SELECT MUSIC
THE ANNUAL REPORT OF PRACHEEN KALA KENDRA
FOR THE YEAR 2019-2020
The Pracheen Kala Kendra which is known worldwide for its creative and promotional activities with regard to Indian classical art and culture since its inception in 1956, has registered many strides in multi-level growth, re-exploration of tradition, growing self-confidence and flowering of creative spirit of Indian culture through its sincere and dedicated efforts like previous years.
The year 2019 was marked by an all round progress in the various cultural and artistic activities foremost among them are the holding of examinations, imparting of training, conducting of research and organizing of cultural programmes by inviting acclaimed artists of Indian classical music and dance. It was all possible due to the sincere steps taken by the Kendra team as a result of which it was succeeded not only in maintaining the No. 1 position in the fields of its services but also rededicates itself to further the cause of the fine arts. The Kendra’s aim is to develop ways and means by which basic cultural and aesthetic values and perceptions remain active and dynamic among people. A report on the activities of the institution is as under:-
WORLDWIDE NETWORK OF CENTRES
The Kendra has a worldwide network of examination centres which specializes in education in the field of art and culture. It has more than 3500 affiliated institutions spread all over the country and abroad including USA, UK, Canada, France, Singapore, Mauritius, UAE, Kuwait, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, etc.
EXAMINATIONS
The examinations of Prarambhik, Bhushan, Visharad and Bhaskar conducted by the Kendra are enjoying considerable recognition. Since the Kendra is a recognized institution and its certificates and diplomas are treated at par with degrees by various State Governments/Education Boards/Universities, as a result of which, as many as 3,20,412 students appeared in different examinations of the Kendra in the session 2018-2019
TRAINING
Known for imparting quality training in Indian classical music, dance and fine arts (painting) at its complexes in Chandigarh , Mohali and New Delhi, the Kendra continued with its effort to educate as well as encourage the interest of young generation in these classical art forms under the guidance of noted teachers and Gurus of these fields.
15th CEREMONY OF GURU M.L. KOSER AWARD
The 15th annual "Guru M.L. Koser Award" instituted by Pracheen Kala Kendra for excellence in performing arts was presented at a scintillating function at Swami Vivekananda Auditorium at Kolkata. Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi , Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal was the Chief guest and conferred and award upon two renowned legends Pt. Samaresh Chowdhury (Renowned Vocalist) and Pt. Anandagopal Bandyopadhyay ( Famous Tabla Maestro) .The Governing Body of Pracheen Kala Kendra Sh. Sajal Koser, Secretary, Smt. Shobha Koser, Registrar and other members of Core Committee of Kolkata Region were also present at the said occasion. Award carrying a cash prize of Rs. 51 thousand ( each), a shawl, a citation and a memento for their lifetime contribution in promotion and dissemination of Indian Classical music. Award ceremony was followed by the remarkable recitals of the Maestros.
49th ALL INDIA BHASKAR RAO NRITYA & SANGEET SAMMELAN, 2019
The 49th session of All India Bhaskar Rao Nritya & Sangeet Sammelan which has gain popularity as one of the foremost awaited festival of Classical Music and Dance in India was held from March 12 to March 16th , 2019 . This event was studded with soulful Vocal Recital by Pt. Venkatesh Kumar , scintillating Violin by Ustad Asgar Ali Khan , melodic Flute recital by Sh. Ajay Prasanna , amazing Slide Guitar & Tabla jugalbandi by Sh. Debasish Bhattacharyya & Sh. Parimal chakraborty , crisp Tabla Jugalbandi by Sh. Ram Kumar Mishra & Rahul Mishra , pleasing Sitar recital by Sh. Soumitra Lahiri , incredible Sarod recital by Sh. Narendra Nath Dhar & remarkable Bharatnatyam presentations by Smt. Kanaka Sudhakar & Troupe . These remarkable presentations further enhanced high traditions set by the said prestigious Annual Festival of the Kendra . Kendra’s Chairman Sh. SK Monga IAS (Retd), Registrar Dr. Shobha Koser ,Secretary Sh. Sajal Koser were also present on the occasion.
