Latest news with #RabindraBharatiUniversity
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
On Tagore's birth anniversary, Mamata lauds armed forces protecting India
Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday heaped praises on the Indian armed forces for fearlessly protecting the country's frontiers. Speaking on the occasion of the 164th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, Banerjee said the country is praying for the well-being of its soldiers and the people. "We are praying for the well-being of the people of this country and our motherland," she said. The CM, after garlanding a giant portrait of Tagore in the Rabindra Sadan-Nandan cultural complex, described the Nobel laureate as the person whose songs "give us solace and guide us through every moment". Banerjee referred to Tagore's love for the motherland, which was reflected in his poems, fiction and articles. "His ideals will dispel the dark clouds and ward off the dark threats," Banerjee said while observing that Tagore symbolised universal brotherhood and humanity through his writings, she said. She called upon everyone to work to nurture and cherish their mother tongue. "We should keep the writings and teachings of Tagore throughout the year and not for one day," she said. Pointing out "every state has its unique culture", she said, "We must protect our language heritage and culture." She said Tagore's works have been enlightening the whole world. Earlier in a post on X, she quoted a few lines from Tagore's famous collection of poems 'Gitanjali' and paid tribute to the great visionary and colossus literary figure. Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose, through a post on X, in Bengali, described Tagore as someone who "had guided the entire human race and defined the true spirit of nationalism through his writings". Thousands of people converged at the Bard's ancestral house at Jorasanko during the day and went around the rooms where the articles used by Tagore were being kept and preserved. Students of Rabindra Bharati University and teachers sang and recited his poems. Several prominent Rabindra Sangeet exponents also performed on the occasion. Cultural rallies were taken out by different clubs and organisations in the morning in different areas where the participants donned ethnic wear and sang Tagore's popular renditions. Many musical soirees were also held in different localities in the evening, performing his songs, poems and plays.
Hans India
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Dance as a career: Exploring Opportunities in India
Dance, once regarded primarily as a hobby or a cultural tradition, has today emerged as a dynamic and rewarding career option in India. With the growing significance of the arts across education, media, wellness industries, and global cultural exchange, dance now offers a wide array of opportunities for those who are passionate and committed. India's rich and diverse dance heritage—from classical forms like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam to vibrant folk traditions and contemporary styles—provides a strong cultural foundation for aspiring dancers. This cultural diversity has created an ecosystem where dancers can pursue various styles, innovate by blending traditional and modern techniques, and cater to audiences with eclectic tastes. Today's dancers are no longer confined to traditional stage performances. They are carving careers as performers, choreographers, educators, therapists, researchers, and even entrepreneurs. Opportunities exist across different sectors: performing at prestigious cultural festivals, teaching at renowned institutions, choreographing for films, music videos, and weddings, conducting dance therapy sessions, curating workshops, and creating digital dance content for global audiences. Many are also establishing their own dance studios, production houses, and wellness centers, using dance as a medium for physical fitness, mental health, and community engagement. Education and training play a crucial role in shaping a successful dance career. Institutions such as Kalakshetra Foundation, Kerala Kalamandalam, Rabindra Bharati University, and various university-based performing arts programs offer structured learning that blends rigorous practice with theoretical understanding. These institutions equip dancers with technical skills, academic knowledge, and industry exposure, preparing them for multifaceted professional journeys. Certificate and diploma programs, as well as advanced degrees, allow students to specialize in particular styles or explore interdisciplinary approaches. Many contemporary dance programs are evolving to offer more than traditional performance training. In addition to practical skills, curricula often include subjects such as media studies, dance criticism, research methodologies, arts management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This broader approach helps dancers develop abilities not only in performance but also in analysis, documentation, innovation, and leadership within the field. As a result, graduates are increasingly prepared for diverse careers as performers, scholars, educators, cultural managers, content creators, and cultural ambassadors, reflecting the expanding opportunities within the performing arts. Technology has also opened up new avenues for dancers. Online platforms enable dancers to teach virtual classes, conduct webinars, collaborate internationally, and showcase their work to wider audiences without geographical limitations. Social media has become a powerful tool for building personal brands, attracting sponsorships, and participating in global artistic conversations. