SELECT MUSIC
THE ANNUAL REPORT OF PRACHEEN KALA KENDRA
FOR THE YEAR 2018-2019
PREFACE
Pracheen Kala Kendra , a well known institution imparting quality education, training and conducting examinations in the field of performing and visual arts for the last 60 years, having its Headquarters in Chandigarh, an enormous sister set-up in Mohali (Punjab), a zonal office for Eastern India at Kolkata, Liaison offices at Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Patna, (Bihar) , Jorhat (Assam) and a regional office at New Delhi, being one of the oldest, premier and prestigious organizations of the country dedicated to the promotion, preservation and propagation of Indian classical arts and having network of more than 3800 affiliated centres situated all over India and abroad with the student strength of over 3.23 lakh (three lakh and twenty three thousand) has assumed the status of one of the largest organization of its kind in present times.
Pracheen Kala Kendra, , Kendra is committed to provide learner’s access to the classical arts irrespective of their age, religion, gender and region keeping in mind the fundamental values of Indian philosophy and spirituality.
As in the last six decades , Kendra , towards fulfillment of its Aims and Objects of not only to provide quality education in the field of classical music , dance & fine arts (painting) under the Guru-Shishaya Parampara but so also to organized cultural events all over India inviting renowned as well as immensely talented young artists to present their choicest of items on the prestigious stage of Kendra. Kendra also held seminar, workshops, exhibitions etc.
This year also continued to make all out efforts for achieving excellence and high standard of examinations. The examinations were held smoothly all over India and abroad under the direct supervision of the authorities and the authorized associates of the Kendra. This year total number of students appeared 3,23 ,658 from all over India and abroad out of which out of which 923 appeared in Sangeet/Chitra Bhaskar Final (M.Mus.) and 7389 in Sangeet /Chitra Visharad Final (B.Mus.) and rest appeared in different examinations of Kendra. Pass percentage for Bhaskar is 96.42% and Visharad is 89.51%
CULTURAL EVENTS
Towards the fulfillment of its Aims and objects and also working and establishing itself as an institution of National Presence and Importance, Kendra continued to organize various cultural events all over India featuring renowned, eminent and young talented artists with the objective and motive to promote and propogate Indian Cultural Heritage, Art and Artists.
This year Kendra organized more than 42 programmes in various states/cities of the country i.e. Kolkata, New Delhi, Bangalore, Malda, Purulia, Durgapur, Kharagpur, Raipur, Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Nadia , Siliguri , Guwahati, Mohali and Chandigarh.
14th CEREMONY OF GURU M.L. KOSER AWARD
The 14th annual Guru M. L. Koser Award instituted by Pracheen Kala Kendra for excellence in performing arts was presented in a glittering ceremony at Tagore Theatre on 3rd February 2018. His Excellency Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki, Hon’ble Governor of Haryana was the Chief guest and conferred and award upon Tabla maestros Pt. Sushil Jain and Pt. Kale Ram. The Governing Body of Pracheen Kala Kendra Sh. S.K. Monga ,Chairman, Sh. Sajal Koser, Secretary, Smt. Shobha Koser, Registrar, , and other members were also present at the said occasion. Award carrying a cash prize of Rs. 51 thousand ( each), a shawl, a citation and a memento was presented to the awardees for their lifetime contribution in popularizing Tabla in particular and Indian classical music in general. The award ceremony was studded with performances of the maestros and their disciples.
