A cultural spectacle titled Maatru Vandana ,was presented by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence at London’s Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan recently. The event celebrated the centuries-old British tradition of Mother’s Day through Indian cultural story. Best wishes from His Majesty King Charles to Sanskruti Centre’s presentation was read out on the occasion. Through a display of Bharatanatyam, Manipuri, Mohiniattam, Kuchipudi and Kathak dance styles, the ancient story of Sapta Maatruka- the Mother Heptad sourced from Matsya Purana and other texts was soulfully presented. The presentation highlighted the key role of mothers in inculcating values, protecting and mentoring, and the role of divine mothers in preserving the balance between creation and cessation.
The event, anchored by international speaking champion Sushil Rapatwar and Prachi Ghotankar, both on team BHF Radio, started with lighting of the lamp by BAFTA member Paul Brett, Prof. Peter Austin of SOAS, author Tejendra Sharma MBE and Parvati Nair, followed by invocation song by Anjana Vasa. After brief performances by Dr Debanjali Biswas (Manipuri), Debabrata Pal (Odissi) and Arundhati Srinivasan (Bharatanatyam), and by Madhusri Prasanna, Darshika Vijay, Srihitha Shunkishala and Nischitha Mohan, tributes to mother and mother goddesses was presented by ENT specialist Dr Srinivas Merugumala, and young dancers Shreya Khare, Kritika Vulchi, Aditi Mote, Ayati Shanmugam, Devanshi Uppula, Diya Shanmugaraj, Diya Vishwanath, Kaavyajhari, Manasvi Ravuri, Meera Appilose, Sanvitha Gunda, Shriya, Sucheta Mangalagiri, Shravani Shivshankar, Sai Samruddhi Vuthpala, Sweccha Manikireddy, Tanushreya, Yoshita Chama, Ahana Hegde, Ananya Vilina, Anuja Tirumalasetty, Dr Ruthvika Bhandari, Saanvi Didigam, Shreyashvini Gunda, Vanamala Acha and Vinmayi Gopathi.
The eminence of seven cosmic mothers in battle with multitude of demons was presented by Sanvika Kommineni (Brahmani), Dr Debanjali Biswas (Maheshwari), Manju Sunil (Koumari), Lakshmi Pillai (Vaishnavi), Sree Lalitha Kotla (Varahi), Priya Kushwaha (Indrani) and Dr Ragasudha Vinjamuri (Chamunda). The dance recital symbolized the struggle between wisdom and ignorance. A beautiful Nritta Chitra was demonstrated by Debabrata Pal on Devi Chamunda. The event concluded with a vote of thanks acknowledging sponsors Syam Puli, Punjab National Bank and all who have made the event successful.
As a post event response, Paul Brett said “It was a spiritual tribute to motherhood, creativity and divine essence in each one of us. I was lucky to attend it”. Prof. Peter Austin said “It was a wonderful series of performances by talented children and adults ranging from 6 to 65, showcasing ,how Indian culture is being maintained and developed here in the UK. A tremendously enjoyable evening of culture, music and dance and I feel privileged to have been able to experience it”. Sanskruti Centre, an arts charity, recently became Finalist in the prestigious British Diversity Awards 2025 for its work involving dance and performing arts in a multitude of contexts.
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