Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence has recently organised fascinating International Gita Mahotsav at the Nehru Centre, London. Spellbinding cultural expressions including dances, talks and presentations have captivated the packed hall of audiences throughout the one and half hour programme.
Opening words were rendered by Rakesh Kumar- Deputy Director of the Nehru Centre. Dance by Roja Erukulla first established the scene of Kurukshetra, the war of Dharma versus Adharma. Dance depicting Vishwaroopam- the cosmic universal form showing infinite manifestations was presented by Dr Sreerekha Pillai. Classical dance conveying the essence of 18 chapters of Gita was soulfully presented by Lakshmi Aveen, Manju Sunil and Ragasudha Vinjamuri. The monologue presentation by Sushil Rapatwar highlighting the character Yuyutsu- the only Kaurava who survived the war, received huge applause.
The speech on the essence of Gita in observing territorial integrity was presented by Major Munish Chauhan, talk on Gita and instilling positive mental health was presented by author Ritesh Nigam and, talk on “The universe as a divine dance was presented by Brahm Bodhi- Head of Bhagavad Dharma Spiritual Order. Importance of Vishnu Sahasranama, another key text revealed at Kurukshetra war was effectively explained by Dr Lata Govada, scientist at Imperial College. Mohiniattam on Karna’s anguish was presented by Manju Sunil, to the music of Perincheri Namboodri on Madhalam, Arun Raj Marar on Idaykka and vocal by Adithyan Pisharody.
An engrossing presentation on Cross-Cultural Reflection beyond borders was given by Ragasudha Vinjamuri, which highlighted a comparative account of Kurukshetra war with epic and legendary battles across continents. The presentation underscored that while every battle ended only in devastation, the battle at Kurukshetra gave the sacred text of Bhagavad Gita to the world.
The programme was aptly anchored by Lumbini Bafna and was graced by Cllr Arien Areti- Deputy Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, Cllr Karthik Bonkur from Hertfordshire and Cllr Sharad Jha from Buckinghamshire. Other dignitaries in attendance included Dr Rishi Handa, Surinder Gautama, BK Jaymini Patel, Dr Shafalica Bhan, Chandramohan Bala and former councillor for Belmont Manji Kara, among others.
Audiences who came from far and wide despite the inclement weather gave a jubilant feedback. Balbeer Bahi of The Storytelling Machine who attended the event, said “It was a wonderful evening with a variety of talented performers and academics presenting their thoughts, views and experiences of the Bhagavad Gita. The wisdom and talent on display was much appreciable” Photo credits to Jwala YJN photography.
