Mouli Pal presented a brilliant rendition of a few classic Odissi pieces at Springstep in Medford, MA on Sunday, November 15th. The presentation was a fundraiser for TASC  a Boston based non-profit who help families adversely affected by cancer. 

"As a child I was not very  interested in classical dance. One day my father literally dragged me to watch a Odissi dance performance by the legendary Samyukta Panigrahi and fell head over heals in love with the art form. I enrolled in dance classes under the Odissi legend, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra.  I did not see much of Samyukta ji. When I met her at a much later I was so disheartened to know that she was suffering from cancer and soon she lost her life. It made me realize what a cruel disease this cancer is. Today my presentation is in her honor.  We have a informational session about cancer and are doing a fundraiser for TASC " said Mouli.

She opened with Shiva Panchakshara Stotram, Nagendra Harya where each line opens with one of the syllables NA MA SHi VA YA. The piece is brilliant and Mouli's depiction more than did justice to this piece. Jugmadandwa Pallavi, a Nritta or pure dance number followed. Mouli's precise movements and her tremendous energy in the piece made this a treat to watch. Abhinaya took center stage with the classic Geeta Govinda number Dheera Samire Yamuna Teere where Radha's friend coaxes Radha to go without delay and meet Krishna. The Odissi presentation ended with a Pallavi in Raag Behag.

Mouli's  excellent training and her hardwork shone through the presentation. Watching her is truly watching poetry in motion.  It is not often that one gets to see an authentic Odissi presentation and the audience was delighted to watch this presentation.

Dr. Anirban Banerjee and Dr. Arundhati Ghosh gave a wonderful informational talk on cancer.  Representatives from Take a Swing Against Cancer, an organization that provides small funding for handling non-medical costs for Cancer patients and their families gave a moving talk on the need to support families of patients.

Puran Dang, the chief guest for the evening applauded Mouli on her talented dance presentation and appreciated the support she was providing to  a great cause.

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