BrahmaBodhi 2022, Volume I

Concept, Direction & Editor RUPAK MEHTA Design HEERAL DESAI Design Head SUDEEP GANDHI Visual Designer & Calligraphist Publisher Brahmnaad Publication House Publisher's Note © All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any manner, what so translated in ever or any other language without permission in writing of the publishers. While every effort has been taken to avoid errors by the authors, publishers and their agents dealers are not responsible for the consequences of any action taken on the basis of this magazine. For private circulation

BrahmaBodhi by Brahmnaad A cultural magazine for conscious living A unique platform for artists of all levels to nurture and rebuild the structure of Indian classical art forms, fine-arts and performing arts. Educating, promoting and helping pursue a career. Multilingual with a reach of more than one lakh readers and ever growing across the globe distributed in print and digital formats.

CONTENTS 03 BrahmaBodhi by Brahmnaad 06 Magazine Committee & Team 07 Advisory Board 08 From Editor's Desk 10 Accolades From Luminaries Knowledge from Knowledgeable 18 The virus named art vs the pandemic by Mom Ganguly 22 Decoding the consciousness to subconscious through visual language by Maitreyi Nandi 24 The inseparables, the twin arts of music & dance by Sweta Prasad 28 Holy somras isn’t unholy alcohol by Ratna Bhalsod 30 Effectiveness and evaluation of Indian art & culture in student’s life by Pranaame Bhagawati 32 Without progress nothing can thrive by Kaja Enäveri 34 Poise, grace, pay et al by Sayanee Chavda 38 Dance as a friend, philosopher, guide by Sangita Chatterjee 40 Elixir of life by Kajal Bhavsar Bhatt 42 Dancing away from despair to joy by Karishma Ahuja 44 Sundown at puri by Vrinda Chadha

CONTENTS Journey 52 Choose to believe by Sohini Bagchi 54 Summer of 1882 by Sudha Manian 57 Power house of talent by Kavi Vashisth 58 American born human by Lauren Ayden Kaur 60 The many faces of bollywood of Goa by Bhumicka Singh Dharma Gyan 63 Pause by Sadhu Vivekjivandas (BAPS) Health Mantra 67 Annam brahma, food is god by Arunima Dutta 70 Conscious living by Dr. Deepika Shetty 71 Ideal skincare routine for a clear & glowing face by Nishigandha Kanurkar 74 About Brahmnaad 75 About BrahmaBodhi 76 Author’s contribution

BRAHMNAAD CULTURAL SOCIETY Executive Committee Divyangana Singh Mehta Rupak Mehta Amala Mehta Fashion Influencer Publisher & Editor Trustee Yogesh Mehta Reshma Chitnis Podar Jaival Bhushan Bhatt Trustee & Lyricist Senior Solicitor, Mumbai Director, Gujarat State Housing Finance Corporation Magazine Team Heeral Desai Rupak Mehta Rushi Langaliya Design Head Editor-in-Chief Admin Head Rudrik Vyas Sudeep Gandhi Promoter Designer 06

BRAHMNAAD CULTURAL SOCIETY Advisory Board Roop Kumar Rathod Sunali Roopkumar Rathod Pt. Ronu Mazumdar Bollywood Playback Singer Bollywood Playback Singer Flutist Ashit Desai Bhagyesh Jha Parindu Bhagat Vocalist O.S.D, CMO Gujarat, Poet Chairman, Indian Oil Co. Pt. Ratan Mohan Sharma Guru Sangita Chetterjee Smt. Leena Taparia Senior Classical Vocalist Senior Kathak Exponent Politician, Mahila Congress Punjab Guru Sandhya Manoj Guru Dr. Sandhya Purecha Sharad Chitnis Senior Odissi Exponent & Yogachari Senior Bharatanatyam Exponent Senior Solicitor, Mumbai Reshma Chitnis Podar Amy Modi Hasmukh Patel Senior Solicitor, Mumbai Director, Sreesava Foundation Senior Solicitor, Gujarat Prajwal Busta Jitu Soni Pt. Divyang Vakil Politician, Chairperson of Panchayat Samiti V.P. Anti Corruption, Gujarat Spiritual Guru & Rhythm Producer Himachal Pradesh Art Promoter 07

From Ginger Editor’s Desk Certain chemical compounds in fresh ginger help your body ward off germs. They're especially good Let us understand the depth at halting growth of bacteria like E. coli and of the Cover Page shigella, and they may also keep viruses like RSV at bay by sacrificing it in Havan. Ashta Matrika are eight different forms of Goddess that came from eight different Gods. Clove The form of Hinduism known as Shaktism is According to Vedic age, sacrificing cloves in strongly associated with Sankhya and Tantra Havan, your paused tasks also begin to form Hindu Philosophies. Shakti is considered to be because it has been considered a carrier of the motive force behind all action and existence energy. in this phenomenal cosmos and cosmos itself is considered as Purusha, the unchanging and Grains infinite. Jow (Barley) grains symbolize abundance and Kumkum prosperity, used in havan ceremonies. They are sprouted during Navratri times and other Hindu From a religious perspective, devotees offer festival times to signify abundance and growth. Kumkum while worshipping Shakti and Lakshmi. Black sesame seeds are believed to have the Devotees apply Kumkum on Devi's forehead and powers to absorb negative energies during havan there are numerous hymns in Hinduism that that are present both in the atmosphere as well as praise Kumkum, some verses suggest Kumkum inside the body. on Devil’s forehead as a symbol of the rising sun. It is also said the colour of the womb is yellow 08 and is symbolically represented by turmeric. Whereas blood stains on the womb are represented by kumkuma. It is believed that the combination of turmeric and kumkuma represents prosperity. Shankha The Vamavarta “left-turned\" is a very commonly occurring dextral form of the species, where the shell coils or whorls expand in a clockwise spiral when viewed from the apex of the shell. The shankha is associated with Vishnu, as a symbol of water, it is also associated with female fertility. Trishul Trident, a divine symbol, commonly used as one of the principal symbols in Sanatana Dharma. They are commonly said to represent various trinities – Creation, Maintenance, and Destruction / Past, Present, and Future / Body, Mind and Soul / Compassion, Joy and Love and the three Gunas: Satva, Rajas and Tamas.

Conscious living is all about appreciating yourself and everything else around you through seeing, understanding and acting with notable clarity. ���वद् आ�ो�त परम् - तद् एषा�ु�ा - स�ं ज्ञानम् अन�ं ��ा - यो वेद �न�हतं गहु ायां परमे �ोमन् - सोऽ��ते सवा्रन् कामान् सह ��णा �वप��ते�त । The knowledge of the “Brahman” is not luminous but otiose, by His existence one gains something which cannot be possessed in consciousness. The one who is conscious now of a lower state only of their being, but by knowledge they gain, they are the highest being. The highest state of our being is not a denial. It is a supreme accomplishment of all things that our present existence means and aims in their highest sense with eternal and conscious values. “Brahman” is truth, knowledge and infinite. One who knows that “Brahman” exists in the intellect, enjoys the all-knowing “Brahman” and all desirable things simultaneously. Rupak Mehta Editor, Rhythm Producer, Cultural Activist rupakmehtaofficial 09



The Hon'ble Vice President of India extends his greetings and congratulations for the publication of “BrahmaBodhi Cultural E-Magazine” in December 2019 and conveys his best wishes to the founder / editor of the magazine. Venkaiah Naidu Honorable Vice President of India, 2019 I am happy to know that Brahmnaad Trust has launched a multilingual magazine about art and culture named “BrahmaBodhi”. India is a country of rich art and culture. I hope this magazine will create a milestone in the field of art and culture and will spread the legacy of India's rich art and culture not only in India but throughout the world. I congratulate all the members associated with the magazine and extend my good wishes for its grand success. Rajnath Singh Home Minister of India, 2016 I am glad to learn that Brahmnaad Trust has launched a Magazine of Art and Culture, “BrahmaBodhi”. The magazine is exclusively dedicated to highlight our precious art and cultural legacy. I am sure the Advisory Board of this Magazine would ensure that it does contribute appropriately towards promoting and preserving our glorious cultural heritage. I send my good wishes for the successful publication of this Magazine. L.K.Advani Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, 2015 11

India is one of the richest civilizations in the world. The true identity of our nation is its culture and heritage. It is heartening to note that Brahmnaad Cultural Society - Mumbai is bringing out “BrahmaBodhi”, an emagazine dedicated to promote art and culture. I congratulate the team of BrahmaBodhi and wish the publication all success. Bhagat Singh Koshyari Governor of Maharashtra, 2019 I am very happy to learn that the BrahmaBodhi Magazine is exclusively dedicated to highlight our precious art and cultural heritage. I am sure that your effort will help to promote and preserve our art and cultural wealth. Our traditions and Cultural Heritage always strengthen our national integrity and communal harmony. I wish the publication of the magazine all success. Acharya Devvrat Governor of Gujarat, 2019 BrahmaBodhi denotes vastness of cosmic knowledge, that which pervades every atom in space, both inner and outer. Inner space that we know as �च� + अम्�ाराम is where the divine experience happens. In traditional cultural practices of India the endeavour to attain BrahmaBodhi is made through dance, music, sculpture, painting et al. Therefore, I hope that this magazine will enlighten many hearts. Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, 2019 12

