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 First ever IFID - the milestone of Sangeet Natak Akademi - Rashmita Adhikari, New Delhi e-mail: punarjjaniculturalcentre@gmail.com Photos courtesy: Sangeet Natak Akademi October 25, 2024 The magnificent first ever International Festival on Indian Dance, held from October 16 to 21, 2024, in New Delhi showcased some of the most brilliant and mesmerising diversity of Indian dance forms hosted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, The festival blended intellectual discourse with thought-provoking seminars in the AP Shinde Symposium Hall and the live performances took place in the Kamani Auditorium, attracting global attention to the country's rich dance heritage. The event was inaugurated by Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. More than 200 speakers delivered speeches on 30 different and unique topics throughout the event. 16 astonishing performances from artistes around the world made a groundbreaking history. Not only that, 6 days of ambience performance at AP Shinde Hall by different folk groups dazzled everyone with their culturally alluring performances.   Led by renowned and distinguished figures in the arts, these sessions covered a diverse range of subjects. The subject matter ranged from the origins of classical Indian dance styles such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, to modern-day concerns like the influence of technology on traditional art practices. The discussions offered fresh insights into how dance can continue to adapt and flourish in today's fast evolving world while staying firmly grounded in its historical and cultural roots.  While the daytime sessions were intellectually stimulating, the evenings provided an artistic and emotional experience wherein the Kamani Auditorium transformed into a vibrant showcase of Indian dance. Performers from across the globe took the stage, blending classical, folk and modern dance forms. Renowned artists such as Joravarsinh Jadav (Vice Chairman of SNA), Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, Guru Vimala Menon, Guru Puru Dadheech, Guru Raja-Radha Reddy, Guru Darshana Javeri graced the occasion with their exceptional artistic skills. The event also had a captivating photographic exhibition, Heritage Gems of Indian Dance, showcasing the unfailing aura of the Indian dance forms. Revered figures like Minister of Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Tourism, Suresh Gopi and Laxman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Assam were among the chief guests during the event on various days.  Not only the performances, the festival also addressed prime challenges faced by today's artistes. Engaging discussions explored the impact of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies in dance, providing fresh insights into how modern tools could transform the performing arts. Moreover, conversations about corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable funding models sparked ideas on how artistes can navigate a rapidly evolving economic environment, ensuring long-term support and growth in their creative endeavours. The Sangeet Natak Akademi's Chairperson, Dr. Sandhya Purecha, noted that while it is essential to preserve the cultural heritage of Indian dance, it is at the same time necessary to innovate and adapt in order to ensure the survival and relevance of these art forms in the future.  As the festival drew to a close, its profound impact was undeniable. The final ceremony was graced by Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon'ble Vice President, in the presence of the distinguished Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Minister of Culture & Tourism) and Hema Malini (Member of Parliament). While addressing the audience, The Vice President urged the Ministry of Culture, along with the Sangeet Natak Akademi, to take proactive steps in nurturing lesser-known dance forms and promoting them. Each district in India has its unique cultural identity, and he said that we must ensure that these art forms do not fade into oblivion. The festival was an extensive project, not only in its scale but also in its cultural importance. It brought together a diverse group of participants, including dancers, scholars, policymakers, and philanthropists, promoting a culturally rich exchange of ideas and encouraging collaboration across various sectors.  Rashmita Adhikari is a freelance writer with a lifelong passion for storytelling. Having completed her Master's in Sociology, she is deeply interested in arts and culture, continuously exploring these subjects to enrich her writing. Rashmita is currently working as content editor at Punarjjani Bharat. |
