The colourful lights brought into focus the time-resolute parts of the historic Sitabuldi Fort. Evening breeze soothed the day-frayed vegetation. The rocky part of the fort area formed the backdrop of well-illuminated stage on which the artists presented a blend of music, dance, and energy. Art became the bridge between the past and the present. This mesmerising ambience marked the launch of the Nagpur Cultural Society (NCS), and a new story was scripted for Nagpur -- by the artists and for the artists. The Who’s Who of Nagpur and connoisseurs gathered to witness, and appreciate, the artists at the venue. The stars above also made their presence felt through the blanket of night. With each performance by the artists, starting with ‘Ganesh Vandana’ and ‘Saraswati Vandana’, the members of the audience got engrossed in developing deeper understanding of the rich Indian culture, glorious history, proud present, and a promising future.

 

With a vision and passion for arts, to create an environment of cultural exchange and bring folk art to the forefront, the NCS was established a few months ago by and for the city’s art enthusiasts, aiming to revive, celebrate, and sustain arts. The launch event of NCS took place on Sunday featuring a spectacular dance-musical performance by the Natya STEM Dance Kampni from Bengaluru. STEM Dance Kampni led by Madhu Nataraj, Founder and Choreographer, and Guru Dr Maya Rao, Founder-Director and Mentor, have toured 36 countries. The entire presentation was segmented into various performances, each featuring a theme and dance style. Madhu Nataraj introduced the themes of acts and remarked, “The arts and cultures of India are very distinct, but they share one heartbeat.”

 

The first performance, titled ‘Unity in Diversity’, showcased a blend of Kathak and Bharatanatyam dance forms, martial arts, and folk dances from the North-West region of India, all set to rhythms that complemented each style. The second presentation was a group Tandav dance themed around the concept that creation, sustenance, and destruction are all embodied within Lord Nataraj. The performers showcased the energy and vigour of the powerful dance style. The following performance, ‘Panch Bhuta Mandala’, depicted five primal elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Sky. Introducing the highlight of the evening ‘Ramanubhav’, Madhu Nataraj remarked that in India, everything is garbed in mythology and symbolism. The act depicted key episodes from Lord Ram’s life, including his birth, childhood with his brothers, marriage to Sita, Lord Hanuman’s devotion, the burning of Lanka, and the defeat of Raavan. Each segment was complemented by devotional songs that aptly matched the storyline. The Krida act was conceptualised to celebrate the spirit of sports.

 

The event culminated with a pure Kathak classical dance performance, which gracefully showcased complex rhythmic patterns while remaining visually appealing. Rina Sinha, President, NCS, addressed the gathering and shared how the Society was formed. “Today, we launch the Nagpur Cultural Society as we embark on this journey at this historic place, this evening, this moment,” Sinha exclaimed. She stated that the NCS team believes in dreaming big and persevering until those dreams become a reality, and added that the Society will organise a wide range of art and culture-related events in the city.

 

The STEM Dance Kampni team received a standing ovation from the audience and was felicitated by the NCS team. Dr Suchitra Mehta, Joint Secretary, and Dr Sudhir Bhave, a member of the NCS team, conducted the event proceedings. Anuja Sharma, Secretary, delivered the formal vote of thanks. Major General S K Vidyarthi, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Uttar Maharashtra and Gujarat Sub Area (UMANG); Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, VSM, SMSO, Headquarters Maintenance Command; Vijayalakshmi Bidari, Divisional Commissioner; Dr Ravinder Singal, Commissioner of Police; Dr Vipin Itankar, District Collector; Sanjay Meena, Commissioner of NMRDA; Brigadier Rahul Dutt, Deputy GOC UMANG; Gargi Vidyarthi, Chairperson of FWO; Manu Kumar Shrivastav, and Ajay Sancheti, former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), were prominently present on the occasion.

 

The committee members of Nagpur Cultural Society including Rina Sinha, President; Dr Jaspal Arneja, Vice-President; Anuja Sharma, Secretary, Dr Suchitra Mehta, Joint Secretary; Dr Ajay Sood, Treasurer; Saniv Agrawal, Joint Treasurer; Ashok Daga, Vanita Agrawal, Anuja Chhajed, Dr Sudhir Bhave, Rajiv Choudhary, Suresh Sharma, Shyam Dewani, Dr Indu Arneja, Kanupriya Agarwal, Amitabh Sinha, Dr Shubhangi Bhave, Rajeshree Dewani, Sushil Sharma, Madhuri Daga, Kalpana Sharma also were present.