theatre Lab, on the table was written two name plates of Nirupama Rajendra next to Dr.Abdul Kalam…
I was going to share the same table & sit right next to him.
I couldn’t believe this honour that life had brought us.
As expected Dr.Kalam gave the keynote address on the topic “can arts save the world”quoting simple examples on how Art Intergrates Hearts .
He spoke about a situation in Sudan …as he looked out of the window of his room … seeing the two nile rivers joining & how it brought out a beautiful poetry on Intergration of Minds & in the parliament address next morning how ….people impressed by this translated it into Arabic & many other languages.It had united Nations !
So beautiful …so beautiful…
Friends, please don’t miss the rest of his speech on his website.
www.abdulkalam.com
Then came our presentation….
We showed beautiful images of the work done by our Abhinava Dance Compnay.
I spoke about the purpose & creation of Natya …as per Natya Shastra …how it was meant to connect with the world…
How in our basic training systems a dancer is taught to respect the Earth, ackowldege the presence of the supreme & honour the Gurus & people. With the support of visuals, we spoke about how Art can transform Individuals & also helps as a media to collectively raise consciousness on themes.
Especially the work we had done for humanity …the production on COW PROTECTION with 80 artists & the healing program , a cross cultural work with the American Contemporary Dancers & Classical India Dancers from USA on the theme of Tsunami & Katrina tragedy.
The response to our presenttaion was very good.
After us was Sarah Champion..the Director of Chinese Contemporary Arts Theatre & then were two youngsters from African Contact Theatre Company who spoke & illustrated on how their Arts Can /cannot save the world.
We were all asked very interesting questions & it has made us further contemplate & think deeper .
The next session of our work with the delegates & our performance at the closing ceremony will be posted soon.
Watch out for this space.
Would love to hear from you all.
NIRU RAJU
Hi Mam/Sir,
Eager to know your experiences in detail about THE BIG HOPE.
Also would love to see some more quotes from great personalities who gave a talk/presentation.
Regards,
Arjun
— Arjun Bharadwaj · Jun 29, 11:16 PM · #
Hello Ma’am N Sir,
Its really a pleasure to learn that you were part of such a great gathering and to add to it was the man himself-Dr.APJ Abdul Kalaam!
would like to hear more about it from you!
Regards and cheers,
Souparni
— Souparni · Jul 7, 12:15 PM · #
Namaste Madam and Sir..
I feel so great and proud to be associated with Gurus of such an international standing.!! You are truly our country’s cultural ambassadors.. As Arjun says, we would love to read more from you about your experiences and invaluable talks with other great personalities and your students in UK, USA etc.. Also it would be very inspirational if you shared with us the views and perspective your international students have about Indian traditional Dance.. What kind of reverence do they hold for the same.. How they connect with Bharatanaatyam or Kathak.. To what depth are they able to comprehend the Bhakti of saint devotees like Aadaal, Mira Bai, Kanakadasa, Chaitanya prabhu, Tulsi Das and the like.. It would be stirring beyond doubt to hear from you!!!!!..
Thanks a bunch !!
Sincerely,
your student.
— Swetha C · Jul 31, 09:36 AM · #