New Delhi: NRITYANJALI 2025, a tapestry of three Indian classical dance forms was presented by ALPANA (Association for Learning Performing Arts & Normative Action), the premier organization of national capital at the C. D. Deshmukh Auditorium of India International Centre on 16 March 2025. Distinguished Guests at the event included Guru Smt. Kanaka Sudhakar, Bharatanatyam & Kuchipudi Exponent, President, S.U.N.A.INA., Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) Awardee and Kathak Exponent Guru Pt. Rajendra Gangani; Dr. Gulshan Rai, Former Cyber Security Chief, in PMO, India and Mr. Kamal Uddin Talukder, Former Secretary in the Federal Government of Bangladesh.
A.L.P.A.N.A. was launched in 2004 as a registered Society in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Its aims and objectives include working towards inclusive growth, promotion of visual and performing arts, holistic human development through performances, seminars, workshops, exchange programmes and publications. During the twenty-one years of its existence, A.L.P.A.N.A. has made significant contribution to its espoused cause of spreading awareness among today’s youth about the rich cultural heritage of India, especially Odissi Dance, Vocal and Instrumental Music.
Presently, A.L.P.A.N.A. Institute which is an integrated training institute has more than 150 students including 35 students with disabilities (Divyang students), pursuing courses in Odissi classical dance, folk dance, Hindustani vocal music, instrumental music, painting, sculpting and vocational crafts at three different Centres in national capital region. The Institute is a recognized training and examination centre of the Akhila Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal, Maharashtra.
The other programs which A.L.P.A.N.A. organizes every year are: INDRADHANUSH, a unique platform where Divyang students and other students perform together on the same stage; SAMBHAV, an international event to showcase the artistic and creative talents of Divyangjan from all over the world, BHOOMI PRANAM where A.L.P.A.N.A. launches its qualified students on professional platform.
Guru Smt. Alpana Nayak who leads the organization is an accomplished Odissi dancer hailing from Balasore. She, along with her disciples has performed extensively in India and in different countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
Guru Alpana Nayak has always been passionate about creating opportunities for the younger generation of dancers, as she believes that established, renowned Padmashree and Padmabhushan awardee dancers already have ample platforms to showcase their talent. In keeping with this vision, Nrityanjali was conceptualized as a dedicated space to uplift and support emerging artists, offering them a prestigious stage to present their art. This initiative ensures a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem where new and upcoming dancers receive the recognition and exposure they deserve.
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India supported ALPANA in hosting NRITYANJALI 2025 which started with Shankaravarana Pallavi, performed by the students of ALPANA. The word “Pallavi” has been derived from the Sanskrit word pallava, which means the bud of a leaf, or the shoots of a tree which are very tender. As a small seed grows gradually into a large tree, in Pallavi, a tune is sung in a particular raga and it develops gradually into different varieties. In this item equal importance is given to dance as well as music and rhythm. The movements in this item are extremely graceful and lyrical. Choreography is by Late Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra, Group choreography by Guru Shri Santosh Swain and Music composition by Late Guru Shri Bhubaneswar Mishra. The artists were Agamya Jain, Lavisha Gulati, Shreysha Singh, Nerissa Rout and Nimisha. They also presented “Dashavataar”, the ten primary avataar or incarnations of Lord Vishnu in the Hindu mythological canon.
Students of Guru Pt. Rajendra Gangani performed Kathak classical dance pieces. Also, the students of Guru Smt. Kanaka Sudhakar performed Bharatnatyam classical dance pieces.
NRITYANJALI 2025 ended with a grand finale, 'Vishwashanti with Ekyatana,' which was set to the powerful and uplifting shloka: 'Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niraamayaah.' This mesmerizing performance brought together all the dancers in a harmonious rendition, symbolizing unity, peace, and well-being for all. Their synchronized movements and emotive expressions created a deeply spiritual and moving experience for the audience, culminating the evening on a note of universal brotherhood and transcendence. The finale was jointly choreographed by the students of Guru Alpana Nayak, Guru Smt. Kanaka Sudhakar, and Guru Pt. Rajendra Gangani, seamlessly blending Odissi, Bharatnatyam, and Kathak to depict the essence of Moksh, the ultimate liberation of the soul.