48th ALL INDIA BHASKAR RAO NRITYA & SANGEET SAMMELAN, 2018
The 48th edition of All India Bhaskar Rao Nritya and Sangeet Sammelan was grandiose as remarkable artists were all together on one stage like Mallick Brothers (Prashant & Nishant Mallick) (Dhrupad), Pt. Annindo Chatterjee & Anubrata Chatterjee(Tabla Duet ), Pt. Bhajan Sopori & Abhay Rustom Sopori (Santoor), Anuradha, Radhika & Ramaa Venugopalan (Bharatnatyam Trai), Pt. Sarathi Chatterjee (Vocal), Pt. Rajendra Prasanna (Flute), Biswajit Roy Chowdhury (Sarod), Malti Shyam (Kathak), Ranjeet Barot & Deepak Pandit (Drum & Violin) and Meera Das & troupe (Odissi Dance). Sammelan was held at Tagore Theatre. The five day festival of classical music and dance aimed at propagating the classical performing arts of India is the much awaited event in the region like the Hari Vallabh Sangeet Sammelan. Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki , Hon’ble Governor, Haryana was the Chief Guest and inaugurated the Sammelan . 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 by Hon’ble Governor of Haryana . Tabla Legend Pt. Anindo Chatterjee, Noted Art Critic Smt. Manjari Sinha, Promoter of Classical Music Sh. N. Khosla and Delhi Public School society for its contribution in promotion of Indian Classical Arts amongst young generations, 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 more than twenty 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 organize at Chandigarh & Mohali include Kshitija (Bharatnatyam Dance), Krishna Babu (Kuchipudi Dance) , Prateek Chowdhury ( Sitar) , Arjun Jaipuri ( Sufi) , Payal Ramchandani (Kuchipudi), Asya & Pablo from Russia ( Flute & Tabla duet), Ranjan Shrivastava (Violin) , Nidhi Narang (Vocal) , Samiksha Sharma (Kathak) , Keshav Talegaonkar, Shubhra Talegaonkar and Pratibha Keshav (trio), Vinita Gupta (Vocal) & world Music ensemble , Garima Arya (Kathak) Supti Bardhan (Vocal) and Sanhita Nandi (Vocal) to name a few amongst a host of other prominent as well as promising and talented artists. This year Kendra achieved rare feet of continuously organizing 250th Monthly Baithak
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 Vishwanath Family Band “Ramayani” consist of eminent artists like Acharaya L.R. Vishwanath – a scriptural – Musical Exponent on the Discourse along with eminent vocalist Smt. Bhanumathy Vishwanath & their daughters , Mrs. Prof. Neera Grover (Vocal) Sh . Sanjeet Gangani (Kathak) , Ms. Mahalakshmi Shenoy (Vocal) , Sh. Rajkumar Majumder (Santoor), Pt. Manu Seen and his young and talented Son Rishabh Seen , Tabla Maestro Pt. Ram Kumar Mishra and his young son Rahul Kumar Mishra and Young Tabla Sensation Pt. Anubrata Chatterjee and Pt. Shubh Maharaj with their remarkable performances casts magical spell Sitar-Tabla jugalbandi 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 6th 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 15th & 16th September, 2018 at Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi . Eminent artists of the country performed in two day mega fest . This festival has gained immense popularity and incredible performances by prominent Vocalist Pt. Kavilya Kumar , renowned Flutist Pandit Rupak Kulkarni, Distinguished Sitarist Pandit Kushal Das and renowned Bharatnatyam Exponent Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan & troupe captivated the audience..
HOME PRODUCTION DANCE BALLET “ANNANTSWAROOPA” BY THE STUDENTS OF KENDRA UNDER THE DIRECTION OF DR. SAMIRA KOSER
This year Kendra’s home production , a spectacular unique dance ballet “Annat Swroopa “ 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. There were about 100 participants from the age of 5 to 55, who gave ample proof of incredible training given by their Guru Dr. Samira Koser. ANNANT SWAROOPA is a sensitive Kathak dance ballet , through which Dr. Samira Koser and her disciples tried to make a humble effort to revive our Vedic culture with perspective that Gods dwell in a society in which womanhood is respected. They are trying to unveil the philosophical and contemporary perspective of MAA DURGA.
INAUGURATION OF NEWLY RENOVATED AND RENAMED M.L KOSER INDOOR AUDITORIUM AT CHANDIGARH COMPLEX
This year Pracheen Kala Kendra also inaugurated its newly renovated auditorium with a special tribute to its Founder by renaming its newly renovated auditorium as M.L. Koser Auditorium (Formerly known as Bhaskar Rao indoor auditorium) which was inaugurated by Legendary Award winner Padama Bhushan Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt , Mohan Veena Creator and maestro. The inauguration ceremony was followed by a remarkable musical delight by Pandit ji and his illustrious son & Creator of Satvik Veena Pt. Salil Bhatt accompanied by great Tabla exponent Pt.Ram Kumar Mishra.
