CHICAGO: Twenty six cultural organizations across Midwest area of USA got together to stage spectacular performances showcasing huge cultural heritage and diversity at the initiative of Consulate General of India in Chicago The spectacular cultural event, “Kala-Utsav-2015”, was held on November 1 at Copernicus Center, Chicago.
The event primarily designed to keep Indian cultural flag flying and have the mainstream American know about Indian cultural heritage was a platform for over 230 renowned Indian artists, from across Illinois, Indiana, IOWA, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
The traditional lamp lighting ceremony was performed by Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India with OP Meena, Head of Chancery at the Consulate, and members of Executive Committee of Kala Utsav.
This was followed by singing of the Indian National Anthem and the US National Anthem.
Over 1500 people, belonging to all nationalities, including a large number of diplomats from different countries and elected officials, attended the event.
Dr Sayeed, in his inaugural address, said that Indian culture is rich, unique, time-tested, and multifaceted. He underlined the need for protecting it, considering the onslaught of pseudo modernity and surging tide of herd mentality of blindly following Western culture. India Consul OP Meena also addressed the gathering and welcomed all.
He called upon efforts to increase cultural literacy on the part of the younger generation. He congratulated the Indian community organizations for their endeavors in this direction.
Senator Mark Krik, in his message, congratulated Ausaf Sayeed and Indian-Americans on the occasion. Chicago Kalakshetra Team of 13 artists performed “Chenda Melam” at the opening ceremony, which was followed by a string of stunning performances.
The segment dedicated to “Regional Cultural Events” was a rich tribute to cultural diversity of India. Over 65 artists presented seven distinctive dance forms of their respective States.
The North Western team presented the high-energy Punjabi folk dance, Bhangra. The team of Rina Thakur from Himachal Pradesh presented the folk dance in the backdrop of a song “Piya Basanti Re”.
The presentation of team “Ghungru” of Kerala brought together grandeur of Kathakali, grace of Mohiniyattam, elegance of Thirvathirakkali, and a flavor of Murals Arts. Utkala Center for Odissi Dance presented an Odissi composition, Pallavi. Sriranga Dance Academy, Tarana Kathak Dance Academy and Maharashtra Mandal Chicago presented Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Lavani dance forms, respectively.
There were six presentations under “Contemporary/Fusion” in which over 50 artists participated. These presentations, which highlighted the pressing societal issues by using the medium of dance, captured hearts of the audience.
Kamlesh Patel, a physically handicapped dancer and star of a television reality show, presented a dance performance and conveyed a message that determination results in victory over disabilities.
The presentation of Soorya Dance School, based on the ‘Nirbhaya’ case – the horrific gang rape which occurred in Delhi -brought the audience to tears and also raised awareness about the importance of women’s security.
The presentation of Nithyanjali School of Dance revolved around the rhythms in the nature. Aananda Dance Theater presented an innovative piece, “Kaalachakram”, which referred to the never-ending cycle of destruction and creation.
Bharatam Academy of Dance Arts presented a dance piece that explores the joy of movements set to fusion music. The students of Bollywood Rhythms presented another fusion piece that used loud music and strong dance movements and provided a foot tapping experience to the audience.
Natyarpana School of Dance, Nrithya Bharathi Institute of Dance, Natya Dance Theatre, Noopura Dance Academy, and Nrithya Sangeeth School of Dance presented five Bharatnatyam performances, with about 25 artists, inter alia, in praise of Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu.
In the Music Performance category there were five presentations, mostly classical in nature, with over 55 artists, by Rajaveena School of Music, Rama Advanced Music Academy, Veena Gaana School of Music, Ensemble of Raagas, and Manjusha Sangeet Academy.
Finally, the journey ended on a pleasant note. Two hilarious dramas, with 15 actors, “Kanya Daan” and”Political Satire”, presented by Dramatech and Mandi Theater Group, respectively, kept the audience rolling into unstoppable spells of laughter.
OP Meena proposed a vote of thanks.
Sanjog Aul and Saroja Ravi, the MCs, added value to the event by their captivating interventions.
Asian Media USA
