— By Aiyushman Dutta

Delhi to wake up to Sankardeva's philosophy

The efforts to popularise the philosophy of Srimanta Sankardeva continues unabated. After Mumbai, it is now the capital city of the country to appreciate the richness of his philosophy.

An awareness event on Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva is going to be held at Kamini Auditorium, New Delhi on September 13, 2012. The event would comprise of a Presentation on Sankaradeva followed by one hour thematic performance of a dance-drama, “Chordhora Jhumura”. The event is being organised by Trend MMS in collaboration with Assam Association, Government of Assam and Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

As the organizers said, the main aim of the eventy is to make people residing in the national capital aware of the great teachings and rich cultural heritage of Assam initiated way back in the 15th century. “The media would be the one of the stakeholders, whose attention would be sought to showcase the great work of this 15th Century Reformer.”

The event also seeks to build a bridge in terms of cultural integration with  people from other parts of the country, showcase the universal teachings of Sankaradeva to forge a sense of brotherhood among various groups as well as present the rich culture of Assam and the cultural uniqueness of the state for better understanding of the northeastern part of the country.

The event would start with a presentation on the diverse facets of life and teachings of Mahapurush Sankaradeva and his cultural genius. The presentation is scripted by Mr Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta, leading Sattriya exponent in consultation with experts of Sankari Culture. This would be followed by a one hour dance drama “Chordhora Jhumura” that would highlight the integration of culture in religious teachings to reach the wide masses.  The drama is directed by Dr. Nirupoma Mahanta with support from Bidyabati Phukon and Adil Hussain. National Schools of Drama (NSD) will be providing technical support for organizing the drama.

The programmed would be attended by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, DoNER Minister Pabansingh Ghatowar, Minister for HRD Kapil Sibal, Minister for Culture, Government of India Kumari Selja, along with leading dance exponents, drama critics, bureaucrats and leading citizens of Delhi.

Besides, attempts are being made to include a chapter on Mahapurush Sankaradeva in the NCERT course curriculum. The event would be the first attempt to create awareness and the organizers would strive to make it an annual event. Also, attempts would be made to sustain the effort through effective coordination with Culture Ministry to give ensure more focus to Sattriya dance as well Ankia Bhona, Jhumura etc to carry forward the legacy of Sankaradeva.

Noted actor Victor Banerjee would be the Event Ambassador for this event and he will also anchor the programme along with Jahnu Barua.

MUSIC CALENDAR

Art of Rock on August 25

After a brief hiatus, Cigars is back with a classical rock concert. The concert, which will feature some of the most popular rockers of the past few decades, will be organized on August 25 at Shilpgram. The event is being held in association with ISNP Networks and Brahmaputra Motors.

The line-up of performing artists includes 4Ps and Features – amalgamation of some of the most popular musicians of yesteryears. An EP of 4P will also be released on the occasion.

Guns N Roses to tour India

The big boys are finally here in India. If my sources are to be believed, Guns N Roses will rock three cities of the country by the end of this year. While the band’s visit to India has been confirmed, the details of the tour are yet to be announced.

In all probability, the three city tour will include Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru. The team behind organizing Korn’s tour is behind this event too. “We are the first company to bring three-city tours with a defined calendar of events year after year starting this September. It is no secret that our next big act is humongous indeed. Our Korn concerts will be followed by a three-city tour of the iconic band Guns N’ Roses in December 2012”  Dilip Ramachandran, VP – Mooz Entertainment reportedly said.

Relive Piya Basanti once again

The magic of one of the most popular albums of the last decade, Piya Basanti, is all set to be relived once more as pioneering music label Sony Music has set out to release its sequel by the end of this month. Featuring prodigious singers like Ustad Sultan Khan, Chithra and music composer Sandesh Shandilya, the album had won the Best Pop Album award in 2001.

The team has once again come together to release its sequel, which will feature seven brand new originals and one remix. Music composer Sandesh Shandilya, weaves the symphonic rhythms in the soulful voices of Late Ustad Sultan Khan and renowned singer Chithra. This album will also be one of the few that presents the unheard melodies of Late Ustad Sultan Khan. The album also includes a remix by the popular DJ Rishabh to connect with the younger music fanatics.

Stage all set for Ziro Festival

Aquaint little town in Arunachal Pradesh is all set to figure in the music calendar of the country, thanks to the initiative of a few NGOs and the local tourism department. Preparations are abuzz to organize the first-ever Ziro Festival by next month.

The Ziro Festival is being organized to initiate exchange of ideas, energies and thoughts through the realm of music. Accordingly, a number of contemporary music acts from mainland India and the North East will congregate at Ziro, home to the Apatani tribe. The organizers feel the festival will be an opportunity for tourists to experience a slice of other tribes and cultures from the North East with presence of stalls that will showcase various artifact, textiles, crafts and food. The festival will also involve active participation of NGOs and environment activists who will promote the cause of ‘responsible tourism’.

The festival’s creative director Anup Kutty said, “We had been to Ziro on our North-East tour last year and were absolutely in love with the place. We’ve wanted to play there since back then. We already knew Bobby Hano, a promoter in Arunachal Pradesh and after talking to him we came up with the idea to hold a festival there. After we made the initial pitch to the Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Department, they seemed to like the idea as well and gave us the go-ahead.”

The line-up of performing artists includes the likes of Menwhopause, Peter Cat Recording Co Ltd., Vinyl Records, etc.

Ziro is the district headquarters of Lower Subansiri district and is one of the oldest towns in Arunachal Pradesh. It is home to the Apatani tribe – a peaceful agrarian tribe of Arunachal Pradesh with an interesting culture and legacy. Unlike other tribes, the Apatanis are non-nomadic and permanently settled in this area with a deep and responsible relationship with nature. For example, they are known to cultivate permanent wetland cultivations as opposed to dry land cultivations, which happens by clearing the forests by burning them.