SURANGANA PATNA HOSTS TWO DAY PADMASRI VISHWABANDHU FOLK DANCE-DRAMA FESTIVAL

SURANGANA PATNA HOSTS TWO DAY PADMASRI VISHWABANDHU FOLK DANCE-DRAMA FESTIVAL

14-APRIL-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA---------------------------A grand two-day "Padma Shri Vishwabandhu Folk Dance-Drama Festival and Felicitation Ceremony" was organized on April 7–8 at the local Premchand Rangshala in Patna. The event was held in memory of Vishwabandhu—a nationally renowned folk dancer and posthumous recipient of the Padma Shri—who was the founder of 'Surangan', one of the country's most distinguished and celebrated cultural organizations based in Patna (Bihar).

On the occasion of the felicitation ceremony, the Secretary of Surangan—himself an artist, a proponent of the Uday Shankar style of dance, and a dancer—honored several distinguished individuals for their exceptional and remarkable contributions in their respective fields. These honorees included cancer specialist Dr. Jitendra Singh; Varun Kumar Sinha, President of the BJP's Art and Culture Cell; artist Nilesh Mishra; senior danseuse and founder of the cultural organization 'Ninad', Dr. Neelam Chaudhary; senior poet, litterateur, and journalist Dr. Bindeshwar Prasad Gupta; Dr. (Prof.) Vijayalakshmi, Principal of Ganga Devi Women's College; and Dr. (Prof.) Shruti, Principal of the Government Women's College, Gulzarbagh, Patna. They were felicitated by being draped in an *Anga Vastram* (honorary stole) and presented with a commemorative memento.

The program commenced with a *Nrityanjali* (dance tribute) featuring a *Guru Vandana* (Ode to the Guru) composed by Sahjo Bai, which poignantly portrayed the glory of the Guru and their role in spreading the light of knowledge. Following this, a short documentary film highlighting Vishwabandhu Ji's life and his invaluable contributions to the world of art was screened.

During the festival, traditional folk dances of Bihar—specifically *Chaiti*, *Kajri*, *Godna*, and *Bidesia*—were presented in a fresh and creative style, which was highly appreciated by the audience. For these performances, female students had previously undergone training through a series of dance workshops conducted at various colleges. Furthermore, among the tribal folk dances of Bihar, the Jhamta and Jharka dances performed by the Tharu tribe added a special attraction to the program. Senior danseuse, founder-secretary of 'Ninad', and former administrative official, Neelam Chaudhary, suggested that just as the mere mention of Bhangra dance evokes the province of Punjab, and Kalbelia dance brings to mind Rajasthan, Bihar, too, should possess a folk dance of similar stature—one that instantly identifies the state upon being named—such as the Jhinjhiya dance and other similar forms that lend a distinct identity to Bihar.

On the second day of the festival, artists from 'Surangan' presented a powerful and captivating dance-drama titled 'Anant Anurag' (Eternal Love), based on the compositions of the poet Vidyapati—a master of both *Bhakti Ras* (devotional sentiment) and *Shringar Ras* (romantic sentiment).

Inspired by the immortal poetic stream of Vidyapati, this performance portrays love as an eternal truth and a spiritual experience. At the heart of this ethereal poetic realm stand Radha and Krishna—the ultimate symbols of infinite love. Their romance depicts that eternal cosmic play (*Leela*) of union and separation—moments that oscillate between the pinnacle of bliss and the profound depths of longing. Radha embodies surrender and devotion, while Sri Krishna represents the embodiment of Supreme Consciousness—the divine entity with whom the soul unites to realize its true essence.

Through a powerful synthesis of dance, music, and emotion, this performance transports the audience to a divine moment where time itself seems to stand still, and love reveals itself in its absolute fullness.

In this dance-drama, Debatunya Bera, in the role of Radha, and Rudra Prasad Roy, as Krishna, mesmerized the audience with their exquisite dance and acting prowess. Among the supporting artists, Anandini Baliyal, Vishal Kumar, Pratyush Sen Gupta, Sanjana Dhara, Rishika Sardar, Kusum Sujata, Devo Shree, Archita, and Srishti delivered an impressive display of their exceptional dancing skills.

The second presentation was 'Bihar Darpan' (Mirror of Bihar)—a dance-drama celebrating the glory of our home state, Bihar. It compellingly answers the question: Why should we take pride in Bihar? ...A truth that every resident of Bihar ought to know. It explores the historical, political, cultural, and religious facets of Bihar... The dance-drama *Bihar Darpan*—distinguished by its attractive and impactful presentation—featured a script and lyrics by Shanti Jain, music by Sitaram Singh, conceptualization by Vishwa Bandhu, and direction by Jitendra Chaurasia.

Prior to this, the audience was treated to a screening of a documentary film offering a brief retrospective of the artistic and cultural journey of Padmashri Vishwa Bandhu, thereby allowing them to witness his lifelong dedication as a dancer and his vibrant performances.

Today, Surangan honored Ambuj Kumar Singh, a mathematics teacher at Martin Girls' School, in recognition of his association with the organization spanning the past 35 years. Surangan also honored Jyoti Parihar, Director of Kilkari, as well as—posthumously—the organization's artists Snehlata Singh and Ashok Kumar Sinha, for their invaluable contributions.

The proceedings on both days were anchored with great dignity by the renowned and spirited journalist Kishore Keshav, who left no stone unturned in establishing a unique and indelible identity through his eloquent oratory, effectively serving as a bridge between the artists, the stage, and the audience. The program concluded successfully with a vote of thanks delivered by the organization's President, Vidhi Saundarya, following the felicitation of all the participating artists.

On this occasion, the Head of the BJP's Art and Culture Cell... Yaksha Varun Kumar Singh, veteran artist Nilesh Mishra, *Dainik Hindustan* senior journalist Ashish Kumar Jha, senior independent journalist Dr. Bindeshwar Prasad Gupta, research scholar Vaishali, Prof. (Dr.) Suryamani Singh,

Sohini Priya—an Assistant Professor at Patna Women's College—along with Mohini Priya, Geeta Gupta, and Dr. Natwar Kumar—a teacher at Ram Mohan Roy Seminary School—were among the many distinguished intellectuals, professors, physicians, artists, and art and music enthusiasts from the city who graced the occasion with their presence, adding immense luster to the ceremony and bringing it great honor.

All in all, in this dance-drama presented in the Uday Shankar style, the artists showcased their exceptional dancing prowess. Furthermore, the entire artistic fraternity—including Jitendra and Kishor Keshav from *Surangan*, as well as myself (Bindeshwar Prasad Gupta)—working collectively at their respective levels and employing their unique styles and methods, succeeded in bringing the memory of Padmashri Vishwa Bandhu to life. In doing so, they proved themselves capable of leaving an indelible, magnificent, and unforgettable impression upon the minds and hearts of the audience through this two-day "Vishwa Bandhu Folk Dance Festival"—and to say so would be no exaggeration.