I extend my heartiest congratulations to you for creating Brahmanad and bringing out 'BrahmaBodhi Cultural Magazine for conscious living' a treasure house indeed. India is a land of resplendent cultural heritage. It is the foremost duty of all of us to preserve and promote our rich cultural heritage. BrahmaBodhi is a compilation of 'all in one' and an exemplary outcome of hard work of your team. I congratulate Rupak Mehta for the remarkable initiative and convey my best wishes for your future endeavour as well. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar Governor of Himachal Pradesh, 2021 I am happy to know that the “BrahmaBodhi”, a cultural magazine, is dedicated to promote and preserve our precious art and cultural legacy. Our nation is known for its cultural diversity. It is very essential to keep connected with our cultural roots with the aim to extend the branches of fraternity and sense of spirituality. I extend my best wishes for keeping our cultural heritage alive through BrahmaBodhi. Anandiben Patel Governor of Uttar Pradesh, 2019 I am happy to learn that a 1 full length E-magazine entitled “BrahmaBodhi” will be launched in December 2019 to exclusively promote the rich and diverse art and culture of our great nation. India is a land of resplendent cultural heritage. It is a land that produced epic literature and realms of human art forms that remain unrivalled. It is only fitting that a magazine has been brought out to showcase the richness and the diversity of Indian cultural heritage. I convey my best wishes for the successful launch of the magazine. Dr. Kiran Bedi Lieutenant Governor, Puducherry, 2019 13

Being an experienced scholar in performing art you also have played an excellent role as Lord, Nilkanth Varni. I admire your versatile personality. I am pleased to know that as an Educationist, the launching of cultural magazine “BrahmaBodhi” will pave a long way towards “ धम� रक्ष�त र�क्षतः”. My best wishes for the flying colour success to the magazine on conscious living. Bhupendra Patel Chief Minister of Gujarat, 2021 It was indeed a proud moment to unveil BrahmaBodhi E-Magazine of Art and Culture 2018. Our Nation is known for its rich cultural diversity. It is heartening to know that the magazine would be exclusively dedicated to promote the culture, art and heritage of our nation. I convey my sincere wishes to Shri Rupak Mehta for promoting our rich heritage across the globe with such quality and appreciate the initiative of Brahmnaad Cultural Trust. I sincerely hope that the magazine would make outstanding contribution in preserving our glorious and splendid cultural heritage for the generations to come. I wish the endeavour a grand success. Jay Ram Thakur Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, 2018 I am happy to know that Brahmnaad Trust has launched “BrahmaBodhi” magazine to uphold our heritage of art and culture. A country as diverse as India is symbolized by the plurality of its culture and known, as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity Culture and creativity manifest themselves in almost all economic, social and other activities and the culture of India is the way of living of the people of India. I appreciated the efforts of the trust and hoped that it will go a long way in preserving our rich culture. I wish the magazine a grand success. Kalraj Mishra Governor of Rajasthan, 2019 14

I am very happy to know that BrahmaBodhi, the Magazine of Art and culture which focuses on Shashtras & Sampradayas is launching a Coffee Table Book for the year 2020, shortly. It is commendable that this magazine endeavors to highlight the rich culture of our country through the publications on subjects like Architecture, Poetry, Drama, Music, Painting, Dance, etc. I wish BrahmaBodhi and the Coffee Table Book all success. Arif Mohammed Khan Governor of Kerala, 2019 I am happy to learn that Brahmnaad Trust has launched “BrahmaBodhi” Magazine to promote art & culture. I am delighted to know that this magazine is exclusively dedicated for promotion and preservation of cultural legacy. I am sure this magazine will be appreciated by the cultural fraternity. I appreciate the initiatives of the trust and wish. Devendra Fadnavis Chief Minister of Maharashtra, 2015 “Nation's culture resides in the hearts And In the soul of its people”. Being a secular country, we have our own traditions, varied culture and art which in one way or the other, kept propagating national integration and communal harmony. We should be connected to the roots with the aim to extend the branches of brotherhood and sense of spirituality. I congratulate the entire team of Brahmnaad for preserving our rich heritage. I extend my best wishes for India's first E-magazine BrahmaBodhi on art and culture for its grand success. Vijay Rupani Chief Minister of Gujarat, 2016 15

I extend my heartiest congratulations to you for creating Brahmnaad and bringing out a cultural magazine “BrahmaBodhi”, a treasure house of art and culture of ‘Bharat’. The true identity of any civilization rests upon its customs, culture, language and rich traditions. “BrahmaBodhi” is a compilation of all in one' and an exemplary outcome of hard work of your team. It is the foremost duty of all of us to preserve and promote the cultural heritage besides making aware the future generation about it and I believe that “BrahmaBodhi” was a right step in this direction. I once again felicitate for the remarkable initiative by you all and convey my best wishes for your future endeavour as well. Virbhadra Singh Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, 2016 I have come to know that you have launched a magazine aptly titled “BrahmaBodhi” to uphold the Indian heritage of Arts and Culture. Constant and consistent pursuance of art leads to its transformation into Sadhana or meditation. In our Indian culture, art and meditation are closely knit and interdependent. It is believed that all forms of Dance were born from the 'Anand Tandava', the first ever dance performed by the lord Shivjee. Looking to such great legend and connection with our mythology, it is very essential to keep connected with our own roots. I congratulate you for your motive of keeping our cultural heritage alive by the medium of the Magazine “BrahmaBodhi” and extend my best wishes for its success. Anandiben Patel Chief Minister of Gujarat, 2015 16

Knowledge from Knowledgeable BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

The Virus Named PThe andemic The life of artists is extremely interesting. It is expectations from them. They feel that artists full of contradictions, paradoxes, colour, are an unnecessary load on society who do not vibrancy, glamour, perseverance, failures, yield any tangible outcome of commercial value, validations, rejections, hardships, but most of which is absolutely wrong and I shall discuss all, a strongly driven passion to achieve the why. They want themselves to be entertained, excellence of effortless expression of their educated as well as share their knowledge, but creative endeavours. In one word, the life of an all for free of cost. They think that being an artist artist isn’t easy. It gives an illusion of a starry life is no profession and hence, artists do not need full of bling, to the ones who perceive their to be paid; Though the same society does not success, glamour and accolades from outside, provide anything to the artists free of cost! but for the ones who have stepped into the shoes of an artist will very well be able to After all, what is the value of art? What understand and relate to what I am talking economic gain do people get out of it? What is about. It takes a special degree of commitment the return on investment in art? Is the income of to art and selfless surrender to the quest of an artist proportionate to the number of years learning, practice and innovation to become an of learning; long hours of practice? Is the blood artist of repute, honour and recognition. It’s an and sweat shed to achieve a level of excellence everlasting process of growth and deeper worth the respect they earn? Why doesn’t Art learning till the day of death. Not all are have any quantum of evaluation in terms of privileged to reach the pinnacle of success money? Is it at all possible to evaluate? Who though, in terms of fame or affluence! fixes the value and quantum for the artwork thus created and produced? In spite of being It’s a hand-counted few who are destined to underpaid, disrespected, undervalued and achieve it all while many brilliantly deserving unlisted as professionals, how do these artists ones often remain in difficult situations, in still manage to survive, entertain, excel, create penury, un acclaimed and without any financial and carry on for generations after generations or social security. Yet, people have a very wrong by holding their head high, wearing a smile on notion about art and artists and also very weird their faces and being humble and dignified? Knowledge from Knowledgeable 18 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