As per the old tradition of Kendra , some illustrious personalities were also honored on this occasion Noted Vocalist Primila Puri, Senior Art Critic Sh. Ravindra Mishra , Noted Theatre & Television Personality Sh. Kamal Tewari and City’s senior Art Critic Sh. S.D. Sharma for their enormous contribution in their respective fields. They were felicitated with a shawl, memento, a citation and cash prize of Rs. of 25,000/- each.
MONTHLY BAITHAK & SPECIAL PROGRAMMES AT CHANDIGARH & MOHALI.
For the last twenty three years, the Kendra has taken care to provide a platform amongst others to the upcoming and talented performers in music and dance, on the 11th of every month to showcase their talent in the monthly baithaks and apart from this Kendra also organizes Special Programmes on various occasions , which by now have become a permanent feature of Kendra’s activities. During the previous year, some of the artistes who participated and performed in Monthly Baithaks and Special programmes include Kartika Singh, Onkar singh , Gurjant Singh, Neel Ranjan, Shabnam Nath, R.D. Kailey , Ranbir Kumar, Veena Mani, Reshma Shrivastava, Vinod Sehgal, Jaya Bhaskar , Mahendra Prasad Sharma, Ravinder Singh, Radhika Chopra, Chandan Das , Raaza Muraad, Suman Ghosh , Ritesh Rajnish Mishra , Supti Bardhan, Pt. Vishwamohan Bhatt, Sunena Gupta, Keerti Badsheshi, Jagadish Kurtakoti , Anup Bandhu, Sonal Shivkumar, Dharmesh Nargotra, Saroj Ghosh, Dhruv Sharma , Kamla Sankar and Anuradha Pal to name a few amongst a host of other prominent as well as promising and talented artists.
QUARTERLY BAITHKAS AT NEW DELHI
Since 2015, Pracheen Kala Kendra is also regularly organizing its quarterly Baithaks in New Delhi under the series “Legends of Tomorrow” and with the passage of time these quarterly baithaks have gained popularity among the music lovers and artists of the NCT of Delhi. These programmes have received good response and coverage in the media. This year various talented young and upcoming as well as well known exponents of performing arts like Soumitra Thakur (Sitar) , Shinjini Kulkarni (Kathak) , Anubrata Chatterjee (Tabla), Sounak Chattopadhyay (Vocal) , Adnan Khan (Sitar) with their remarkable performances casts magical spell in the quarterly baithaks which have become a successful platform and lot of young and talented artists have lined up to showcase their immense talent.
TWO DAY 7th GURU M.L. KOSER MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL AT NEW DELHI
As a tribute and in the memory of its Founder Guru M.L. Koser, Kendra is organizing one of a major Music and Dance festival at New Delhi named as “Guru M.L. Koser festival of Music and Dance” at New Delhi. This year this festival was held on 13th & 14th September, 2019 at Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi . Distinguished artists of the country performed in two day mega fest . This festival has gained immense popularity and incredible performances by prominent Sitarist Subrata De, Well known Vocalist Duo Mallick Bandhus , Renowned Flutist Chetan Joshi, , and famous Odissi Exponent Guru Jyoti Shrivastava & troupecaptivated the audience..
HOME PRODUCTION DANCE BALLET “ GANGA” BY THE STUDENTS OF KENDRA UNDER THE DIRECTION OF DR. SAMIRA KOSER
This year Kendra’s home production , a spectacular dance ballet “Ganga “ by the students of Kendra in the proficient direction of Eminent Kathak exponent Dr. Samira Koser received thunderous applause and rave appreciation. Prof. Saubhagya Vardhan , Director, NZCC graced the event as Chief Guest. Dr. Shobha Koser, Registrar and Sh. Sajal Koser , Secretary of Kendra were also present on this occasion. There are about 80 participants from the age of 5 to 55, who gave ample proof of remarkable training given by their Guru Dr. Samira Koser. This dance ballet is a Philosophical Perspective of Ganga through expressive moves of Kathak dance. . This dance ballet gave a message that we should awaken and purify Ganga as well as our souls and be good human beings before it’s too late.
