On 19th June, 2022, Shri Kamakhya Kalapeeth (Centre for Indian Classical Dances) & Dr Sonal Mansingh presented for the first time – A combination of four path- breaking Dancers who carved a niche by their courage a break stifling social orthodoxy through the Arts, at 6:30 p.m. at Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi. The programme marks Azadi Ka Mahotsav and is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and facilitated by the apex body in the field of performing arts in the country, Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi.
The mega event was graced by Sh. Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Sh. S P S Baghel, Minister of State in the Ministry of Law & Justice, Shri Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR),
Mrs Mallika Nadda, W/o Shri JP Nadda, President Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), Sh. Rakesh Asthana, Delhi Police Commissioner,
in the presence of an august gathering of ambassadors, diplomats from over 20 nations, dignitaries from United Nation, officials from ministries of culture & tourism, leading artists and members from the fraternity of art and culture and enthusiastic rasikaas that packed the auditorium.
The concept and overall direction of Nrtya Veerangana is by Padma Vibhushan awardee and Member of Parliament-Rajya Sabha, Dr Sonal Mansingh. As the Sutradhar/Narrator of the presentation, her flawless and erudite weaving of the life of the four women protagonists evoked an intense attentiveness of the audience, many of whom must not have heard of these dancers who revolutionised social history of Bharat between the 17th to 20th century. These four accomplished women artists wrote a new leaf with their strength of thought and will power. Each one of them possessed characteristics that created a path breaking movement at unimaginable time.
The art form was the enabling tool of expression that broke the shackles. At every juncture they reminded society of the intrinsic values of Bharatiya Sanskriti. The group dance presentations depicted four Indian classical dance styles. Smt Vanashree Rao, Smt Neena Prasad, Smt Vaswati Misra and Shri P.T. Narendra scripted and choreographed Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Kathak and Bharatnatyam, respectively.
The first presentation portrayed Muddupazhani, a poet and litterateur who brought parity of women through her sensuality laden work ‘Radhaika Santvanam” in Kuchipudi style. It was followed by the life of Thatri, who broke shackles of being the ‘inner person’ i.e., Antarjanam into a bold woman who changed the mores of society.
The item was a Mohiniyattam presentation. The audience was spell-bound as a Kathak recital followed showcasing Madame Menaka, who brought Kathak dignity and global visibility from a Nautch-Dardari image. The performances of the evening concluded with the Bharatanatyam group dance depicted Rukmini Devi’s contribution to breaking the barriers of prejudice against dance by personal example and restored spiritual content in dance. As Dr Sonal Mansingh concluded the narration of the last episode of “Nryta-Veerangana”, the audience stood up giving a standing ovation to the grand presentation of women of substance in Indian classical dance.
The choreographers and students were felicitated by the guests of honour and the diva of Indian classical dance, Dr Sonal Manisngh, was presented a bouquet of flowers as gesture of gratitude for bringing together sterling performances like a bouquet of beautiful flowers with lingering aroma that sooth the weary soul of a busy society.
The programme was specially created by Dr Sonal Mansigh to celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav following Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision of celebrating 75 years of India’s independence from foreign rule and the three (3) Sutras given by him to highlight Bharat’s identity and achievements-Vishwaguru Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Unknown and Unsung heroes. They have given a new impetus to think, research and present some really unknown aspects and characters of Indian history. It is with this vision that the new production ‘Nrtya Veerangana’ has taken shape highlighting a truly forgotten chapter of our history.