Which breed are they? Which planet are they Since Artists are the most sensitive, emotional, from? Where do these artists grow? How are tender and financially not as robust as others in they so invincible and so full of hope and fierce most other professions, they were affected the life force in spite of all the obstacles they most. This virus was treating each and every one encounter? All these burning questions are still ruthlessly and the entire social tapestry began in dire need of continuous discourse and to rip apart into shreds. dialogue till we reach to a serious and positive outcome. If you ask any artist, they will say that Amidst all this stress, darkness and despair the ‘Life, for an individual, literally changes once however, the ones already bitten by the Art virus they have been bitten by the ART bug, or rather, somehow found a very bizarre way of survival. the virus named ART’. Most of the artist fraternity are driven by sheer passion and utmost dedication for their Art. For Oh, but wait! While we, Artists were still an artist, Art is his worship, creativity his life debating on our role and importance in the force and survival his intrinsic natural gift. society, there seemed to arrive another virus in Performing arts needs stage, visual arts needs the market, which traveled globally, forced itself galleries, film makers need cinema halls to into homes, malls, cinema halls, markets and showcase their artistic output. With the onset of totally into our bodies! the Coronavirus, all these public gatherings were totally out of bounds. But an amazing shift We humans became the potent carriers of this in the medium was noticed by artists all over the deadly virus which seemed to have pledged to globe. The migration from in-person destroy us all! It didn’t spare any age group, performances to digital performances was very nationality, gender nor economic strata! It was quickly adopted by them. Though, this wasn’t riling us, scaring us, killing us and isolating us easy. Smaller screens on smartphones, from not only our near and dear ones but from disturbing bandwidths, various apps on the our lives and livelihoods. This new virus, SARS digital medium, technologically challenged COVID 2, had brought our life to a state of coma, individuals, visually challenged persons, all a long pause, which had paralysed the day to day found this medium very confusing, inconvenient functioning of our normal lives. Almost in a and marginally difficult, yet a possible medium shameful twist of fate, we had been tossed into of showcasing their art. There were both the world which has no boundaries but is positive and negative outcomes of this. Let us enclosed in tiny boxes named the computer, the first finish off speaking about the negatives. smart phone or the television. The smaller screens of the laptops and mobile The international, national and state borders phones made it difficult to observe minute had been forced to shut down and so had been details of a theatrical or dance performance. shut, our doors for friends, relatives and dear The exchange of high voltage energy and ones. This situation named the pandemic emotions (synergy) that were often experienced somehow changed our lives overnight. Each and in the in-person performances in the every individual around the world was affected auditoriums were missed. The musicians who by this virus. The worst affected professionals tried to share their screens and match their worldwide were the daily wage earners, timelines and tried to put up performances, had labourers and artists. glitches in the timing of rhythm loops due to the lag in the bandwidths in each location. With workplaces shut down and each sector facing a major survival crisis, huge number of Works of painting and sculptures were now jobs and livelihoods were lost. Artists lost not observed in two dimensions instead of three. only their art spaces due to the lockdown, but OTT platforms became the only way to release they also lost out majorly in the performance films and T.V. series. Mental fatigue and energy circuit since the entertainment industry was burnouts due to long duration of screen largely hit too. The patron companies which attendance causing emotional health issues and sponsored the Arts, were facing their own boredom were observed. Artists began to existential crises and hence the sponsorships perform from the confines of their homes which for arts came trickling in droplets. Emotional, always did not give a pleasant or aesthetic physical, financial and social well being of each backdrop or ambience for showcasing art. and every individual was adversely affected. 19 Knowledge from Knowledgeable BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

Family members of artists were still not adjusted artists. The international market for digital to the discipline that has to be maintained in the schooling of vocational subjects recorded an all home front during the time of a broadcast of a time high during the pandemic. One more digital performance. With social media giving interesting transition observed by the artists free live streams, artists were thrown into the especially in the field of dance was the making of wrong culture of providing free of cost dance films rather than conventional entertainment to the audience. This caused performances. The role of the dancer being the more financial agony to the artists who were centre stage for attention was now shared by caught in between the dilemma of being the film director and screenplay artist with the forgotten by the public or becoming an artist camera and the editor who were the main artists who can perform for free. There were existential who made both the dancer and their content issues of various kinds. Performances were now come to life through the films. Commissioned replaced by long webinars discussing various works of Art were now being made and released topics right from art history to anthropology, digitally as dance and music videos. viability to marketability, social necessity to art that heals, its link with yoga and emotional The digital medium also provided a very wellbeing, gender issues and feminism, art and democratic space for Arts and artists. We have architecture, ancient treatises and their modern been able to discover so many new talents in day relevance etc. though they were tedious and various fields of creativity globally due to the lengthy, they were extremely educative, age of the internet where artists released videos informative and empowering. showcasing their own talent and released them on social media and YouTube. Overnight musical Now let us start discussing the positive outcome sensations, tik-tokers, art hacks, fast food, home of this huge migration of artists into the digital décor, bizarre art were all brought to the medium from the proscenium. The world forefront of a global audience. This popularity became a global village. With the internet was for tech savvy people who could harness the connecting us to the entire world all at the same possibilities of a digital explosion at the time, we were able to observe, witness and be a opportune moment. Srilankan sensation Yohani, part of global showcases and performances on and Indian sisters Antara and Ankita Nandy are the digital medium. In the erstwhile normal two such Pandemic global stars. times, it would have been not possible for us to observe a live performance happening in the Similarly, in the field of Indian classical dance we U.S. or Australia, sitting in India or Honolulu. But have Kathak dancer Kumar Sharma and now, in the neo normal times, that opportunity Bharatanatyam dancer Rukmini Vijaykumar, was easily available at our fingertips. The issue Bharatanatyam and Creative dancer from of free programmes of the artists were now Bengal, Shubhashish Khush Das, along with regulated after a few faulterings by organizing many others, who have become internet online ticketed shows so that the performances sensations and social influencers. can only be seen by the ones paying for them. Thus we became more digitally savvy regarding Youtubers are also making some decent amount the various pay windows which could be put to of money with properly themed videos and use to book tickets for digital shows globally. interesting presentations. So even when times get back to normal, we should be ready to face a Online concert streaming apps with revenue neo-normal world of a hybrid performance, collection mechanisms were designed by the teaching, learning and interactive space where app developers which made art viable again. both in person shows as well as dance films, Though the corporate funding came to zero and digital performances, and webinars are here to large budget programmes were absent by now, stay. artists found out a way to earn some meagre amount for their survival. A few museums and While adapting the digital performing space, art institutions commissioned low budget work artists have also been forced to understand the projects for various artists which would be value of another person’s work by learning to marketed and sold digitally across the globe. acknowledging them by adding credits. Also the Then came a deluge of online classes being issues of copyright infringement and plagiarism offered globally by experts and various veteran were thrown out in the open where a simple reporting of plagiarism or deviating from Knowledge from Knowledgeable 20 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

copyright laws could stop the streaming of and a couple of more have allocated separate digital shows. This knowledge of who was funds dedicated to Arts, Artists and art fundings. practising plagiary or infringing the copyright laws would have been impossible to keep a tab The most lucrative and high paying glamour and on if the shows were in person. Many wrong tourism industry of Las Vegas in California has doers have got punished and had to pay for their closed down for good due to lack of funds thus consequences, whereas a lot of artists have been rendering a few thousands of artists penniless, compensated by the offenders. This knowledge homeless and hopeless. about art and art law was absolutely necessary for artists as well as non artists to know that Yet work of art still continues by the sheer creative work can also be protected by law. In guiding and driving force of passionate artists spite of all the changes the artists have adapted who are suffering from penury yet creating to, by the virtue of their sheer will and passion marvellous things out of nothing. They are the there are still a lot of aspects that have not yet life force of our society without whom no been addressed. During these testing times community can ever survive with a healthy mind when emotional health of people worldwide or body. Art liberates, transcends and elevates became a huge issue, it was these artists who the human quality of life as much as with their art helped in maintaining global professionals from any other profession. sanity. They, with their artistic expressions, kept the hopes in the heart alive, for a better Hence, it's high time we learn how to respect tomorrow and helped millions tackle the gloom our artists and make arrangements to patronize and tension prevailing in the society. them and preserve and propagate their art. Suicides amongst artists have happened as Most artists are in penury, yet their life force much as suicides amongst farmers, both of which is charged and recharged with their which have not been kept in official records, creative work has not only kept them alive but since the numbers are disturbing. There should helped others survive, think and reflect on be sound cultural policies and protection of Arts various philosophical aspects of life. Artists have and artists laws passed at the UNESCO and the healed the world as much as doctors and health UNITED NATIONS so that our society evolves service providers. Yet our governments do not into a sensitive, sympathetic and liberally acknowledge the profession of artists as balanced community. essential workers. Their professions are unlisted. Their grants, scholarships and support In the battle of the Art Virus and the aids and salaries are still not paid. Only a few CoronaVirus, the Artists bitten by the Art Virus countries in the world, like Germany, Sri Lanka are the hands down winners! The spirit, will and passion of the artists can never be subdued or extinguished by viruses of any formidable kind. Mohiniattam Exponent mommganguly Mom Ganguly Chatterjee Knowledge from Knowledgeable 21 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