A SPECIAL PROGRAMME OF KATHAK DANCE BALLET TITLED SHAKUNTALA
Kendra also organised a special programme of kathak dance in collaboration with Ambala based cultural organization and affiliated centre of Kendra . This Kathak Dance ballet presented by eminent Kathak exponent Shabnam Nath & her near about 50 disciples. The programme was organized at Tagore Theatre where Kendra’s Registrar Dr. Shobha Koser along with Secretary Sh. Sajal Koser were present. Prof. Saubhagya Vardhan , Director, NZCC graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Chief Justice Sh. S.S. Sodhi and IGP Sh. Charu Bali were present as Special guests. This ballet was conceptualized , choreographed and directed by Shabnam Nath. Sanskriti is also an affiliated centre of Pracheen Kala Kendra. This is a well-known story in India, occurring earlier in the Mahabharata, but immortalized by India’s most famous classical poet, Kalidasa. Shakuntala was a beautiful maiden who was the daughter of sage Vishwamitra and the nymph Menaka may be hailed as the ultimate tale in this genre.
SPECIAL PROGRAMME OF MUSIC ON THE OCCASION OF BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF GURU RABINDRA NATH TAGORE & KAZI NAZRUL ISLAM
Pracheen Kala Kendra organized a special program of Melodic Bengali Music to commemorate Birthday celebrations of Guru Rabindro Nath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. This soulful musical evening featured City based singers Sh. Subhashish Hazra , Smt. Nasrin Imam Hazra and Kolkata based singer Amrita Ganguly. These melodic artists regaled the city audience. The programme was held at Tagore Theatre
TALENT HUNT AWAZ OF INDIA AUDITIONS
With the aim to provide the platform to find the best voice in the country and to showcase the talent of the Indian singers and let them achieve excellence in their life. They are in search of talent from all parts of the country whether it be rural, urban and remote locations can participate in the competition. The mission of Awaz of India joined hands with Pracheen Kala Kendra for its 2019 auditions. . Pracheen Kala Kendra as venue Partner organised auditions at its Mohali complex. In the audition Kendra’s music faculty performed as judges for initial rounds and for final rounds there are eminent personalities of music world like eminent vocalist Nidhi Narang, renowned Sitar exponent Dr. Harvinder Sharma and others were present as judges .
In adult category Deepgagan got first prize and Rahul and Sahil Sharma got second and third positions in this round. In youth round Chayanika got first prize and Sukhdeep Kaur and Jagjot got second and third prizes. In Child group Aakriti got first prize and Avasha got second prize.
89TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF FOUNDER SH. M.L. KOSER WITH PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW & GHAZAL CONCERT
With due reverence and respect the Pracheen Kala Kendra salutes the prominence of Guru M.L. Koser , the Founder and architect of this institute of multi dimensional excellence.
To pay befitting tribute to the legend the Kendra organized three-day long group photography show by the Photo Journalists of Tri-city having the theme of “Art and Culture” in the cherished memory of Late Sh. Yog Joy , the eminent Photo journalist of astounding merit at PKK Art Gallery at its complex. 49 leading photojournalists of esteemed newspapers displayed their exhibits in the exhibition . This exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Shobha Koser , Registrar of the Kendra along with wife of late Sh. Yog Joy. Vote of thanks was given by Sh. Sajal Koser, Secretary of the Kendra. He was over whelmed while paying gratitude to the media for its unstinting support to the Kendra and its activities for last more than five decades. A chhabeel (Mitha jal langer sewa) was also arranged by the Kendra on this occasion
Kendra celebrated its Founder’s Birthday celebrations with a soulful concert of Ghazals by famous Ghazal singer Sh. Vinod Sehgal. Programme was held at Tagore Theatre, Sector-18, Chandigarh
PROGRAMMES IN COLLBORATION WITH GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
ICCR under the Horizon series in collaboration with Pracheen Kala Kendra organized a special programme titled as “Taala Vadya Kacheri studded with eminent group of artists lead by eminent Mridangam player Jaya Bhaskar . The program held in the M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium
Kendra also jopined hands with ICCR to organise a special programme of dance by gifted Kathak danseuse Asawari Pawar & her troupe who captivated the audience with their spell bound performances
>Ghazal aficionados of City Beautiful were treated to a mesmerizing performance by Jammu based young and talented Ghazal singer Dharmesh Nargotra at the Mehfil-e-Ghazal organized by the ICCR in collaboration with Pracheen Kala Kendra. This special programme was organized at M.L. Koser auditorium.
