Virasat returns to the city

Virasat is back in the city. The programme, promoted by non-profit organisation Spicmacay, is dedicated to Ustad Amir Khan, Jehangir Sabavala, Palghat Mani Iyer, Satyadev Dubey and Saadat Hasan Manto.

This annual series will comprise performances and workshops in classical music, classical arts and folk, apart from informal discussions, theatre, heritage walks, puppet theatre, screening of classical movies, craft workshops among others. 

On inauguration day, there were performances by Hindustani vocalist Girija Devi and classical dancer Malavika Sarukkai at St Stephen's College. The event was attended by the huge group of students from all over Delhi NCR. 

‘Virasat seeks to conserve and promote an awareness of rich and heterogeneous cultural values among the youth of this country by highlighting the classical arts,' said Spicmacay. 

'Spicmacay came to us with their idea to host the cultural fest with the motto of giving exposure to the young generation about our rich heritage,' said Shinjini Kulkarni, coordinator, St Stephens college. 'It has been a long association with Spicmacay. But I personally feel that every Indian should come forward and support us,’ said tabla player Mithilesh Jha who performed on Friday. 'India is best known for its heritage and being an Indian citizen we should treat it as our privilege. I wish that Virasat 2012 will add melody,’ he added. 

One can look forward to a screening of Charulata by Satyajit Ray today, followed by a Dhrupad performance by Wasifuddin Dagar and santoor by Shivkumar Sharma in the days to come.