On April 24th, Mouli Pal of Upasana and Association for India’s Development (AID) Boston collaborated to present the premier production of “Sheva..my precious Treasure,” a refreshing take on the classical art form of Odissi. A year in the making, this event was highly anticipated by many, attracting an audience from not only the greater Boston area but Rhode Island, New Jersey, Florida and Philadelphia. A truly magical experience, the show featured an ensemble of over 40 performers who took the audience on a mesmerizing journey involving dance, poetry, and yoga that connected the human soul to the elements of nature. In today’s world, with climate change being a pressing threat, it is essential that we find a way to connect with the environment and strive to protect it.

Sheva is extremely special to both Upasana and AID. For Mouli, it was her debut as a choreographer – “I dedicate this work to the indigenous tribes, nomads, farmers, villagers and small rural communities who lead their lives in tune with nature. I don't believe my work can ever match the brilliance and intricacy of the traditional choreographs by my Guruji, late Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. So while innovation is important, tradition is indispensable. This project was inspired by the wonderful work AID does in empowering marginalized communities in remote areas of India.” AID’s co-President Nimish Sane, echoed Mouli’s views on the importance of the concept behind Sheva, “When we speak of AID’s mission of promoting equitable, sustainable, and just development in India, what is at the core of it is this deep connection with the environment, rivers, water, land, forests, and most imp ortantly, the people and communities whose lives are interlinked with nature. This show brought out this poignant connection so magnificently. We thank Mouli for giving us this opportunity. This would not have happened without the support of AID.”

The first part of the program consisted of a classical Guru Vandana piece, composed by Guru Rathikant Mohapatra, performed by the Upasana students. This was followed by a stunning Pallavi in Hamsadhvani raag performed by Mouli composed by the late Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra. This piece, performed for the first time in Boston, transported the audience to a different land and time. The first part of the performance concluded with an Abhinaya piece from Geeta Govindam (also composed by the late Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra) by the Aakriti dancers from Albany, New An AID presentation highlighted the grassroot projects that the proceeds from Sheva would go towards supporting in India. This includes helping more than 10,000 farmers practice sustainable agriculture in the Sunderbans, working in 5 districts of West Bengal to create seed banks to conserve biodiversity, supporting the education of about 2200 kids in the slums of Delhi, providing short-stay shelter for women and advocating for the Dayan Virodhi Act (anti-witch- hunting act) in Rajasthan, and creating alternative livelihood models for the manual scavenging community in Karnataka among others.

Well known patron of the local arts scene, Prashanth Palakurthi really enjoyed the performance and commented, “[we were] mesmerized by the beauty of the presentation, passion and immaculate grace. AID Boston, thank you for what you do with communities in India. [I] did not know the quality of your work and track record.”

The second part of the program premiered the original production, “Sheva..my precious Treasure” which transported the audience to a different realm best described by Susan Moore, Co-Director of SanskritLibrary.org who said, “you are the dancer and we are the observers and we must meet together in the field of perfection and silence when your moves bring all our hearts and minds together as one”. On stunning backdrops with a phenomenal digital experience, poetry, yoga and dance, we saw the following components: the seeking Soul, the Sun representing optimism and hope, the Wind representing our ever changing life, the Moon representing love without expectations, the Water representing the reflection of the everlasting soul, the Earth representing the mysterious core and thriving life and the finale with the mingling of the soul into the elements.

With a big ensemble, it took a lot of practice and coordination over several months to bring the show to life.

Senior dancer, Chand Sripad mentioned to us that this program “drew together Mouli Pal's talents and dreams in presentation of the journey of a human soul in connection with nature’s elements by talented multi-generational dancers.

It was a joy to perform alongside enthusiastic artists! The hard work and dedicated effort put in by Mouli and her coordinating team of directors was commendable. AID Boston volunteers worked tirelessly to put this event together and weave together an evening of culture, caring, and compassion.” Shamoyita Mukherjee, another senior dancer also mentioned that she was “super excited and deeply satisfied with how Sheva was conceived and finally came together!

Kudos to Mouli di for entrusting so many dancers with her most precious idea. Personally, I am gratified beyond words that Mouli di let me explore the music and the choreography and I enjoyed every bit of the preparation for this concert. ”

With a near full house, there was a resounding standing ovation following the finale. Renowned film director, Suman Ghosh was in the audience and he mentioned that he “was so impressed by the entire performance, the creativity, the perfection and the overall zest was amazing. I wish to see more of such functions from your team. ” It was Yogita Miharia, a performer’s parent who felt that she was speaking for everyone when she said, “despite of seeing the various pieces by themselves I could not have imagined the end product. This was the most unique, spectacular, phenomenal and soul satisfying dance concert I have ever seen. There are no words that can completely describe the marvelous presentation! The choreography, music, recitations, visuals, costumes and dancers made it an awe-inspiring act! Kudos to everyone that was part of it, on-stage and back-stage! It all came together in the most gorgeous way anyone could envision. I cannot express how happy I am that my daughter Aarzu could be a part of it. Sheva was the most surreal way to celebrate Earth Month!”

As mentioned before, the proceeds of Sheva will go towards the work that AID partners in India are involved in.

To learn more about the work that AID Boston supports, please visit http://www.aidboston.org.