FOUR DAY ALL INDIA YUVA TABLA MAHOTSAV AT CHANDIGARH
Kendra towards the fulfillment of its one of the main Aims and objects to promote, promote young and upcoming generation in the field of Classical Music, especially, Tabla and Pakhawaj , organized a Four day All India Yuva Tabla Mahotsav from 20th August to 23rd August 2018 at Chandigarh which opened to a grandiose start with a scintillating performances by Delhi based Master Nishit Gangani , a young and talented disciple of Renowned Tabla player Pt. Fateh Gangani. Other young sensational Tabla players who performed were Master Zargham Khan , Disciple of Tabla virtuoso Ustad Hashmat Ali Khan and Kolkata based Master Aarchik Banerjee son and disciple of renowned Tabla Player Pt. Shubhankar Banerjee, Vinay Mundhe, disciple of Pt. Yogesh Shamsi, Tarun Lala disciple of Pt. Arvind Mulegaonkar & Shivagrah Bhattacharyya disciple of Ustad Ilmas Husain Khan, Ishaan Ghosh, disciple of Pt. Nayan Ghosh, Rabab Singh, Son & disciple of Ustad Kulwinder Singh & Romaan Khan, grandson and disciple of Ustad Hashmat Ali Khan Sahib, Shahbaaz Shakeel Khan, son & disciple of Ustad Shakeel Ahmed Khan, Reshma Pandit, daughter & disciple of Pt. Kumar Pandit. & Jyotirmoy Roy Chowdhury, disciple of Tabla maestro Pt. Shankar Ghosh at M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium. The four day Mahotsav aimed at propagating the young talent of classical performing arts of India under the series “Legends of tomorrow and a tribute to Great Tabla Virtuoso Ustad Hashmat Ali Khan ji.
A SPECIAL PROGRAMME TO COMMEMORATE 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF MAHATAMA GANDHI
To commemorate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi , Pracheen Kala Kendra on 2nd October 2018 at Chandigarh, organized a special program of favourite Bhajans of Mahatama Gandhi and this soulful melodious event featured Agra-based vocalists Trio of Gwalior Gharana Pt. Keshav Talegaonkar , Vidushi Pratibha & Shubhra Talegaonkar .
A SPECIAL PROGRAMME “GOLDEN GREATS OF INDIAN MUSIC” IN ASSOCIATION WITH SANGEETAM, A DELHI BASED CULTURAL ORGANIZATION
Pracheen Kala Kendra in association with Sangeetam, organized two day Music and Dance Festival under the series “Golden Greats of Indian Music” on 7th and 8th September 2018. Inaugural day of concert featured Kathak Maestros Prerna Shrimali and Guru Dr. Shobha Koser and her foremost disciple, a well-known Kathak exponent Dr. Samira Koser. Concluding day of the concert featured Young and talented Vocalist Saptak Chatterjee and the festival concluded with mesmerizing Mohan Veena recital by one and only Padmabhushan Pt. Vishwamohan Bhatt.
A SPECIAL PROGRAMME TO CELEBRATE 78TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF GHAZAL SAMRAT SH. JAGJIT SINGH
Ghazal aficionados of City Beautiful were treated to a mesmerizing performance by renowned Ghazal singers and musicians in a soulful evening organized by the Pracheen Kala Kendra to pay tribute to legendary Jagjit Singh ji on his 78th Birth Anniversary . The occasion was took place at its M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium in Sector 35. The artists of the evening were Sh. S.D Sharma , Piyousha Mitra , Simant Singh , Shushil Nagpal and Anita Rattan . Sh. Sanjeev Mago, Distt. Session Judge was the Chief Guest of the evening. The musical evening was well-attended by the audience.