MYSTICAL MALHAR CELEBRATIONS WITH A GRAND EVENING OF MUSIC
Pracheen Kala Kendra organised a special programme “Majestic Malhar” to celebrate the showers of monsoon by Legendary Award winner Padama Bhushan Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt , Mohan Veena Creator and maestro at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh. Kendra ‘s Registrar Dr. Shobha Koser and Secretary Sh. Sajal Koser were present on this occasion. This event was a delight for music lovers of tricity.
75TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS OF GURU MAA SHOBHA KOSER, A LIFE DEDICATED TO KATHAK
Pracheen Kala Kendra organized a special programme in the context of 75th Birth day celebrations of its Co-Founder, “SNA Awardee Guru Maa Dr. Shobha Koser” a life dedicated to Kathak Nritya . The programme was studded with mesmerizing performances by the elegant disciples of Guru Shobha Koser. Programme was held at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh . A small documentary on Dr. Shobha Koser was also released on this occasion. On this occasion Kendra’s Chairman Sh. S.K. Monga,(IAS Retd) Secretary Sh. Sajal Koser and other distinguished guests like Smt. Rupan Deol Bajaj ,IAS (Retd), Prof. Saubhagya Vardhan , Director , NZCC , Mrs. Daisy Walia (Retd. HOD Punjabi University , Patiala were also present to share the words regarding their long association with Dr. Shobha Koser .
UNIQUE WORKSHOP , LECTURE CUM DEMONSTRATION
Pracheen Kala Kendra organized a unique workshop , Lecture cum Demonstration of gayan Vadan and Nritya by Legendary Mohan Veena Virtuoso Padmabhushan Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt Kathak Maestro & SNA Awardee Dr. Shobha Koser along with eminent vocalist Supti Bardhan. In this workshop near about 250 students participated not only from Chandigarh but also from Guru Nanak Dev University and other esteemed universities and colleges of Punjab region. . The seminar took place at Guru M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium of the Kendra, Sector 35-B, Chandigarh
All the eminent artists shared their vast experience through their vision and thoughts adding an intellectual perspective to their respective classical arts . Pandit Vishwamohan Bhatt ji demonstrated about sound modulation, Alankar, Taals, Vocal chord warm up, beats difference of Ragas and many more important intricacies of their classical music. Dr. Shobha Koser showed the intricacies of Kathak (Bhav paksh).
A COMPREHENSIVE WORKSHOP ON SOUTH INDIAN RHYTHMIC PATTERN BY MRIDANGAM EXPONENT MANNARKOIL BALAJI
Pracheen Kala Kendra organized a comprehensive workshop on South Indian Rhythmic Patterns by Well known Mridangam Exponent Mannarkoil J. Balaji from Chennai. Mridangam Exponent Balaji shared his immense experience through his vision and thoughts adding an intellectual perspective to his respective art.
The programme commenced with Fundamentals of South Indian Rhythm followed by approach to taalas and structure of Taalas . He also taught forming of jaatis and making rhythmic patterns . It was delight to see mathematical calculations of beats and their implications in taalas followed by gatis , changing pace in tala. He concluded with vivacious rhythmic solo presentation amidst thunderous applause.
NATIONAL KATHAK UTSAV ORGANISED BY PRACHEEN KALA KENDRA IN COLLABORATION WITH KATHAK KENDRA DELHI.
