RHYTHM a beautiful portrayal of India’s Cultural Diversity

By Raj Natarajan

India’s diversity is well known all over the world and encompasses language, food, culture, dress etc. India is a country of countries and when travelling the length and breadth of India, from north to south to east to west, the diverse and rich culture can be seen and experienced. This cultural diversity was on display at the RHYTHM cultural event organised by Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of Consulate General of India, Sydney at the Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo.

The event was by invitation only and the audience were greeted outside by the roaring Maharashtrian beats with Shiv Garjana group, Sydney. This is traditional percussion used on social occasions. Once the audience were greeted into the auditorium, welcome speeches were followed by Ganesh Vandana by the Maitri  Group – a Joint composition conceptualized by Mr. Aman Pal (Tabla Player) in association with Indian percussionists based in Sydney and amazing senior students of iconic Sydney Conservatorium, Sydney. The composition was in melodious Raag Puriya Dhanashree.

These days one cannot imagine an Indian Cultural program without Bollywood dances and sure enough the audience were treated to some of the popular Bollywood dance numbers  by Nrityam Dance Studio, Sydney.

It is the classical dance forms of India which originated in the temples of India thousands of years back that World associates Indian dances. The Sangeet Natak Akademi, the National Academy for Music, Dance and Drama of India, confers classical status on eight dance forms of India namely Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kuchpudi , Mohiniyattam, Sattriya, Kathakali and Kathak. Three of these forms , Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak were on display in a dance item called Samvaad – a Classical Medley of Indian Classical Dances Conceptualized by Mrs. Manjula Vishwanath, Director, Rasika Dance Academy, Sydney. This, I must say, was the highlight of the event that evening.

One of India’s greatest contribution to the World is YOGA and Dr Amit Sharma, the man who has devoted his life for Yoga and his dynamic team from Dhammayoga, Sydney showed how to balance your soul with body by means of Yoga postures and formations.

Finally, Ms. Neha Kumari explores the defining grace and elegance with Indian threads and its unique style, make and outlook in the form of a fashion show, called Dharohar – Uniting Threads of India.

Mr. Ramanand Garge, Director, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre proposed a vote of thanks and thanked all the dignitaries present, including the Consul General of India in Sydney H.E. Mr. Manish Gupta and Mrs. Gupta, CEO of Power House Museum, Ms. Lisa Havilah, Former NSW Labor Party Leader Ms.Jodi Mckay, Dr. G K Harinath, Chair Multicultural NSW and Mrs. Harinath, counsellors Sameer Pandey and Barbara Ward from Parramatta and Gordon Councils respectively as well as all the artists who presented the various cultural items including Mr. Chandrakant Jagdale, Shiv Garjana Group, Sydney, Ms. Juhi Bhavsar, Nrityam Dance Studio, Dr. Amit Sharma, Dhammayoga foundation, Sydney, Mrs. Manjula Vishwanath, Ms. Sakshi Kumar and Ms. Nabanita Banerjee and fellow dancers who presented Samvaad.

RHYTHM was a memorable evening of cultural extravaganza showcasing the cultural diversity of India. India’s “Soft Power” is critical in enhancing the cultural links with other friendly countries like Australia and India as “Super Soft Power” was on full display. Cultural events like RHYTHM will foster better understanding of the Indian values and cultural heritage and build those important cultural bridges between India and Australia.