SEMINAR TITLED SPANDAN , A CONFLUENCE OF GREAT ARTISTS AND ART FORMS ORGANISED BY KENDRA
Pracheen Kala Kendra organized a two day Seminar titledSpandan , a confluence of great Artists and Art forms . This Megaevent featured eminent artists of the country like Eminent Mridangam player Mannarkoil J. Balaji , Renowned Kuchipudi exponent and Guru Dr. P. Ramadevi , Renowned Flute player Pt. Chetan Joshi , Gaudiya Nritya exponent Dr. Mahua Mukherjee and prominent Bharatnatyam Exponent Vanishree Ravishankar . Programme was held at Guru M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium of the Kendra, Sector 35-B, Chandigarh On first day i.e 1st December all the eminent artists shared their vast experience through their vision and thoughts adding an intellectual perspective to their respective classical arts. On 2nd day they all demonstrate their respective arts. Audience mesmerized to see captivating performances by these eminent artists.
SPECIAL PROGRAMME OF MUSIC AT DURGAPUR , WEST BENGAL
In order to illustrate an all India presence and to fulfill its Aims & Objectives, Kendra organized many programmes in West Bengal which is cultural capital of India. Kendra in association with its one old associate and affiliated centre Sur-O-Chhanda in Durgapur organized a musical evening featuring eminent artists like Arshad Ali Khan (Vocal) Abhijeet Banerjee (Tabla ) and Kamala Sankar ( Sankar Guitar) .
SPECIAL PROGRAMME OF MUSIC AT MALDA , WEST BENGAL
Kendra in association with old associate and affiliated centre Suro Chhandayan Music College in Malda , organized a grand evening of Music featuring Legendary Pt. Vishwamohan Bhatt on Mohan Veena and Vocal Duet of famous Vidvaans Ritesh Rajnish Mishra. The event which was witnessed by packed house met with huge success.
SPECIAL PROGRAMME OF MUSIC ON THE OCCASION OF BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF GURU RABINDRA NATH TAGORE AT KOLKATA
To celebrate Birth Anniversary of Gurudev , Kendra in collaboration with Bani Chakra, one of the biggest affiliated centre of Kendra at Kolkata organized a special programme of Music and Dance at Triangular park at Kolkata. Eminent artists of repute regaled the audience.
SPECIAL PROGRAMME OF MUSIC ON THE OCCASION OF BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF MD. NAZRUL AT KOLKATA.
Special programme on the occasion of Birth anniversary of Md. Nazrul was organized in collaboration with Bani Chakra was organized at CLT, Golepark , Kolkata. Large number of students performed in that event which was a overall success.
SPECIAL PROGRAMME OF MUSIC AT KHARAGPUR, WEST BENGAL
Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh in collaboration with its oldest associate and main as well as largest affiliated centre “Sur Bahar Sangeet Mahavidyalaya” , Kharagpur on 29th September 2018 organized an another spectacular concert of Music featuring renowned Kedia Bandhus Sitar Sarod Duo and Eminent Vocalist Piu Mukherjee, at Durgamandir, Golebazar, Kharagpur.
CULTURAL PROGRAMME AND COMPETITION AT GUWAHATI , ASSAM
As per the demand of the centre holders and also with the purpose of giving stage to the Gurus as well as their students and disciples, Kendra organized competitions at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati ,Assam under different age categories of senior and junior groups in the field of Vocal, Instrumental , dance (Kathak, Bharatnatyam., Odissi and Satriya dance & Fine Arts Painting) of the students comprising of Assam State. The prizes were distributed in a special function held on 21st October 2018 at Kumar Bhaskar Natya Mandir, Uzanbazar which was followed by a cultural programme featuring renowned Vocalist Smt. Shubhra Dutta Dey (vocal recital) and Kathak dance by Bidushi Champa Chakraborty and her troupe.