Decoding the Consciousness to Subconscious through visual language The human being have subconscious, the so A mission to further know the artistic called unconsciousness, which are hidden in the capabilities, discovering it is an ongoing heart, cannot be touched by people’s process, a process that takes time, may be a consciousness, but have decisive significance lifetime & effort, which comes only from within. for people’s behavior. What are consciousness Life altogether seemed so different. The same and subconscious after all? Some of human old things seemed to be a new face, giving a psychological activities can be perceived by us. completely mesmerizing thought. To As long as we focus attention, we can find ideas, understand the role of imagination & the images or emotions continually coming out of illusionary world which each one of us has inner heart. Such mental activities can be owned or earned through experiencing our realized by ourselves are called consciousness. respective lives, the expression of feelings However some instinctive impulses, repressed through creative journey evolve from this desire or vitalities are unconsciously occurred understanding process. Even in the worst in potential state. Science they do not conform circumstances, help you to become better in to social morality and reasonable sense, they work & stronger to face it, be it any medium or cannot be perceived by individual. The latent technique, speaks louder than words. However and unperceivable mental activities such as visual arts only depend on intuition, inspiration thought, ideas and desire, are called and creative thinking. Creative thinking is subconscious. completed in subconscious and firstly realized in the threshold of consciousness. Many facts As an artist, I respond to the apprehension in indicate that creative thinking is often the best manner by visualizing the subconscious demonstrated under relaxed mind in the way of forms & began to shape up with corresponding inspiration and insight, even appears in sleep pulse, relocating them in their own spirit and and dreamland. That is to say, the content of existence. Knowledge from Knowledgeable 22 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

subconscious usually is the content that artist Visual Artist explores and express during artistic creation. I maitreyi.dreammerchant am enjoying every bit of it. My paintings have basically evolved from the observation of the “Universe”. However, I have over a period of three decades, tried to personalize the visual language in my own terms and express it with varied mediums. I have recreated the emotions through forms in a constantly changing context, moderating them with subconscious mind. To me work is an essential part of being alive. I feel my work is my identity. My earlier works were soft, soothing happy. At some point we have all faced or will face a life altering event, whether it be the death of a loved one, a serious illness, accident or some experiences that reminds us of what really matters in life. In the blink of an eye, everything can change. Often these life experiences can teach us valuable lessons, help us discover inner strength, & help us realize what is truly important. The only thing that is “REAL” in this world is our “CONSCIOUSNESS”. Physical matter is all a holographic ILLUSION. Life has changed me this way & this concept reflects on my painting too. Art for me is the manifestation of our society, its reality, culture, diversity. I think art has the power to move people profoundly to empower our society. This is a journey for life within life. I called it “Metamorphosis”, morphing one phase to another. I have gone through various sites and books in the past years, trying to search the concepts the conscious and subconscious mind, visualization of the subconscious and its possibilities. I realise there are instincts and desire which cannot be accepted by rationality and morality in the bottom of human psychology, the most intense desire is physical desire. Although it is depressed by realistic norm. It constantly strives for self satisfaction and frequently manifests in the form of dream. Dream becomes a form reflecting the reality of subconscious. Maitreyi Nandi Knowledge from Knowledgeable 35 23 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

TINHESEPARABLES The twin arts of music & dance “Geetham Vadyam Tatha Nrithyam Trayam Sangeetha Muchyathe” The noted verse from the ‘Sangitaratnakara’ by is perceived by a combination of both these Sarngadeva indicates that music has a threefold forms presented as one unit, is vastly different path, namely Geetham [vocal music], Vadyam from the experience that is created by each of [instrumental music], and Nrithyam [dance]. To them individually. a large extent the above verse summarizes the irreversible inter-relationship that has existed Music and Dance have the power to influence from times immemorial between vocal music, the functions of our body and soul. Therefore it instrumental music and dance. This is the point is evident why music and dance appear together of commencement for the term ‘Dance music’ or in most of the ritualistic aspects of worship. The the ‘Nrithya sangeetham’. This music forms the phenomenon of dancing in response to music is ensemble and support system for the classical an age old practice, almost as ancient as dances of India. emotion itself. From Vedic times, dancing to the accompanying music is ubiquitous. Many of the According to history music and dance emerged Indian Dance choreographers and Dancers as twin arts, in tandem. They mostly remained often reiterate that their dance is an inspiration that way since their conception, each evolving of the Music. George Balanchine, father of the with different dimensions. Music inspires American Ballet states, “I cannot move, I don’t movement in audiences and so does Dance. even want to move, unless I hear the music first. Both activate mirror reflexes in the viewers as I couldn’t move without a reason, and the reason expressed in the study of Kinesthetics. The is music”. movement expressed within the dance enhances and enlarges the emotions present Just as a mirror reflects our image, music is a within the accompanying music. The medium that reflects dance. Therefore, a dancer combination of music and movement creates a further articulates and adds to the ideas already comprehensive aesthetic experience. Dance is prevalent in the music they are dancing to. better understood as deepening of the emotions Dancers receive the music, internalize it inspired by music. The aesthetic experience that through the movement to convey the story or emotion embedded within both. Knowledge from Knowledgeable 24 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

From references to Apsaras or celestial dancers recording, as each musician can record as per in ancient legends to historical records of his/her time and convenience. This creates Devadasis or Temple dancers, we find the separation in the quality of the music itself, combination of both the arts. Kalavanthulu, since the interaction between the artists is [hereditary temple dancers of the Telugu land] missing. The day-long rehearsals to perfect a or women who excel in arts, were singers and piece or a whole production , which was the dancers, who were equally skilled in conducting trademark of the yester years is absent in the performances and executing them. This today’s scenario. The reduction in the size of core group of artists were together called studio spaces is also responsible for this ‘Chinna melam’ or the ‘Nattuva melam’. In separation or lack of interaction between the today’s times, these skills have emerged as dancer and the musicians, therefore resulting in independent crafts, like, singing, dancing, a fragmented musical experience. conducting the Nattuvangam and Often, the correction software and plug-ins lead choreographing etc, whereas it was a synthesis to music being dehumanized. Rhythm and of all these faculties in the singers / dancers of percussion instruments are often auto placed to yester years. metronome, taking away the natural irregularities that come from spontaneous Musicality in dance has many dimensions. It human interaction. This in turn makes the begins with the dancer training in music and dancer extremely mechanical and soul less. being musicians themselves. The soul of Indian classical arts is improvisation or ‘Manodharma’.The dance musician should be Dancing to the tempo. well versed in these manodharma aspects. The dancer at times mimics a story or an idea, Dancing to the intricacies offered by the spontaneously on stage. In such a context, the rhythm. dance musician plays a vital role in enhancing this process. An accomplished singer would sing Responding to multiple instruments used at the ‘neraval’ or variations sung to the same line, and same time. in turn keeps the audiences engaged. This interaction between the dancer and the Responding to the meaning and essence of the ensemble produces an aesthetic experience. literary content. Dance music is a distinct area of musical experience. This genre is not dependent on A deeper understanding of all these aspects help technical constructs of musical typologies, but to enhance the dance. on the process of story-telling, movement, instrumentation, melody and rhythm. It is In today’s scenario, the possibilities provided by required to recognize ‘Nrithya sangitam’ or the technology have taken over the live Dance-music as an independent system of ensemble of musicians. To an extent this traditional musical knowledge and study it as a situation is comprehensible when the dancer complete independent genre. has to present a theme in a fusion of styles. When it comes to traditional pieces, the Classical Vocalist aesthetics of the whole performance is swetaprasad4music minimized with the usage of pre-recorded music. The dancer becomes extremely planned. Sweta The spontaneity that is possible with the interaction of a live ensemble is lost. Prasad Modern technology and the usage of studio 25 recorded music influences the way music is rendered or created today. The natural frequency and tone of each individual instrument or voice is tampered with the digitalization of recording technique. From the early 60’s to 90’s, music recorded for dance had a 2 track method. In this context, the music was still performed live by the musicians , in the studios. Today’s multi-tracking technology has led to fragmentation in music. There is a separation between musicians during a Knowledge from Knowledgeable BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad





