Hindustani classical dance is a cultural enigma and carrying forward the Indian virasat, Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Vasundhara in association with SPIC MACAY, Ghaziabad Chapter was a proud host to the first-ever Virtual Lec-Dem by illustrious Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Kavita Dwebedi, an Odissi Danseuse on September 28, 2020.
A maestro and exponent of Odissi dance form, Kavita Dwibedi ji, enthralled and captivated around 500 spectators virtually in the Virasat Series 2020. Through her performance, she exemplified that Dance is an art that imprints on the soul, it is a ritual performance of human expressions that and energises the mind and the body. A dancer of vision and versatility, Kavita ji said that the unprecedented times of Covid-19 cannot dampen the spirit of the Indian cultural heritage and through this first virtual performance, it was her endeavour to continue the holistic learning of the youth. Ebullience personified, Kavita ji, mesmerised the audience with her vibrant Abhinaya and highly individual dance style. With her graceful movements, supple footwork, subtle eye movements and a sinuous grace, Kavita ji’s performances on Shiva Stuti and Radha Krishna Leela had a divine quality. She showcased a vast range of emotions, serenity, pathos of varied notes and the Nav Rasa. Through her lecture, Kavita Dwebedi elaborated upon the historical background of Odissi, sculpturesque postures, music, costume, jewellery, percussion instruments and the distinct devotional flavour of the Odissi dance style.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the divine lamp by the Chief Guest Kavita Dwebedi and the Principal cum Director, Mrs. Manju Rana. Guest of Honour, Vice-Chairperson, Seth Anandram Education Society, Mrs. Sunita Jaipuria extended a hearty welcome to Kavita Dwebedi and congratulated the efforts of the school and SPIC MACAY in hosting the 1st Virtual performance and carrying forward the Indian legacy during trying times.
Principal cum Director, Mrs. Manju Rana also welcomed the esteemed dignitaries and in her speech recounted with nostalgia as the school missed the buzz and fervour of SPIC MACY due to COVID -19. But on a positive note she said that the pandemic had in another way opened up the whole world virtually and brought everyone on one virtual podium. She also enumerated that, it was heartening to see the way SPICMACAY was making the best of it, reaching out to more students, crossing boundaries and bringing the acclaimed celebrities on one platform.
The event was also graced by the Virtual presence of Shri. Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman, Seth Anandram Education Society, Mr. Vinod Malhotra, Senior Advisor, Jaipuria Group of Institutions and Mr. Harish Sanduja, Director Schools, along with other eminent guests, teachers, Jaipurians and students from neighbouring schools.
Kavita Dwebedi ji was overwhelmed by the hospitality and welcome of Jaipuria School. She also praised the well-organized and humble demeanor of the students and teachers under the mentorship of Principal cum Director Ma’am. She expressed her gratitude to the School and the Head Mistress & Coordinator Spic Macay, Mrs. Indu Kohli for smoothly organising the first Virtual lec-dem. In her lecture-demonstration, Kavita ji shared with the students how classical art spurs the imagination of the youngsters. She advocated the importance of discipline to sustain art in this world of multi-tasking and mentored the students to practice with complete sincerity and dedication.
The day concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Vinod Malhotra who conveyed his appreciations to Kavita ji and lauded about the abhinaya and divineness of Odissi dance styles. He also said that gone are the days when the realms of learning were confined to books alone and students should retrace their roots while taking up a multitude of career options.