SPECIAL PROGRAMME OF MUSIC AND DANCE AT BANGALORE
Towards the fulfillment of an another main Aims and Objects of the Kendra to organize cultural events featuring eminent and young artists in various cities/states of India , the Kendra in collaboration with Kala Sampada, an affiliated centre of Pracheen Kala Kendra at Bangalore also organized an International Dance and Music Festival at Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Bangalore. Vidhushi Veena C Seshadri, a renowned Bharatnatyam danseuse, Vidwan Sandeep Mallick, a noted Kathak exponent, Vidhushi Sulekha Bhat, eminent Vocalist, noted Odissi dancer Vidushi Pushpita Mishra and famous Kuchipudi dance exponents Vidushi Vyjayanthi Kaashi and Pratheeksha Kaashi gave their remarkable and mesmerizing performances. As per the tradition , eminent artists for their outstanding contribution in the field of art and society were also felicitated .
SPECIAL PROGRAMME OF MUSIC AND DANCE AT RAIPUR
Towards the fulfillment of an another main Aims and Objects of the Kendra to organize cultural events featuring eminent and young artists in various cities/states of India , in this series Kendra organize Swar Aaroh a classical Music and Dance event at Raipur.
Programme was held at Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Medical college Auditorium, Raipur.. Programme featured eminent artists like Sh. Saunak Chatterjee (Vocal) , Pt. Sunder Lal Karele and Sh. Shrotik Karele (Flute jugalbandi) and Odissi Dance by Guru Lucky Mohanty and group. Sh. Vikas Upadhyay Hon’ble MLA, Raipur West was the Chief Guest on the occasion while Mayor , Raipur City Sh. Pramod Dubey graced the occasion as Guest of Honor. Special Guest of the evening was Sh. Srichand Sundrani X-MLA, Raipur North.
PRAVASI BHARTIYA SANGEET & NRITYA MAHOTSAV AT RANCHI
Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh in collaboration with its old associate and affiliated centre “Swaranjali” , Delhi organized an another spectacular series of concerts of Music & Dance featuring renowned Kathak exponent Dr. Samira Koser (Kathak ),Debopriya Thakur and Rathin Mukherjee ( Sitar &Vocal duet ) Vocal recital by Lily Mukherjee & Sitar Sarod duet by Kedia Bandhus at Ranchi. As per the tradition of the Kendra , eminent Gurus and old associates of Kendra for their outstanding contribution in the field of Art and Culture were also felicitated .
PRAVASI BHARTIYA SANGEET & NRITYA MAHOTSAV AT JAMSHEDPUR
In the continuation of series of Pravasi Bhartiya Sangeet & Nritya Mahotsav , Kendra in collaboration with its affiliated centre “Swaranjali” , Delhi organized an another two day concert of Music & Dance at Jamshedpur. The programme featured many renowned artists like Dr. Samira Koser (Kathak ),Mrs. Animitra Roy Chowdhury ( Vocal) , , Subrata Chatterjee (Sarod), Koyel dasgupta (Thumri) , Sandeep Bhattacharrya (Vocal) Pt. Debasish Bhattacharya (Guitar) and Pt. Parimal Chakraborty (Tabla). In Jamshedpur too eminent Gurus and old associates of Kendra for their outstanding contribution in the field of Art and Culture were also felicitated .
ANNUAL FUNCTION
The Annual function of the Kendra was held on 24/08/2018 at Kosers Auditorium , PKK complex, Mohali. The students of Pracheen Kala Kendra gave spectacular performances giving ample proof of their immense talent and superb training being imparted at the Kendra. As many as 100 students participated in the Annual function of Music and Dance.
THEATRE WORKSHOP
In line with its tradition, Pracheen Kala Kendra also held a 30 day long production oriented Children’s Workshop on Theatre and Folk Dance under the guidance of noted theatre artist Ranjana Singh and Jagjit Singh. Also , Young and talented folk artist Jatinder Singh imparted basic training about Punjabi folk dances. Nearly 85 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 drama , Improvisation, body movement, Story Telling, Dialogue delivery and folk dances etc. On the concluding day, the children gave splendid performances of the workshop based teachings /items.
PUBLIC CHARITABLE AND WELFARE ACTIVITIES
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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.
