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Aalekh Foundation, a distinguished non-profit organization, in collaboration with Manasa-Art Without Frontiers, successfully hosted the Omkara Dance Festival and Parivartan Seminar at the India International Centre, New Delhi, on May 31 and June 1, 2024, under the esteemed guidance of renowned Odissi Dance Guru Sharon Lowen. This collaboration aimed to promote Indian classical dances and support performance artists from Odisha and Jharkhand.
The Aalekh Foundation is committed to promoting Indian culture and tradition to foster national development. By supporting classical arts and providing platforms for artists to showcase their talent, the Foundation actively contributes to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage, which aids in creating a more inclusive and cohesive society.
Dr. Rennie Joyy, Founder of the Aalekh Foundation, shared her views on the collaboration, stating, “Our collaboration with Manasa-Art Without Frontiers represents a shared commitment to nurturing India’s cultural legacy. Through events like the Omkara Dance Festival and Parivartan Seminar, we aspire to ignite the passion for our rich heritage and contribute to the cultural renaissance by frequently organising such events.”
The Omkara Dance Festival captivated audiences with its spectacular showcase of Seraikella Chhau by the ‘Trinetra’ Chhau Dance Centre from Seraikella, founded by the late Guru Pt. Gopal Dubey, a Padma Shri and SNA awardee. Additionally, the festival highlighted Odissi performances by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra’s senior disciple, Guru Kumkum Mohanty, and her disciples. The event also featured mesmerizing performances by Guru Sharon Lowen’s Manasa-Art Without Frontiers dance troupe and by the disciples of Guru Ranjana Gauhar, a Padma Shri and SNA awardee.
The following day, the Parivartan Seminar titled “Generational Change in Dance” brought together prominent figures in the dance world to discuss the evolution and preservation of Indian classical dance. The seminar featured invaluable insights from Smt. Kumkum Mohanty, who shared her extensive knowledge of Odissi dance, and Sunil Dubey, Director of the Trinetra Dance Centre, elaborated on the legacy of Padma Shri and SNA awardee Gopal Dubey. Navtej Johar, an SNA awardee and Bharatnatyam exponent, also shared his valuable experiences with the audience. Guru Sharon Lowen moderated the seminar, fostering a rich discussion on the generational changes in dance.
Expressing her contentment on the success of Omkara Dance Festival and Parivartan Seminar, Guru Sharon Lowen, said, “Our partnership with Aalekh Foundation brought desired results. It provided a platform for notable artists to share their craft and expertise in pursuit of conserving and promoting India’s rich dance heritage. Such collaborated efforts will help inspire future generations to appreciate and continue these traditions, thereby playing a crucial role in the country’s cultural and social development.