Pracheen Kala Kendra is the only organization engaged in the promotion of classical musical and dancing arts in the region. With the kind patronage of the public and media in particular, the Kendra has emerged as an institute of multidimensional excellence.
The Kathak classical dance is the main dance form of North India. This dance is occasionally performed by artists in the city from other states. With a view to create more awakening about salient features of the Kathak dance form of various Gharanas, the Kendra in collaboration with Kathak Kendra , New Delhi organized a two day Kathak festival in the city at Tagore Theatre on (19th October)) and Ms. Randhawa Auditorium on ( 20th October) . Artists like Dr. Kumkum Dhar (troupe), Guru Jaikishan Maharaj (troupe), Guru Rajendra Gangani (Solo), Amit Gangani (Solo) and Yasmin Singh & her troupe performed in this prestigious festival.
KARNATAKA UTSAV AT BANGALORE
To continue its glowing tradition of uplifting and enriching Indian classical Art and Culture, Kendra organized two day special mega event “Karnataka Utsava” on 10th & 11th October , 2019 at Gayaan Samaj Auditorium, Bengaluru . The eminent artists like Sh. Praveen Kumar (Bharatnatyam), Sh. Pravin Godkhindi (Flute), Pandit Vinayak Torvi (Vocal) and Pt. T.S. Krishnamurthy (Violin Trio) regaled the audience with their remarkable performances.
Mrs. Shalini Rajneesh (IAS) Principal Secretary, Government of Karnataka graced the occasion as Chief Guest and inaugurated the Utsav .Many other distinguish guests graced the musical evening as Special Guests. Kendra’s Registrar Dr. Shobha Koser and Secretary Shri Sajal Koser were also present on the occasion .
PARAMPARA , A MONTHLY SERIES
In 2015 PKK started monthly series under the name of Parampara in which stage exposure to all the students learning in various departments of Kendra. It giveS the confidence to the children and help them in their over all development. This year Kendra organised seven editions till date.
THEATRE WORKSHOP
In line with its tradition, Pracheen Kala Kendra also organized its 30 day long production oriented Children’s Workshop on Theatre under the guidance of noted theatre artist Anita Shabdeesh. Nearly 70 students ranging between five to sixteen years of age took part in the said workshop which as in the previous years, was a great success. In the workshop, the children were given lessons in theatrical arts like make-up, costume designing, stage decoration, speech, body movement, acting, mask-making etc. On the culmination day, the children gave a glittering performance of the workshop based items.
PUBLIC CHARITABLE AND WELFARE ACTIVITIES
During the last year the Kendra undertook a number of public welfare and charitable activities. The Kendra took special interest in the well being of the education, training, recreation and all-round growth of slum children who comprise a vast section of society. The Kendra lay special emphasis on the training and education of handicapped children also who have been physically and psychologically assisted by the Kendra from time to time. A lot of relief and recreation go into their well being. It has made a distinct difference to the quality of their lives. Kendra is a regular donor to WWF, CRY, Child care, Scawin India, Child Dreams Social Foundation, India HIV /AIDS Alliance, Impact Arts, Action & Association , Magic Bus India Foundation , Sense International India, Sesame Workshop India Trust etc.
Special scholarships are earmarked for poor and handicapped children and they are imparted free training in music, dance and other allied arts so as to enable them to stand out in the society. Organizing of programmes and conferences participating these children is one of the most important activities of the Kendra.