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI are slowly influencing dance productions and choreography, presenting new creative challenges and opportunities for the next generation of artists. Yet, the path is not without its challenges. Financial uncertainty, inconsistent work opportunities, lack of formal employment structures, and societal expectations around stability can be difficult hurdles to overcome. Moreover, the highly competitive nature of the field demands constant skill development, physical fitness, networking, and adaptability. Nevertheless, the growing appreciation for the arts, the rise of digital platforms, international cultural collaborations, and supportive government initiatives such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants are steadily transforming the landscape. Many states and organizations now recognize the arts as a critical part of cultural diplomacy and national identity, opening doors for dancers to represent India on global platforms. Choosing dance as a profession is a bold and fulfilling decision. It demands dedication, resilience, creativity, and lifelong learning. But for those who follow their passion with discipline and vision, dance offers a life rich in expression, cultural connection, and meaningful impact, both within India and on the global stage. As the boundaries between tradition and innovation continue to blur, the future of dance in India looks not only promising but also profoundly exciting. (The author is Head of the Department and Assistant Professor – School of Performing, Visual and Creative Arts, Alliance University)
Japan Times
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
Noriko Shakti: ‘Music reflects my journey and learnings'
Tokyo native Noriko Shakti has been living in India since 2012. She is a boundary-pushing DJ and producer who bridges Japanese and Indian traditions through electronic music while advocating for women's representation in the industry and more ethical use of AI in music. She received her master's in Indian music and doctorate in instrumental music from Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata. 1. How did you get into music? I started playing piano at a young age, and was also part of a choir. Growing up in Tokyo, I was fortunate to be exposed to a wide variety of musical and artistic expressions. Over time, my curiosity led me to explore global musical traditions, which is how I became deeply engaged with Indian music. 2. You specialize in the tabla, a traditional hand drum from the Indian subcontinent — what drew you to explore this instrument? Tabla felt like a language of its own: expressive, intricate and deeply philosophical. I was fascinated by its rhythmic complexity and improvisational nature. I pursued it both academically and artistically, becoming the first Japanese person to complete both a master's degree and a Ph.D. in this field in India. 3. Where does your inspiration come from? From movement and migration, both physical and cultural. My music reflects my journey and learnings, the interplay of tradition and innovation and the idea of sound as a bridge between identities. 4. What made you move to India? I wanted to see how deeply I could connect with a different culture and its traditions. I was also drawn to India's spiritual culture — its philosophy, yoga and meditation practices resonate with elements of Japanese thought. 5. What was surprising about your first experiences in India? In Kolkata, everything was intense: sounds, colors, emotions. But what surprised me most, especially coming from Japan, was how open people were. I was invited into people's homes, where I shared meals with them, sometimes even sharing a bed with their moms and sisters. I was treated like family. 6. What do you think Japanese media should cover more when it comes to India? The media often focuses on the version of India that fits Japanese stereotypes: chaos, poverty, IT and curry. It rarely dives into the depth and complexity of Indian society. I wish there was more coverage of India's creative scene, youth culture and innovation. 7. What should Japanese people know about India? Many Japanese people might worry about making mistakes or being disrespectful, but Indian people are generally open and love to talk, from small talk to big topics. In Japan, we're taught to avoid subjects like religion and politics, but in India, people welcome debate and want to hear your opinion as long as it comes with a basic understanding and respect. 