Holy Somras Isn’t Unholy Alcohol In the modern era, it can be seen that after Samaveda, the Somvalli was green in colour money, everyone is trying to chase with the shade of Shyamrangi (Dark-Brown) and contentment. However, the definition of it is Tamravarni (Coppery), each branch had many different for each and for most of them it is clusters with fifteen leaves. To extract the ‘addiction’. It is modernity and inherent routine Somras from Somvalli there are two semicircle for a materialist captive to have an attraction shaped boards of 36*18 Angul (vedic towards outside scran, Tobacco, Marijuana, measurement) and if you place it side-by-side Opium, drugs and majorly alcohol. together it becomes a round board of 36*36 Angul. The boards are covered with black deer Alcohol is consumed on a global scale, it is leather and Somvalli leaves are then placed on it trendy and voguish. Whatever the situation is, a and ground with a stone which is generally tippler always finds a way to get their fix. And narrow from above and broad from down and Alcohol consumption was never a Sanatan this produces a mush. The mush is taken in the Hindu concept in fact it is a sin in the Scriptures. hands and squeezed to remove the liquid, after A dipsomaniac or someone who has filtration with the help of a sieve made from misunderstood Sanatan Dharma, often comes goat's hair, the Somras is prepared by adding with an argument that even in Vedic-time, milk or water before offering it to Devtas (Gods). Brahmin and other spiritual people also used to consume Somras, with that argument why we In Samaveda, Somvalli is also described as can’t consume alcohol in the 21st century? nature’s nutritive, God’s bliss, and medicine. The Ignorant people compare Somras with alcohol medicinal qualities of Somras were strength and to justify their alcohol addiction. wisdom enhancer, and it was sweet in taste however these qualities have no connection So, the question is what Somras is? ‘Pavman with intoxicating alcohol, as alcohol in most Somras’ means pure and holy. Somras is cases has a bitter taste for starters, it syncope mentioned in Samaveda’s Nava Mandala in your consciousness and makes a person an detail. Somvalli plants had procured on elevated absolute addict. Somras was natural and fresh areas like Munjavan Mountain, Arjikiya land, green leaves juice gives you energy but not they are also found near Sushoma River, Sindhu intoxication. While alcohol is fermentation of River, and Sharyanavat River. According to the 28 Knowledge from Knowledgeable BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

fruits and grains that puts your health at risk of several short and long-term health harms. Science says it destroys an individual’s body, mind, and unconsciously soul, too. So, about the most misunderstood customary statement, ‘Brahmins and spiritual people also used to consume Somras during Vedic-time’. Now we have understood Somras as an apocalypse of God also; here Brahmin isn’t a generic word but for a person who does disciplined and dedicated practice in religion. The result of it, that soul apocalypses to ultimate divine power. Let’s understand it by practical example; If you want to become a legendary artist, you have to practice your art dedicatedly for years. One should be extremely faithful and dedicated towards spiritualism to experience that divine eternal energy. Logical people represent an argument that what is the proof that Somras was not alcohol? Then this can also be asked, what is the proof that Somras was alcohol? Our scriptures have abstruse meaning. They say in Sanskrit: Tunde tunde matirbhinna! That means each of us has a different understanding. A person can interpret as per their positive negative mindset, wisdom, or prejudice. Many people consider Somras as a fascination by seers. To accept it or not, it can be every individual's choice but the way these Sagas have blessed us with a great legacy, significant science, inimitable history, and the finest lifestyle as compare to the whole world, they can’t guide us towards insignificant and momentary contentment by consuming alcohol. Let's disagree with intentional or unintentional misinterpretation of Somaras as Vedic alcohol. Because Holy Somras isn’t unholy alcohol! Educationist ratnabhalsod Ratna Bhalsod Knowledge from Knowledgeable 29 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

Effectiveness and Evaluation of INDIAN Art & Culture in Student’s Life Dance is to move rhythmically. It fascinates all are a practice of solemnity and devotion, and is a subject that is dear to many of us, having especially for those who learn, practice and it's bit alive in everybody’s life. Its emergence perform it. Dance was believed to be performed could be dated back from a very early time; by celestial beings and nymphs in Heaven and when seasonal change stimulated the feelings of then it was spread to earth. the beings when the beings realized the beauty in nature and in them when they felt that they Later, such dances were meant to perform in the are into this world with a mission – a mission to temple shrine as an offering to the Lord. It glorify and beautify their thoughts and feelings would be wrong to consider it just as through movements, sounds, symbols and entertainment only. Even though there were gestures. They tried to beautify their phases in our history, when the temple dance surroundings including themselves. And from art tradition was brought to the royal courts there, dance took its form. It is a universal art involving the essence of pleasure and form that is an embodiment of movements, joy, entertainment, but, its strong relation with romance, beauty, intellect, feelings, concept and spiritualism and traditional myths has made it message. able to retain its core value and dignity besides all sorts of external influences. This is the Dance not only enhances the physical grace and reason why till today, dance practitioners beauty of an individual but also delivers one with worship their Lord to bless them with adequate confidence, public speaking ability knowledge and ability and they generally start and communication skills. It is a medium their performance by invoking a Lord through considered by many researchers and scientists compositions like ‘Vandana’ or ‘Stuti’ to seek to be a potential element to develop Body blessings for a flawless performance. Smartness and Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence. Dance reacts to the body, mind and soul as Learning and practicing dance from childhood medicine does to an ill. deals with and is responsible for different types of developments in a person. It as a performing In ancient Indian scriptures, dance finds its art is completely based on physical movements place in a very high state. The classical dances that simultaneously enhances flexibility and Knowledge from Knowledgeable 30 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

co-ordination. Moshe Feldenkrais, an Israeli intra-personal intelligence in feeling the scientist believes that, body and mind are not emotions of the performance; logical- just mere parts but an objective reality. mathematical skills in analyzing musical According to him, a brain without a body could structure upon which he/she is performing and not think. He also developed a therapeutic creating an imaginary object that practically method called the Feldenkrais Method. does not exist. The individual develops an ability to manipulate objects skillfully, using both fine The Feldenkrais Method is intended to give a and gross motor movements. greater functional awareness of the self. The The developments mentioned are not only method uses body movement as the primary beneficial for oneself during his student life, but vehicle for learning. Similarly, through dance it leaves an everlasting mark and identity in his while moving the muscles and the limbs to whole life as a balanced person and multitasker. various directions, the dancer develops good Development of creative as well as aesthetic physic and natural bodily grace. essence is an utmost requirement in all fields in Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence is an important one's professional life. Inclusion of artistic aspect that a dancer possesses by which the subjects in a student's life is a necessity and individual has a clear sense of timing and educational boards should have a dynamic becomes goal-oriented and can also find a high committee to curate such syllabus timely. degree of fine motor control. Gardner defines The beauty of dance could only be purely felt that, Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence makes a when one is into dancing. It has a lot more to person's body smart whilst using different parts contribute if pursued with sincerity and proper of the body (hands, fingers, arms) to solve a training. No dance form can be fully problem or to make or produce something accumulated within a period of a few years. I through activity. would like to encourage the young developing minds and beginners to sincerely learn their There are three central cognitive skills in dance art form and with enthusiasm and Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: Motor Logic, devotion making their presence available in Kinesthetic Memory and Kinesthetic Awareness various mass participatory dance programs and that are important components of dance. Motor feel the difference that takes place in them. Logic comprises the learner’s neuro-muscular skill with regard to the articulation and ordering About the author of movement. Kinesthetic Memory enables the Pranaame Bhagawati learner to think in terms of movement by Kathak Expert, Choreographer, Cultural mentally reconstructing muscular effort, Activist, Founder of AMRAPALI (Society for movement, and position in space. This Arts) www.amrapalisociety.org component also shares the “procedural knowledge” i.e. knowledge of how to do Founder of Amrapali Society something. The Kinesthetic Awareness provides pranaameofficial the learner with information on the extent, direction, and weight of movement. The Pranaame kinesthetic sense operates through the body that relays information to the brain with regard Bhagawati to pressure, position and stretch of muscles. This information provides a conscious appreciation of posture, movement and changes in bodily equilibrium, as well as knowledge of resistance, position, and weight of objects. Dance culminates infinite development in the mind that masters the brain to think in a better way. A dancer while performing displays kinesthetic skills in coordination of movements, balance, synchronization, dexterity, strength, speed, and flexibility, interpersonal intelligence in communicating with an audience; Knowledge from Knowledgeable 31 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

Without Progress Nothing Can THRIVE Few days ago I was invaded by a decision to The continual and Devoted Transcendence is publish an article about certain matters in the needed for achieving the Higher Abilities. welfare of Reptilia. I have not yet begun implementing the idea but currently, kind Rupak Sacrifice for the Knowledge to reach the contacted me with a plea to write an article for Wisdom and at supreme stages, the Ultimate his magazine. Either way, the will à propos an Wisdom. article is satisfied! As any meaningful actions, the work in the By official education I am a Scientist and a real spiritual sphere, which is either individual or scientific mind must believe in constant growth inside a spirit group (depending on the inner with unbreakable desire for gaining awareness purpose) requires dedication and commitment about the Truth. with an honest cherishing towards the topic. However, it is just a result of the soul's hunger The path between each soul differs and may mirroring the earthen existence. Hunger, which differ even diametrically. Of course, there are in is like metal particles to a magnet, must ascend existence certain similarities but no solid effect over any obstacle of misinformation and fraud. can be experienced without the mentioned Growth is a primary aspect of improving the 32 self, its levels are the bricks building the Idealism. Whether an individual is thinking about cases of education, art, career, spirituality, giving care and love, the basic element of them all is always Development. While deprivation of it results scarcely in rotting fruits. Creations temporary, invaluable and shabby right at the initial point. Knowledge from Knowledgeable BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

