Satvikam Shivam, a Connecticut school of Indian cultural dance had nine students present “Des Rangila” during India Independence Day at the State House in Hartford, CT on 31st August.  Governor Daniel P. Malloy and State Representative Prasad Srinivasan, MD were featured speakers at the event, attended by an estimated 500 US Indians.

The “Des Rangila dance depicted the diverse, divine, and colorful culture of India with the message “Unity in Diversity”. The dancers first invoked the presence of god with a prayer to the tune of “Vande Mataram” and then displayed five different flavors of Indian dance.  These included Bharatnatyam representing the state of Tamil Nadu, zesty Maharashtrian lavani, popular Punjabi Bhangra, traditional Rajasthani Ghoomar, and a glimpse of Rauf dance from Kashmir. The theme not only showcased different regions of India, but also displayed the traditions, attire, folk music, and folk dance. The dance received a standing ovation for this grand performance from Governor Malloy, State Rep Dr Srinivasan, and the audience.

Urvi Pathak, Director of Satvikam Shivam in Newington, CT, said: “Performing for our motherland, India, and the sound of the applause was a proud moment for all of us and the school.” She added: “My girls were at their best and I feel so proud of them.”

The students, who performed from the dance school, included:  Molee Desai, Pranally Desai, Ketaki Pawar, Aashka Patel, Sravya Bahudodda, Mekha Jebbu, Kajal Shah, Saadhya Bahudodda, and Ameya Pathak. These students come from the CT towns of Avon, Farmington, Newington, Rocky Hill, and South Windsor.

The celebration ended with hoisting the Indian flag on the State Capitol followed by American National Anthem and Indian National Anthem.

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