SPECIAL PROGRAMME OF MUSIC AT PURULIA , WEST BENGAL
Kendra in association with old associate and affiliated centre Dharupadi in Purulia on organized a grand evening of Music featuring eminent Vocalist Pt. Sandipan Samajpati , Kathak exponent Paromita Maitra and Tabla player Soumitrajit Chatterjee and group dance by students of Dhraupadi . The programme was held at Nistarini College Auditorium and Hon’ble Minister of West Bengal Sh. Shantiram Mahto was the chief guest of the evening. The event which was witnessed by packed house met with huge success.
SPECIAL PROGRAMME OF MUSIC AT NADIA , WEST BENGAL
Kendra in association with old associate and affiliated centre Nupur Dance Academy , Nadia , organized a grand evening of Music featuring all the famous exponents of various classical dance forms like Dr. Samira Koser (Kathak) , Moly Roy (Mohiniattam) , V.R. Venkatesh ( Kathakali) , Dr. Sumit Basu ( Manipuri) and Dr. Lalita Ghosh (Satriya ) . Guru Debjani Chaliha was the Chief Guest. The programme was applauded by audience and critics alike.
SPECIAL PROGRAMME OF MUSIC AT SILIGURI , WEST BENGAL
Kendra in association with old associate and affiliated centre Shrishty , organized a grand evening of Classical Music and Dance titled “Samagam” featuring Kathak exponent Dr. Samira Koser, Sitar exponent Pt. Subrata De, Renowned Vocalist Pt. Sandipan Samajpati and Tabla Solo by Sh. Subir Adhikary . The programme was held at Dinabandhu Mancha , Siliguri . The programme was a huge success and appreciated by all.
INAUGURATION OF PKK ART GALLERY
An another feather in the cap of Pracheen Kala Kendra has been added in form of PKK Art Gallery which has come up in the basement of the Pracheen Kala Kendra Complex, Sector-35, Chandigarh and was inaugurated with an “Art Exhibition and talk : The Aesthetics of Rukmini Devi” by senior faculty and alumni of Kalakshetra Smt. Lakshmi Krishnamurthy . Chief Guest Sh. Diwan Mana, Chairman Lalit Kala Academy inaugurated the Art Gallery . On this occasion Kendra Chairman Sh. S.K. Monga, Secretary Sh. Sajal Koser and Registrar Dr. Shobha Koser were also present .
PKK AND KALAKSHETRA ALUMI ASSOCIATION ORGANISED A LECTURE DEMONSTRATION ON KALAKSHETRA EXPERIENCE TITLED ANUBHUTI AN EXPERIENCE BY GALAXY OF STALWARTS
Pracheen Kala Kendra organized a Seminar and Lecture Demonstration programme titled Anubhuti an experience. Kendra provide this great honor for Chandigarh to meet the galaxy of legendary artists studded with three Padmabhushanas and other revered Gurus all the way from Kalakshetra . Branches of the Banyan tree of Kalakshetra reached the city beautiful with the mission to propagate and disseminate the soul of Kalakshetra through their enormous experience and guidance.
This unique event featured eminent artists of the country like Padmabhushan Smt. Shanta & VP Dhanjayan , Sh. CK Balagopalan and Smt. Lakshmi Krishnamurthy . Above all their most senior Guru Smt. NS Jayalakshmi was also present on this occasion. Today’s programme was held at Guru M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium of the Kendra, Sector 35-B, Chandigarh at 11:00am onwards.
The programme commenced with senior most Guru NS Jayalakshmi , she also released the unpublished article from Guru Rukmini Devi Arundale ji and she transmitted this precious legacy in the hands of her most accomplished students. After that she shared her memorable experience with Kalakshetra and her views about old traditional values and Guru Shishya Paramparas and the new phase of this tradition.
Smt. Shanta & VP Dhanjayan also shared their experience through their vast and knowledge and information. They all have outlook towards new ideas have been incorporated in the traditional framework of Bharatnatyam without compromise with the traditional techniques of any art form.
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