Latest news with #KiranSeth
Hans India
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
SPIC MACAY is a movement portraying Indian cultural strength, says Governor
Hyderabad: Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) is a movement, 'portraying our culture that is growing from strength to strength bringing out the Sanskriti (Soul of the nation) as a collective consciousness through which the nation was once formed through thinkers, philosophers and, through the teaching of the Vedas and Upanishads.' Inaugurating the 10th International Convention of SPIC MACAY at IIT Hyderabad late on Monday evening, he said, 'Dharma is the way we think and religion is the way we worship, and do not be confused with their representations'. Sharing his experience with SPIC MACAY, he expressed his happiness over the dance form of Tripura – 'Hojagiri' being preserved, including it as one of the art forms to be performed at the 10th International Convention being held at IIT Hyderabad, and more so when he is representing the beautiful state of Telangana during his tenure as the Governor. He said that Hindustani music was popular in Tripura during the Maharaja's times, which is being revived through SPIC MACAY. He recollected his visits as the guest of honour to the previous international conventions of SPIC MACAY held in Delhi, Kharagpur and Nagpur and that he has been and continues to be a member of SPIC MACAY. He congratulated IIT Hyderabad for hosting such a prestigious event. More than 1,500 students & volunteers from across India and overseas have gathered at IITH for this immersive experience. The day began with a holistic breakfast, setting the tone for a balanced and mindful routine. In the forenoon, participants watched 'Gandhi', the Oscar-winning biopic directed by Sir Richard Attenborough. The screening was followed by a discussion led by Dr Kiran Seth, Founder of SPIC MACAY, who reflected on the film's philosophical depth and its portrayal of Gandhian ideals such as simplicity, discipline, and inner strength. The orientation session was led by Dr Kiran Seth, who encouraged students to view the convention as an inner journey—similar to a stay in an ashram—characterised by simplicity, discipline, and reflection. Following this, an orientation for the faculty coordinators was conducted emphasising their crucial role in guiding and supporting students throughout the week. Earlier, a Nadaswaram recital by Padma Shri Vidwan Sheikh Mahboob Subhani and Vidwan Kaleeshabi Mahaboob filled the air with auspicious sounds. The performance is rooted in temple tradition. Following the formal inauguration, Padma Bhushan awardees Raja and Radha Reddy presented an evocative Kuchipudi recital. Their performance, featuring excerpts from 'Bhama Kalapam' and other classical compositions, displayed grace, expressive clarity, and devotion.
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
10th international convention of SPIC MACAY inaugurated at IIT Hyderabad
The 10th International Convention of SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) was inaugurated by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma at IIT Hyderabad on Monday (May 26, 2025). The week-long exploration of India's classical and spiritual traditions saw over 1,500 students and volunteers from across India and abroad. The convention opened with a screening of film 'Gandhi', followed by an orientation led by SPIC MACAY founder Kiran Seth. He urged students to treat the convention as an inner journey—akin to a stay in an ashram—with simplicity, discipline, and reflection. The opening day saw Nadaswaram recital by Vidwan Sheikh Mahboob Subhani and Vidwan Kaleeshabi Mahaboob, and the evening concluded with Kuchipudi by Raja and Radha Reddy with excerpts from Bhama Kalapam, and Hindustani violin concert by N. Rajam, who brought out the emotive essence of the ragas, and offered a tranquil end to the first day proceedings.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Natya Vriksha's spotlight on heritage and future of Indian classical dance
Kathak dancer Dheerendra Tiwari and Bharatnatyam dancer Madhura Bhrushundi performed at the event Natya Vriksha presented the 18th edition of the World Dance Day Festival 2025 in collaboration with the India International Centre (IIC) last weekend. Conceived and curated by Bharatnatyam exponent Geeta Chandran , the two-day celebration took place on April 26 and 27 at IIC, New Delhi. This year's festival continued Natya Vriksha's legacy as the first institution in India to mark formal celebrations on World Dance Day. Over the years, it has evolved into a vibrant cultural platform featuring performances, lectures, workshops and discussions, spotlighting both the heritage and future of Indian dance. What set the WDD Fest 2025 apart was its inclusive spirit—embracing and presenting all styles and forms of dance, encouraging participation and dialogue across traditions. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi This year's line-up included Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi and Odissi artists, offering audiences a rare opportunity to witness the rising stars of Indian dance. A key highlight of Day 1 was the conferral of the 6th Natya Vriksha Lifetime Achievement Award to SPIC MACAY and its visionary founder, Dr. Kiran Seth , in recognition of their tireless efforts in preserving and promoting India's cultural heritage amongst youth. SPIC MACAY founder Dr Kiran Seth was awarded with a Lifetime Achievement Award In his words, 'This honour is not mine alone—it belongs to every student who has sat in awe before an artist, to every volunteer who has given their time to SPIC MACAY, and to every institution that believes in the power of the arts to shape minds and lives. In a world of constant change, classical arts anchor us to something deeper, something timeless.' The two-day fest included workshops by Tanushree Shankar Day I began with a lecture titled 'Dancing Away' by Ashok Vajpeyi—a poetic and philosophical reflection on how dance, while rooted in the present, opens portals to imagination, memory, and transcendence. This is followed by the Young Dancers Festival - a series of evening performances - featuring Madhura Bhrushundi presenting Bharatanatyam, and Dheerendra Tiwari showcasing Kathak. On Day II, Sunday, 27 April 2025, opened with the Movement and Dance Aesthetics Workshop by Tanusree Shankar, a free session for dancers trained in all styles with a minimum of five years of training. The afternoon presents 'AVATARANA – The Story of Natya,' a theatrically witty retelling of a 2,500-year-old saga, scripted and performed by Ramaa Bharadvaj, exploring the divine origins of Indian dance through humour and insight. The Young Dancers Festival on day 2 featured Abhinaya Nagajothy in Kuchipudi and Shashwati Garai Ghosh in Odissi. Ramaa Bharadvaj explored the divine origins of Indian dance through humour and insight. Reflecting on the recognition, Padma Shri awardee Dr. Kiran Seth shared his gratitude and vision for the future of cultural engagement. He said, 'This honour is not mine alone—it belongs to every student who has sat in awe before an artist, to every volunteer who has given their time to SPIC MACAY, and to every institution that believes in the power of the arts to shape minds and lives. In a world of constant change, classical arts anchor us to something deeper, something timeless. I receive this award with humility, and with renewed commitment to take this movement to every corner of India.' Dr Anita Ratnam and Madhavi Mudgal attended the event Curator of this legendary festival, Geeta Chandran, Founder-President, Natya Vriksha, said, 'World Dance Day is a moment to pause and celebrate what dance brings into our lives, not just technique or tradition, but emotion, truth, and transformation. This festival is our offering to the art, and to the young dancers who will carry it forward.'
