New Delhi: Association for Learning Performing Arts and Normative Action (A.L.P.A.N.A.), a Delhi based NGO recently organised BHOOMI PRANAM 2023 – an event of Odissi Dance recital at CD Deshmukh Auditorium, India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi where talented senior disciples of Guru Smt. Alpana Nayak presented new choreographies in Odissi style. A.L.P.A.N.A.is a registered organisation under the Societies Registration Act 1860 since 2003. The Society aims at promotion of performing arts and working towards equitable human development and growth. The emphasis is on inclusive growth and composite cultural heritage of India.
Shri Wajahat Habibullah, former Chief Information Commissioner of India, Guru Shri Ratikanta Mohapatra, Director of Srijan and DEAN of Faculty of Arts, Communication and Indic Studies, Sri Sri University, Bhubaneswar and Kerala SNA Awardee Mohini Attam exponent Guru Smt. Jayaprabha Menon were the Distinguished Guests of the evening. After the lighting of ceremonial lamp by the guests the performances started.
The recital started with Mangalacharana where the dancers began with a prayer to Goddess Saraswati based on the Sanskrit shloka “Yaa kundendu tushaarahaara dhabalaa.....” followed by an Odia song “Ayile Maa Saraswati Nirmala Barne….”
The next presentation was Charukeshi Pallavi. Pallavi is a pure dance meaning elaboration. This Pallavi has been specially choreographed in Odissi style by Guru Smt Alpana Nayak and Guru Shri Santosh K Swain enlivening the romantic bhava in a moonlit night. It has been conceptualised as an imaginary landscape where nartakis dream about their lover and express their joy, ecstasy, exuberance through lyrical dancing.The beautiful choreography with outstanding presentation enthralled the audience.
After Charukeshi Pallavi the dancers of the evening mesmerised the audience with an Abhinaya based on the Sanskrit Song “Chandana Charchita Nila Kalevara…” which is an excerpt from Geeta Govinda written by the legendary poet Jaydeva. In this Abhinaya, Sakhi, a friend of Radha describes the beauty of Lord Krishna who is enjoying “Raasa” with other gopis.
The highlight of the event was UPEKSHITA - a Dance Drama (Nrutya Natika) in Odissi style based on two most neglected and misunderstood characters of the great epic of Ramayana- Urmila and Suparnakha. This ballad delved much deeper into the myriad facets of human nature. It wasa very unique interpretation of these two characters. It was conceptualised, choreographed and directed by Guru Smt Alpana Nayak.
The artists were Guru Smt Alpana Nayak, Guru Shri Santosh Swain, Guru Shri Sudarshan Sahoo, Vaishali Saini, Pihu Shrivastava, Disha Kannan, Devika Seth, Yastika Dhawan, Shreysha Singh, Lavisha Gulati, Ishita Rajput, Hannsika Devv, Samiksha Samyal and Nerissa Rout.
The accompanying singers were Shri Prashant Behera, Smt. Sangita Gosain & Smt. Nazia Alam. Shri Prafulla Mangaraj & Shri Pradipta Moharana were on mardala. Shri Ramesh Ch. Das & Shri Gopinath Swain were on violin. Shri Shrinibas Satapathy & Shri Dheeraj Pandey were playing flute. Shri Rabishankar Pradhan was on sitar and Shri Bibhu Prasad Tripathy was on synthesizer.
At the end of all performances the Distinguished Guests praised Guru Smt Alpana Nayak for brilliant choreographies and excellent presentations.They congratulated and wished best of luck for the bright future of the upcoming and very talented dancers. Mr. Habibullah said that he witnessed such unique interpretation of Ramayana for the first time. Everybody in the audience were admiring the great team efforts, well thought of, well researched and beautifully executed ballad. Upekshita had a lasting impact on the audience. At the end Shri B C Nayak, Mentor of A.L.P.A.N.A. presented Vote of Thanks.