Devotion with Progress. Scientist, Enlightened Spiritualist enaveri So was my time of gaining Enlightenment. Kaja In brevitis, the closeness of Death brought openness towards most significant answers, Enäveri which were leading to the rising of the Soul. It demanded choices thus in consequence, the material plans were abandoned. During that moment I came to consciousness that across various forms of being beyond or through the incarnations, Soul mine was crossing the borders of impossibilities. Also now... With no Progress everything would meet devastation. One should value most what's eternal, not concentrate and desperately seek to rejoice in a thought so intensively practiced in the modern day: carpe diem. Together with massive, inflated alarming about the (false) worth in egoism under name \"self-love\", the focusing on a present second as the only value is pushed into the lost humanity's psyche. The bewildered human reacts as a sponge, easily absorbing such absurd teachings. With an capability of focusing on many factors, to find gladness in day's events and at once, wording trivially, to organise the everlasting future is deeply achievable but I underline that prioritizing the ephemeral is just a fragment and can only be treated as such in face of the foundation lasting above the time. The crucial behaviour is perfecting what already is Ideal. A task refused by those who worship easiness, shallowness and the seeming safety obtained from within them. Alas, such contortion of attributes is a trait characterising the majority. Are you ready for placing loyal steps on the path to the Truth? No matter how many sharp rocks will cut your feet and how many times you are going to be pushed from a cliff. Are you ready to purely welcome the transformation of consciousness? May your day sparkle with joy born from knowledge. Officially Scientist, Innerly Polymath and Enlightened Spiritualist Knowledge from Knowledgeable 33 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

Grace Poise Pay et al “Wow you are a dancer?”-- this is practically Dancer: (Internally calculating the cost of group everywhere every time we are introduced. Then payment, musician payment, makeup, dress, comes the inevitable. “You look like a dancer!” I travel) Sir, can you kindly quote the payment? AM A DANCER so how am I supposed to look- like a Cowboy? Thank you so much but we do Organiser: Payment??!! (As if he heard the word love our sarees, anarkalis, bindis, jhumkas and for the first time) the most important-Kajal. We are the Kohl-lined beauties who entices everyone but gets Dancer: (Getting an inkling of what's coming surprisingly low pay cheques. Leave alone next) Sir please understand so much cost is cheques, sometimes organisers totally refuses involved. I have to pay…. to pay dancers, because dancing is a hobby- it cannot be a serious profession, right? Typical The dancer is generally cut short here as if he or conversation between an organiser and a she has done a sacrilege. dancer: Organiser: We never pay artists for this stage, Organiser: We have an event on so and so date. this stage is like a pilgrimage for them. They Are you free? offer their Puja's on this stage. So and so, so and so have danced here without payment. Dancer: (With ecstasy, but showing outward calm) Yes, what are your requirements? The So and so-s are the biggest names of our field, with whom we will never verify with, but Organiser: Bring 8 to 9 dances of your group and the so called “Free Stage Pujas” that we dancers do a 1 hour show. have to offer are outright Evil. We dancers should have an exorcism of this Evil in the form Knowledge from Knowledgeable of boycotting such organisers. BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad 34

My recent experience of such a kind was when I young artists sometimes have to do such had a meeting for a forthcoming event with a self-paid shows, but it is quite bad when some pot bellied, middle aged political hot shot cum senior artists support them and perform in such builder, in a coffee shop. Throughout the whole events. These shows generally have ten to meeting he blabbered about his achievements fifteen slots of 5/ 10 minutes each and offer and worth, which we were really not interested nothing. These paid awards have the value of a in, but had to act interested as our show Rs 1000/- note printed before demonitisation. depended on it. He asked whether we would eat Ideally we should try to involve Corporates as anything and we refused. He, though, had a full our event sponsors so that we can have a course breakfast, complete with a jumbo coffee broader outreach but taking money from our ending with a disgusting burp. Then when he own fraternity is quite like making a fool of understood that I will not perform for free, he ourselves. wiped his ugly moustache and went away. I had to clear the huge bill secretly wishing that he Keeping aside all such issues, dance gives us a would have a stomach ache. Pearl of wisdom lot more than what meets one's eyes. When two that I gained that day: never have a meeting with people quarrel we put a rhythm in their these obnoxious programme organisers at any dialogues. We can give the exact facial urban, posh coffee shops.. expression in any situation, I mean who can give a better “Go to Hell” expression than us! Lost in The Other disturbing issue that our dance our thoughts we practice our Hastaks in public, community is facing is the Rise in the number of shamelessly and when realising that people are dancers migrating to become organisers. They staring at us we control ourselves while book a hall, give out calls for applications and inwardly smiling at our own histrionics. Dancing once you will apply, they give out a chart of gives us confidence, beauty and happiness and charges. They also comb through the dictionary the ability to sit and walk straight in any to find out fancy names of awards that they will situation. Signing off with Grace and poise and give with such performances. I understand that the hope for better pay for all of us! Kathak Exponent sayaneechavda Sayanee Chavda 35





as a friend philosopher guide Flower blooms not to impress anyone, but God’s grace by this time I had already travelled because of its intrinsic nature to blossom… to more than 25 countries which has always been my passion other than dance. Dance was always a part of my life since the age of 6 when I started learning Kathak under Guru Performing experience of more than 15 years Smt Vaswati Misra in Delhi. and watching your Guru closely in and out trains a dance practitioner in a holistic way. The In my journey through dance, it has played many age-old tradition of Guru Shishya Parampara, roles amongst which dance as a philosopher is though our generation could only get a glimpse the most close to my heart. of it, was empowering. Apart from staying together with Guru, rest of the everyday routine Being an introvert by nature, dance has always was to be beside your Guru to understand been my closest friend during my early nuances of your art, many times only by childhood days. A shy child in me always took observing. dance when it had to express something emotional. During this time I got married, though I was performing as a soloist and was getting Gradually as I became a teenager it became a appreciation as well, but somewhere I started to guide, with utmost care it exposed me to a feel empty and was sensing vacuum in my varied world of art aesthetics. At this point it dance. Personally I was not getting quenched made me understand that if I need to delve deep and my thirst was seeking something, but I in dance, I must enrich myself with other allied didn't know what… art forms, and here I started my love for literature, art, sculpture, theatre and even did a Soon I conceived and took a maternity break of course on art appreciation from the National 9 months… and I believe this is what was most Museum apart from my Masters in History and required… to be off track, to be on track… here I Tourism Management. contemplated on my dance and took a very introspective turn and the churning started like During this time I was performing along with my the Amrit Manthan… it brought out a myriad Guru and also as a soloist in India and abroad whenever the opportunities came in and by 38 Knowledge from Knowledgeable BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

emotions of joy as well as frustration, fear as be the dance where I as a dancer seize to exist well as reassurance, insecurity as well as and what remains is only an experience of bliss conviction, self worth as well as doubt… all in a for myself which eventually gets transmitted to mixed bag of utter confusion… but by the end of my audience. Though one must admit that such it the Amrit or bliss started oozing out and with experiences are rarely created and it is a matter the birth of my child I also took rebirth as a of constant growth. dancer. Having said so again under the aegis of That is when under the aegis of my organization Kalpataru Arts I started an online interview Kalpataru Arts, I started to organize Manthan series named “Inspire” where living legends Festival which derives its name from my internal share their journey as an artist and give an manthan or churning and it turns 4 year since its insight of what goes in making an unparalleled launch, exactly the age of my son, as I started to artist. Along with this Kalpataru also organizes perform within one year of my delivery. “Saksham”, a series of workshops and seminars to decode the wisdom of shastras or the Time and again I pondered upon a thought that experience of great Gurus. how does a performer become an artist, what does it take to make your skill an art, what do I Right now I am thoroughly enjoying the making seek from a great performance… Is it only a of myself, where everything becomes a learning fleeting experience of entertainment? Or a experience and my love for dance is such that I momentary adrenaline rush in your blood veins wish to drown myself to get across, which of excitement? Or is it a lasting experience of Khusro has very beautifully expressed… bliss, a thought provoking engagement or a state where you suddenly feel elevated and out of the Khusrau darya prem ka, ulti wa ki dhaar, world. Jo utra so doob gaya, jo dooba so paar. My approach towards dance started changing and from being mere performative, I started to Oh Khusrau, the river of love, runs in strange directions, One who jumps into it drowns, and one who drowns, gets across. Kathak Exponent Founder of Kalpataru Arts sangita_chatterjee_kathak Sangita Chatterjee Knowledge from Knowledgeable 39 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

