An event titled Aadya Pujya was organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence at The Bhavan in London recently. The interesting Sanskrit in Arts series program highlighted Ganeshavatara Strotra from Mudgala Purana, making it the world’s first performance on the composition through performing arts. The story was presented through different dance styles of Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kuchipudi, Kavadi and also included Kalaripayattu, the martial art form of South India. 38 young and professional artists went on to stage with their invocatory and stotra presentations in this enchanting Music and Dance showcase.
Dr MN Nandakumara MBE, Dr Rishi Handa, Tejendra Sharma MBE, Cllr Karthik Bonkur and Cllr Sharad Jha lit the lamps to begin the show auspiciously and symbolically, as it was leading to new knowledge and awareness. Renowned artist Pramod Prasanna Kumar Rudra Patna presented Veena recital, accompanied by Satheesh Gummadavelly on Mrudangam. Shayaree from India, Shreya Khare and Kritika Vulchi have presented dances. The eight avataras in the Ganeshavatara Stotra were presented by Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Manju Sunil, Monidipa Seal, Sree Lalitha Kotla, Anvi Prabhu, Lakshmi Pillai, Sanvika Kommineni and Hrishikesh Kizhikkiyil, beautifully outlining the stories of demons such as Matsarasura, Madasura, Krodhasura, Lobhasura, Ahamkarasura etc. subdued by Ganesha in his various Avataras of Vakratunda, Dhumravarna, Vikata, Vighnaraja, Lambodara, Mahodara etc.
The presentation visibly had a profound impact on the audiences, more than 200 in number, as the message laid emphasis on beating the flaws and inner demons, the negative traits such as arrogance, anger, greed, overly pride, jealousy, possessiveness, controlling which would ultimately lead to transformation and spiritual development. The program content was conceived and choreographed by Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Founder of Sanskruti Centre, and anchored by Sushil Rapatwar and Radhika Joshi. The music was composed by Phani Narayana.
Invocations were presented by Adithi Mote, Ahana Hegde, Ananya, Anuja Tirumalasetti, Ayati Yuvaraj, Devanshi Uppula, Diya Viswanath, Diya Shanmugam, Meera Shaji, Sanvitha Gunda, Sai Samruddhi Vuthpala, Shravani Sivashankar, Sucheta Mangalagiri, Sweccha Manikireddy, Vanamala Acha, Vinmai Gopathi, and Yoshitha Chamarthi, Deekshaga Saravanan, Janani Rajesh, Jananyasri Karthik, Madhusri Prasanna, Sanvi Kumar, and Sanvi Pavan.
The evening concluded with food offered by Shreeya’s Restaurant, coordinated by Harinath Lingala and Renu Gidoomal.
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It is great to read about such important events taking place at The Bhavan and would be even better to regularly publish their event schedule so that wider public are aware. Sanskrit is our Mother language and basis of our ancient culture. More awareness with younger generation will only be possible with such programmes