8. Has there been a shift in how Japan and Japanese people are perceived in India? I've seen a growing sense of admiration and curiosity. Japanese culture is widely respected. I'm often surprised by how many young Indians try to speak to me in Japanese, saying they picked it up from watching anime. 9. How has living and working in India changed your perception of the Japanese music industry? In India, music is integrated into daily life, whether in festivals, rituals or social gatherings like wedding ceremonies. There's a sense of spontaneity and community that I feel is missing in Japan's industry, where things are a bit overly structured. 10. Where's a good place to start for someone just encountering your discography? "Back to Malgudi Days," my most recent release featuring British singer-songwriter Apache Indian, is a great introduction to my work. This project reflects my lifelong pursuit of blending cultures and genres, fusing hip-hop, reggae, classical Indian and U.K. garage and bass music. The accompanying AI-generated video by the team of Zindabad Studio visually captures the essence of bridging tradition with modernity. 11. How do you combine elements from India and Japan in your music? Oftentimes it happens naturally rather than as a deliberate fusion. I've also explored this cultural exchange through other art forms. Projects like 'Shakti,' my abstract dance performance at the Serendipity Arts Festival, were deeply fulfilling experiences where I collaborated, as a producer and performer, with talented Japanese and Indian contemporary dancers to express the convergence of our cultures and backgrounds. 12. Women are significantly underrepresented across different roles in the global music industry. How is the situation in India? India has many active female musicians, and opportunities for them to perform are gradually increasing. However, gender disparities remain in both the classical music and electronic scenes. I was always the only female student in my tabla class at university and in the gurukul (traditional residential school). Most of the tabla gurus I came to know had either one female student or none at all. 13. Who are the people or organizations trying to make the Indian music industry more inclusive? I recently had a great conversation with Sanoli Chowdhury, who co-founded an independent collective called Indie Grrrl that provides a platform for marginalized voices, particularly in experimental music. I was also interviewed and featured by FemWav, an initiative dedicated to encouraging and empowering female independent artists in India. 14. How are women faring in the Japanese music industry? Japan also struggles with gender representation in music. While we have strong female vocalists, there are fewer women producers, engineers and instrumentalists. The industry still tends to operate within traditional gender norms. I've experienced this firsthand, as has a female producer friend of mine. 15. What pressing challenges does the industry face in 2025? One major challenge is the lack of diversity in genres and representation. While Japan's mainstream music scene is vibrant, genres like electronic, experimental and alternative music often stay on the fringes, limiting the exposure to wider audiences. Fusing Indian and Japanese musical traditions in her artistic practice, Noriko Shakti has been inspired by the 'sense of spontaneity and community' she found in Indian society's relationship to music. | Asit Poddar 16. What do you hope to see happen in the Japanese music industry in the coming years? More cross-border collaborations that connect Japanese artists with the global music scene, fostering cultural exchange and innovation. I'm already working toward this vision through my label and creative space, Studio Hashi. My goal is to build bridges between diverse musical traditions, pushing the boundaries of Japan's music scene and amplifying diverse voices. 17. What has been the proudest moment in your career so far? Collaborating with artists I admired growing up, like Apache Indian. Seeing my music resonate with audiences across different cultures is also deeply rewarding. 18. Can you recommend some Indian or Japanese artists? During my travels through Goa, Mumbai, Tokyo and Delhi over the past couple of weeks, I've had the pleasure of jamming and collaborating with incredible artists such as Matt Black (Coldcut), DJ Pawas, Shrii, Ro, Armaan Khera, Mutempo, Itti and Cana Nongkhlaw. 19. If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would that be? As AI-generated music becomes more common, it's essential that we protect artists from having their work used without consent. We need safeguards that ensure creators retain control over their creations and receive the recognition and compensation they deserve. 20. What makes you feel this way? Because the heart of music lies in human experience. AI can learn from us, but it doesn't feel emotion, understand cultural nuances or carry the weight of lived experiences the way humans do. This concern led me to get involved in Human Data Rights, a movement advocating for ethical AI use, creator rights and frameworks that empower individuals and artists to retain control over their work in the digital age.