There was a man named Karan. He was happy risk and saved his life; but if he's done that thing, with his job, wife and family. He was working in we don't know what could be the result. People, a well-known MNC. He was able to feed his society or relatives always talk and they'll keep family and fulfill their wishes. His wife was also advising us even if they follow it or not. We need working as a school teacher. to have a mental filter to separate their talk, advice or even criticism. As time passed the opinions of society made him a different person. He had a cousin who was Why are we not happy with our lives? earning very well in business. Relatives started We all are too blessed to have a human life. We comparing both of them. Initially, Karan ignored can talk, touch, eat, communicate, think, them and kept focusing on self-growth. Later innovate and feel. Not every species can do this slowly he started giving attention to people's in the entire universe! We're fortunate to have opinions. He was aware that investing a lot in this life! business could be a major risk for him and his Despite knowing this fact, we keep comparing family. His cousin has got the support of his our lives with others or keep regretting over bad father to build the entire empire. events of our past life. We need to find out what makes us happy and work on it. We don't need to After a few years, his cousin's business collapsed show the world that we are happy! We really and he got broke. At this moment, relatives need to become self-satisfied! again started talking about risk factors of We need to compete with ourselves to grow! business and security of the job. Karan simply When we compare ourselves with others, we realized my happiness should depend on me start devaluing ourselves and our skills. only, I should be the creator of my life. Listening to others is good but following them or their 40 lifestyle cannot be always correct from my point of view. This happens with all of us. Instead of looking at our life as we want, we start comparing it with others without understanding the reality of real life. We must be enough confident to run our life nd make our own decisions. Karan didn't take a Knowledge from Knowledgeable BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

How to forgive others? Yes, we're humans and we do get hurt as we have emotions. But shouldn't we need to learn to control our emotions? Otherwise, we may become a slave of our mind one day! Events will keep happening, people will keep hurting us; but we must grow out of it and groom ourselves! Let's forgive everyone who's done bad to us. We may not change their mindset but if we choose to forgive them, we can make our life better and grudge less. Understand the situation, let go of the bad moments and have a new beginning! The best way to stop someone from hurting you is A Healthy Communication with that person. Sit with the person who hurts you now and then. Tell him whatever you feel and go through after his behavior. Get to know him really and check if he's interested in changing his behavior. If this doesn't work simply make a healthy distance from that person for your peace of mind. How to forgive yourself and leave the ego behind? We, humans, are a bit rigid to accept our faults and our ego plays the main role in it. Sometimes we need to understand that we could be the main responsible person for the entire chaos. We have to accept our failures, wrong decisions, wrong steps taken by us. We're responsible for our entire life. We have to accept our current life is the result of our actions and reactions until this moment. If we keep blaming others we can never grow. We need to do self-introspection. It helps us to heal and improve. Is life really simple? Writer vibes_of_kajal Yes, yes, yes. Our life is so much simpler and easier. It has no equations of mathematics or Kajal Bhavsar algebra. It requires a few simple regular attempts to achieve your goals. Bhatt Whenever we look around, people are putting 41 consistent efforts into their dreams. Regular activities done with dedication turn into success! To become fit, we need to follow a particular diet and work out on a regular basis. To learn a new language, we have to spend 1 or 2 hours daily to master it. To improve our cooking skills, we need to try new ways and ingredients in our cooking. We may fail sometimes in between, but just learn from it and get back on track easily. Knowledge from Knowledgeable BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

Dancing Away from Despair to Joy “In order to understand the dance one must be still. And in order to truly understand stillness one must dance”. - Rumi Dance has always been an integral part of to cope. Movement of the body is an important human life. The indigenous cultures historically and effective way of releasing stored trauma and used dance as a medium for social bonding, allowing the energy to flow through the body. communication and prayer offerings during The ancient indigenous Shamanic cultures ceremonies, rituals, celebrations and around the world probably understood this entertainment. The evolved versions of the science and hence sound and movement were social practices continue in our modern times as an integral part of their healing practices. well. However, there is a far deeper aspect to dance and movement. Therapeutic Dance Facilitator, Janhavi Pathak believes that dance transforms the individual Dance, in it’s true essence, is spiritual in nature. through the process of expression. While It has the potential to uplift consciousness. It is expressing emotions such as joy, sorrow, anger a medium to connect to the Divine Creative etc through dance, one has to dive deep within Force. The right kind of sounds induce themselves to bring out those emotions. This is awakened states of consciousness and the where the therapeutic aspect of dance begins as movements clear the energy blockages at the it lets you get in touch with your emotions, feel emotional, mental and physical level, thereby them and release them. allowing the life force energy to flow freely through us. This has immense healing potential. Dance is yoga. The process of focussing on the Our bodies keep physical memory of all our breath, the movement and the sound brings you experiences in life, especially when we to the present moment. Dr Rekha Raju, experience situations of extreme stress that Mohiniyattam Exponent, says that Dancing is cause the body to fight, flee, or freeze in order joy and it makes one forget all the despondency Knowledge from Knowledgeable 42 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

of life. It’s the amalgamation of kinetic- physical by oneself but also watching someone dance. So, energy that keeps away the negativity and builds Dance for mental health and overall health is not an aura of ecstasy. Smt Barnalee Sarkar, founder anymore an imagined benefit but a reality. This of Shubham School of Performing Arts says that can be vouched for by Nidhi Chawla, to be able to immerse oneself in dance is the Co-founder of Silver Talkies, an organisation best way to let go of one's fears, anxiety and that often organises cultural programs for anger. The journey of understanding or creating Senior Citizens. She says, “Dance is very a new dance for her feels meditative which therapeutic for both the performer and viewer. brings a sense of calm. It has a tendency to uplift one’s spirits. It has been observed that older adults felt happy and According to Dr Suparna Venkatesh, Karnataka excited after every dance performance we have Kalashree Awardee, Dance is an effective tool organised for them. It leaves them on a high and for self development. She has been a Mentor for in that moment they are able to forget about any the Visually Challenged Dancers and she feels issues, ailments, pains that they may be that learning the skill has given them the suffering from.” opportunity to explore their environment independently. It has given them a channel to As Martha Graham says, “The body says what express themselves, and an opportunity to words cannot.” When I was asked to write about challenge their abilities, build stability, a subject, I was certain that I wanted to write self-confidence and respect in the society. about the healing potential of dance. My own experience with dance has been immensely It is a known and researched fact that dance has therapeutic and transformational. My journey a positive impact on mental health. It helps with dance began much later in life after a phase increase levels of the feel-good hormone of postpartum depression. It was Dance that serotonin, and helps develop new neural healed me. The entire experience of overcoming connections. Dr.K.S.Pavitra, Consultant post-pregnancy challenges, pushing myself and Psychiatrist and Bharatanatyam exponent challenging the limits of my own body during further adds that scientific research has shown practice, made me much stronger physically and that the mirror neurons in our brain which are mentally. Not only did it pull me out from the important in social skills and emotional lows, but also gave a new purpose to my life. management are stimulated by not just dancing About the author Karishma Ahuja is an Odissi Exponent and the Founder of Kadambari School of Odissi Dance. www.karishmaahujaodissi.com Odissi Exponent karishmagiyer Karishma Ahuja 43

सं ा Sundown at Puri The story telling sculptures of Jagannath Temple, Odisha INTRODUCTION ‘सं या - Sundown at Puri’ When I started learning Odissi 19 years back A descriptive photo series recreating the under the tutelage of my Guru, renowned Odissi dancing sculptures of Odissa’s Jagannath exponent Padmashri and SNA awardee, Smt. temple, Puri. Ranjana Gauhar, I was mesmerised and struck by the apsara-like look that she would so CREDITS gracefully embody. Concept, execution and writing - Vrinda Chadha Over the years my Guru always emphasised on the lyrical & sculpturesque look of Odissi dance, Photography and Design - Innee Singh which she explained, found its roots in Bharat Muni’s Natya Shastra. This text stated that Reference material - Sketches from the book Odhramagadhi (An Eastern performing artform 'Odissi Dance' by, scholar, author and of the yore from which Odissi eventually researcher, late D.N. Pattnaik evolved) has the Kaishiki Vritti (or character). Which means that Odissi is a dance full of Lasya CONCEPT (characterised by the feminine, delicate element). Looking at the reference sketches from the book ‘Odissi Dance’ and recollecting memories with My Guru would often point out that Odissi is a my Guruji of sculptures decorating the walls of form which is rich in substance and intensity of Jagannath Temple in Puri Odisha, I couldn't help emotions, a beautiful and rare synthesis of but wonder if they denoted meaning or were sensuousness and devotion. carved simply for aesthetic appeasement. Either way, their bold and sensuous presence, so close While accompanying my Guru for dance to the deities, is the freedom I associate with programs to Odisha I saw for myself how the dance and art contrary to the rigid covers of Sculptures in the temples of Orissa come alive in pseudo morality we hide everything in today. the movements as the rhythm of dance is This photo series invoked a character shade in captured in thousands of images adorning these each picture for me. And so, below is a picture temples. Appreciation for this sculpturesque wise breakdown that follows, wherein I have quality that my Guru embedded in me from a tried to perceive every dancing sculpture with young age is perhaps what I find to be the most its own personality and aesthetic questioning, striking feature of Odissi. It is what triggered set in the current complex cultural fabric of the and inspired me to work on: dance world today. Please join me in this humble attempt to visually travel back in time while attempting to move forward in thought. Knowledge from Knowledgeable 44 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

