April 30, 20.08 PM IST || Pocket News Alert
APRIL 30: ‘World Dance Day’ was celebrated by Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Union Ministry of External Affairs, in the auditorium of Red Cross Bhawan, Kachi Chawni, by organizing a seminar, workshop and also felicitating prominent choreographers of Jammu region.
Speaking on the occasion the Regional Director of ICCR Jammu, Balwant Thakur, dwelt in detail about the history of this auspicious day of the dancers fraternity. He informed that in Jammu, this day is being celebrated for the first time and the mission behind is to reflect upon the scene of dance practice in this region and also to ponder upon the measures to improve its quality and respectable presence.
Interestingly, this function was attended by the majority of the dancers and choreographers and amongst them five prominent choreographers who have excelled to establish their unique styles and forms were given the opportunity to share their views and conceptions.
The youngest among them Aakash Dogra while speaking on the occasion, impressed upon the need of holding workshops and creating a connect with the traditional practitioners. JR Sharma (Jackson) discussed the present poor State of Government patronage to the development of the art of dance and appealed the authorities for the enhancement of the remuneration being offered to professional dancers in J&K.
Rakesh Kumar Kona revealed certain realities of the dance world of Jammu where internal fighting and un-acceptance for each other’s work is damaging the growth of the dancing standards of Jammu. He wanted all to find out ways and means to flush out this negativity. Randhir Kumar who retired as choreographer from J&K Cultural Academy underlined his own initiative in raising the standards and quality of local dance presentations.
The man who made this day special was the senior most dancer and choreographer, a product of Kathak Kendra- Pandit Naryan Prashad. His presentation was a mixture of workshop and demonstrations and he strongly stressed on the need of establishing the institution of ‘Guru Shishya Prampara’.
At the culmination of the programme, all the five choreographers were felicitated by ICCR Jammu. The felicitations were done by Regional Director ICCR, Balwant Thakur; Secretary, Red Cross, RC Puri and PP Sharma, former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K Government.