Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence, together with the Nehru Centre, has marked 350 years of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji on 22 June. The informative & entertaining program included songs, dances, poetry, drumming, speeches, and presentations that captivated the packed audience for about two and a half hours.
Deputy Director of TNC Sanjay Sharma rendered opening words to the evening. A short film was shown outlining the forts that Shivaji captured from the age of 16, and his Dakshin Digvijay campaign. Songs on live music were presented by Prachi Ranade and her team, Ganesh Vandana by Vishwam Kathak Kendra- choreographed by Priya Kushwaha. Poetry recitation by Rupali Shilankar, Indrajimi song by Dr. Shivanand Jadhav & team, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati and Marathi dances by Harsha Srinivas & team, Manju Sunil & team, Vanamala Acha, Shakti Women’s group & Aylesbury Telugu Community were vibrant and catchy.
Minister (Coordination) Shri Deepak Choudhary’s accentuation of Shivaji’s principles, Captain Munish Chauhan’s speech, Kalaripayattu demonstration by Hrishikesh Kizhikkiyil were very befitting to the occasion. Sushil Rapatwar dressed as Shivaji Maharaj narrated the magnificent coronation ceremony at Raigad 350 years ago.
Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Founder of Sanskruti Centre, spoke on Siddis- the East African migrants to India, and their role in Shivaji’s battles, which was followed by lively African drumming by Steven Kasamba and Siddi dance by Preetha Sukesh.
Dr. Vishwesh Kulkarni, who attended the event says “Whereas 3 representatives of the UK had attended the coronation of Shivaji in 1674, presenting him a tribute of diamond head jewel, diamond bracelets, and pearls, more than a hundred London residents paid an enthusiastic cultural tribute to his coronation in this magnificent event organised by the Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence. A recitation of Kavi Bhushan’s poem and Vedic mantras that had featured in his coronation was followed by songs, dances, and martial arts performances from different regions of India that Shivaji had influenced in his lifetime including Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamilnadu & Telugu land. A pleasant surprise was the drum performance from an African artist.”
Another attendee Sonoo Malkani says “I had tears in my eyes watching the beautiful presentation throughout. The dances, songs, and speeches were all delectable and reflected unity in diversity. Learned so much, especially about the grandeur of the Coronation and his naval prowess plus success in the industry with 600 ships just for trading!”
“We were brought up with the history of India which my grandparents proudly talked about with reference to Jijabai, who was a true warrior mother of Shivaji Maharaja’s making! The presentations at the commemoration of Shivaji coronation event with such gusto and wonderful content just baffled us” says Pravina Vandra, another member of the audience.
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very good