Cherishing Indian culture through music and dance

Dance, music, and art have always played a vital role in developing our aesthetic and artistic senses and perceptions. Rigchhandam, a premier institution excelling in dance, music, art, and elocution – which is a cultural wing of South Jodhpur Park Academy – presented 'Alochayar Shure', 'Prayash' and ' Samanyo Khoti' in their 17th Annual program held in GD Birla Sabhaghar.

It was the coming together of like-minded people with one basic objective in mind – propagation of traditional Indian values through Indian music and dance. The Academy members were honoured to have renowned Rabindrasangeet exponent Srabani Sen as its President, with the expectations that under her able guidance, they will be able to make progress in the right direction, and fulfill the designated objectives and aspirations.

The dance section is being looked after by Subhra Mandal, a disciple of Kathak legend Birju Maharaj as well as Shrimati Amala Shankar, the doyen of the Uday Shankar 'Creative' style of dance.

"Our main motto is to inculcate Indian values in our children and fellow members. Our rich culture and traditions should be cherished by one and all. With a batch of around 135 students from school kids to octogenarians, we believe that music plays a strong part in our daily lives, strengthening the heart and mind," said co-founder Subhra Mandal.

While tradition in these creative fields holds a unique position, it is very much true that innovation and new ideas add a relevant and modern dimension to these artistic forms of expression. The coming together of old and new is surely a healthy sign in the creative world.