As the world evolves and begins to include cultures and traditions from around the world. It is a golden age where connoisseurs get the best of, well all worlds. Amidst all the great talent we can enjoy, we seemed to have forgotten all the noble souls who sacrifice everything to follow their passions and give the world the gift of stellar performers. How many of us stop to think of these great souls, let alone contemplate on their circumstances and see if we can make their lives a bit brighter? It is refreshing to see these young women not just think about this, but embark on a journey to raise awareness and the necessary means to support these brilliant people in a meaningful way.

As Janani Swamy gave us an introduction to the inimitable Rajee Narayana, I couldn’t help but wonder about selflessness. Karmanye vadhikarathe is not just a slogan but a life choice for these teachers. I can only dream to inspire my students the same way, to be passionate and thoughtful and share their learning and beauty with all. My sincere salutations to Janani, Suman Adisesh, and Sangita Raghunathan. In a heartwarming recital on Sunday October 24^th, Suman and Sangita lived up to the idea of Guru Shraddha and dedicated their performance to Rajee aunty (as they lovingly call her).  All proceeds from the event will be used to help impoverished artists in India. As Sangeetha aptly put it, doing something they are already passionate about to benefit those who deserve it most is a fulfilling sensation.

Suman and Sangita began the evening with a Saraswathi Keerthanam following a traditional pushpanjali. Very aptly, this Oothukadu Venkata Kavi composition is set in raga Saraswathi. The word “traditional” gets reinvented with the choreography of renowned guru Padmini Ravi. Lilting moves and powerful presentation, a hallmark of her style, was carried out expertly by her students, Suman and Sangita.

The audience were then treated to the antics of young Lord Krishna as he charms his way through the gopikas, while leaving broken hearts and havoc in his wake. Sangita skillfully made her wound the narrative for this Purandaradasa kriti in raga Yaman Kalyani.

We then got to see the great Lord Nataraja brought to life in a composition of none other than Rajee Narayan. Ananda Natanam Aduvar choreographed by Padmini Ravi displayed the splendor of Shiva Tandavam while he is in a blissful state. As Rajee aunty explained via a video, Shiva performs his Rudra Tandava which ends up causing tremors through all three worlds. When his anger cools and he sees that the world has been thrown in chaos, he performs his Ananda Tandavam to balance fury with harmony. A message that we must all incorporate into our lives for sure. Negative feelings are part of life, but balancing it with the positive and living a life of fulfillment that should be the aim of a mortal.

The Varnam, a unique composition by Ajay Vishwanath, a modern dancer and student of Padmini Ravi was in praise of Lord Krishna. This Hindi composition effuses the essence of the lord as he resides in all hearts. Yet, says the poet, his true love is for Radha alone. Suman and Sangita took turns portraying different episodes that reveal Krishna’s tendresse.

The Varnam was followed by a Javali in Kannada, performed by Suman. Her depiction for a viraha nayaki was wonderful. And made me ponder about the many reasons of love and betrayal.

The program was concluded with a unique Thillana. Composed by T.M Satyavathi, this Thillana was a garland of ragas to the five elements. A panchabhoota Thillana in ragamalika. Expertly choreographed by incomparable Padmini Ravi, this Thillana conveyed the joy of the dancers and reflected this joy it in the eyes of the audience.

Suman and Sangita made a very powerful statement in a fairly short time, by using their art as the rhetoric. Only when we can rise above ego and let art be for art’s sake, does rasa emerge. When rasikas witness art without any trappings, showing the innermost joy of the artist, a window opens up. Through this window, one can both experience the joy of the present moment and get a glimpse of the eternal joy, the Sat Chitananda.

Congratulations Sangita and Suman for sharing your bliss while benefiting a most noble cause. We hope to see more from you and more New England dancers step up and sustain this path.

To contribute to their noble cause, please go to:
 http://www.lokvani.com/lokvani/cal.php?stage=1&event_id=11715 

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