PRACHEEN KALA KENDRA’S 46TH ANNUAL CONVOCATION FOR THE EASTERN REGION
On Sunday, 6th January, 2019, Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh held its 46th Annual Convocation for the Eastern Region at Mahanayak Uttam Mancha, Kolkata. Although it was a cold winter’s day, the hall was packed to capacity – proof enough of the Kendra’s popularity in this part of the country. The Convocation began with a welcome address in which the organizers thanked the audience including the dignitaries present for gracing the occasion. This was followed by the inauguration of the Convocation by Sovondeb Chattopadhyay, Hon’ble Minister of Power & Non-conventional Energy Sources, Govt. of West Bengal who was Chief Guest, Debasish Kumar, Mayor-in-Council, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, a well-wisher of the Kendra and other dignitaries. The lighting of the lamp was followed by the inaugural song – a bhajan – presented by Smt. Sohini Roy Chowdhury. She was accompanied by Sanjit Ghoshal on tabla and Babu Bardhan on harmonium. This was followed by a brief introduction of the Kendra which is India’s No.1 institution dedicated to Indian art and culture. In his address, Sovondeb Chattopadhyay, Hon’ble Minister of Power & Non-conventional Energy Sources, Govt. of West Bengal, expressed his surprise at the expanse of the Kendra’s operations – the number of centres and the lakhs of students who have appeared for examinations in 2018-19. He spoke of the importance of culture – how it has to endure for a race to survive. He complimented the Kendra on its efforts to preserve Indian heritage and culture. He ended by reciting an ode to the poet, Kaji Nazrul Islam, that he himself has authored.
Addressing the Convocation, Debasish Kumar, Mayor-in-Council, Kolkata Municipal Corporation spoke about how privileged he was to be a part of the event. He went on to talk about how Kolkata and West Bengal has always been the cultural capital of India and urged the students to uphold the stature of the city and the state.
As in previous years, the Kendra lived up to its tradition of honouring prominent personalities. Well-known elocutionist, Pradip Ghosh, was felicitated with a Lifetime Achievement Award comprising a cash award of Rs 25,001, a shawl, a memento and a citation. Famous singer, Dr. Sreekumar Chattopadhyay was felicitated with a cash award of Rs 11,001, a shawl, a memento and a citation. Noted journalist, Pinakpani Ghosh, was presented with the Prodyot Bhadra Award for Excellence in Journalism, comprising a cash award of Rs 11,001, a shawl, a memento and a citation. Prior to presenting these tokens of appreciation, a citation, covering their achievements in a nutshell, was read. Addressing the Convocation, Pradip Ghosh congratulated the Kendra on the good work it is engaged in and shared a message of love and communal harmony. He spoke about how the Lifetime Achievement Award is an honour that makes him immensely proud, He enthralled the audience with a recitation in his inimitable style. Pinakpani Ghosh spoke about how the award puts additional responsibility on him to excel further in his sphere of work. He also reminisced about how he was a student of the Kendra many years ago. He stressed the need to be a good person in order to be great in one’s chosen field. In his keynote address, Sreekumar Chattopadhyay took a walk down memory lane, remembering his association with the Founder M. L. Koser and Smt. Shobha Koser from many decades back. He delighted the audience with a prayer song by Tagore which had the audience rising to its feet and singing along.
Felicitations over, superintendants of centres which sponsor the highest number of candidates to the various examinations of Pracheen Kala Kendra through main centre and main & sub-centres were honoured. The winners were Shri. Shyamapada Mukherjee, Sur-o-Chhanda, Durgapur & Shri. Bivas Basu, Geeta Dipan School of Music, 24 Parganas [North], West Bengal. Certificates & medals were handed over to the meritorious students of the Kendra in the Eastern region. The Guru M.L. Koser Award for Excellence, instituted by the Kendra in recognition of unparallelled services of its founder Guru M.L. Koser was also given as well as the Shri Sunil Koser Award for Excellence to the top students in Bhaskar and Visharad final examinations respectively. The Guru M. L. Koser Award went to Munmun Datta (Sen) (Nazrul Geeti), Dipa Paul (Recitation) & Koyal Singh (Bharatnatyam). The Sunil Koser Award went to Aindrila Kundu (Rabindrasangeet). The medals and certificates were presented to students by the dignitaries present, along with Ms Shobha Koser and Mr Sajal Koser.
The Convocation concluded with medals & diplomas of Sangeet Bhaskar & Visharad Final being presented to students by the dignitaries present, along with Smt. Shobha Koser, Registrar-cum-Treasurer of the Kendra and Shri Sajal Koser, Secretary of the Kendra.