THE PHOTO SERIES – PART 1 The Observant Novice The Prepossessing and Unfeigned The first dancing pose made me think of the Dancing Sculptures of Jagannath Temple Puri in curious and watchful observer in every artist Odisha often exude an honest and sincere attempting to decode the hypocrisies of a prepossessing beauty. Their untouched strange world. To willingly or unwillingly finding innocence and piercing naivety seem to me a their place as they take the first step - Engaged reflection of the artist who created them. Often yet disengaged. Coping with the very times dance challenges one to navigate and shed fundamental angst of existence and all the through the inner walls built over our true overwhelming emotions it brings along. These selves. Usually, one is unaware of their presence then translate into their art and showcased for & in order to come closer to the ‘self’ dance the rest of the world to see. demands that we shed such layers. Leaving no room for dishonesty. Perhaps art requires us to Odissi trivia for dancers: recognise authenticity within and consequently adopt it in our worldview. › The torso is in Dakshyachala position The artist’s work seems › The left hand in Shukanchanchu and right in most appealing when Hamsasya Mudra this unfeigned, earnest, childlike genuineness › The feet are in a wide Tribhangi position takes over them while expressing on stage or › Eyes in Sachi Drishtibheda and Neck in otherwise. No amount Tirascina Grivabheda of external glamour or glitz compares to this › Oddly this pose does not raise that hand over quality of vulnerability the head which is to the side of the hip bend. induced by art. Infact it uses the opposite. Creating an unusual body position. A quality independent of and beyond body shapes, skin tones, genders, social, economic backgrounds. To think that art allows such an inclusive space & freedom, to anyone willing to put in heart and effort, is truly a liberating thought. Odissi trivia for dancers: › The right hand is in Dolahasta and left in Shukanchanchu Mudras. › The foot position is of Nupur Paadabheda (left toe touching the right ankle while body is bent in tribhang) › Interestingly the neck is tilted away from the hand near the chin, giving the dancer a coy look as she sees in the opposite direction. Knowledge from Knowledgeable 45 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

THE PHOTO SERIES – PART 1 The Contemplative The Playful and Blithesome Oftentimes the artist's job is to present their Sometimes we find ourselves going through a work in such a way that it impacts the audience three sixty mood shift before and after dancing. without making the effort put into the process As if getting on a train at a grim cold place and evident. A touching painting, haunting song, journeying suddenly to the sunny tropics. While powerful dance etc, have to their credit years of the feeling of heaviness may still remain, one practice. This built-up, leading to the final becomes indifferent to its weight upon losing presentation, is inconspicuous. It is transformed the self in movement. It is then channelled subtly and gracefully by the artist. Practitioner effectively through emotions (storyline-based of an artform is privy to the multiple levels that pieces) or in energy (power packed technical need crossing in order to reach a polished pieces) or both. finality. Which when looked at closely is merely a start, a drop in the ocean. The process of Usually the end of practice leaves one feeling growth is ever evolving and never ending. spirited and reloaded. A feeling of being able to take on anything. Contrary to the drained Dancers often find feeling one associates with an intense workout. The rush of dance is unmatched and creates themselves contemplating hunger for more. Satiated only once the dance begins again next time. An infinite cycle. Even a when divided between the lifetime seems less. classic struggle of head and Odissi trivia for dancers: heart. The head constantly › Right hand in Dolahasta and left in Hamsasya Mudra focuses on perfecting those › Left heel is raised and body is in abhanga tiny technical details while position the heart urges to give in & › Eyes in Sachi Drishtibheda and Neck in Tirascina Grivabheda letting go. An agreement is › Torso in Bamachala position (ribcage shifted arrived only when the body to left) has thoroughly imbibed in its muscles every movement, thus leaving automatic room for the heart to leap, fly and indulge in the magical joy of a piece progressing from - the piece learnt mechanically once upon a time to the piece truly becoming the dancer’s own identity for a fleeting moment because it comes from someplace within. Odissi trivia for dancers: › Both hands are in Hamsasya Mudra › Feet in Kunchita Paada (left heel raised) › Torso in Bamachala position (ribcage shifted to left side) › Head in Dhuta Shirobheda Knowledge from Knowledgeable Views Of The Fellow Collaborator BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad The Photographer - Mr. Innee Singh As a photographer how did you use lights and set design to create the effect of sculptures? I mostly used warm tones within the camera to create the ambience. The lights I used were minimal and yet powerful enough so that the pictures would not look noisy and details will remain intact. There was also the use of interesting backgrounds which had grainy 46

textures in hues of browns along with dim dancer. She had done her homework well. lights to give a sunset effect. Any thoughts you'd like to share about this Were there any challenges faced while trying to shoot with the readers? make the person in frame resemble a temple I enjoy working with artists who create new visuals and give me challenges to work with sculpture while shooting in the studio? more creative lights and produce work that is I did not feel much need to correct the person different from usual dance projects. It keeps the since it was her concept and she very well knew interest alive. what the pose was. Benefits of working with a THE PHOTO SERIES – PART 2 The Dreamy Damsel emancipation, so limitless it consumes her & empowers her to believe she can do anything, Recurring depiction of a woman in storylines is that she can take on the whole world. And so, of dreaming and romanticizing over the man she she dreams of a world so equal even for him as it loves. A forlorn lover always waiting for a union could be for her. A new romance perhaps! with him. While that mood may be a classic one and enjoyable now and then, I can't help but Odissi trivia for dancers: wonder what the modern woman would dream of? Maybe making the first move? Or having an › The feet are in Dhanupada (right foot heel unconventional gender preference? Or an raised, crossed in front of left) unromantic dream altogether? › Torso Dakshyachala position (ribcage shifted An ambitious one instead, a dream of a better to right) world, a more equal world. And so, this ‘Dreamy Damsel’ contemplates that while it may be true › Both arms are raised above the head that male artists have it hard due to the pressures of gender stereotypes in the dance 47 field, one can't at the same time dismiss the struggles of women in this field either. The fabric of an orthodox patriarchy is what she's unfortunately been compelled to weave herself in. Times have changed though. She dreams to tear right through this stifling fabric. She dreams for her skill & art to be noticed over her exterior and demeanour. A dream of

THE PHOTO SERIES – PART 2 The Seeker The One With The Pride Words written, spoken or thought are often the Often our sense of self blurs, captures and bricks of conceptual buildings, tools used on our occupies the room needed to be left for quest for knowledge. However verbal language reflection, reason and ability to accommodate is limiting at times, and so the body emerges as counter narratives to ours. The fine line the ideal vehicle for truth. It is honest and fills in between self-worth and haughtiness is faint. If the indescribable, while our speech defines the dangerously crossed it starts to resemble a concreteness of an idea. In some ways it seems suffocating solid block of black with no room for that the two together complete each other. Be it creativity or bloom. Only darkness and muck words or dance, we seek to feel and convey a bouncing off the walls it is trapped in. The deeper meaning through them. The expectation undoing of an artist is in his/her arrogance of of what one will discover in a dance piece is dismissing any other creative voice other than different almost every time it is practiced. Just his/her own. The muck then trickling down to as it happens when re-reading a text. A new their body of work and, as a consequence, meaning, perspective or interpretation of the averting audiences because in art there's no same piece each time it is done, arouses a room for deception. feeling of subjectivity. One could extend the same thought to a We see words often being employed without society's ruination if it becomes aggressively thought today, carelessly thrown around. The arrogant and unable to accept counter question is - would we be so neglectful of art narratives or criticisms. Halting all creative too? Pursue it without reflection? Aren't we processes of growth. Breeding more filth in its going to seek more from it? Explore its toxic gloom. possibilities and resist its stagnation? The fear of quieting ideas, speech and the fear of invisible In the infinite vastness of universes and boundaries finding their way around art and all existences, what will we account ourselves for? knowledge, has been braved against all through Divided and consumed in the self, ego and its history. For the very essence of art is to be a dictates or united in coexistence, multiple seeker of truth & knowledge, to be real and free voices, views, open-mindedness and love? just as words should be. Odissi trivia for dancers: Odissi trivia for dancers: › Feet in Bandhani Paada (right foot curled › Right hand in Hamsasya & left in Chatura behind left knee) › hasta mudra › Head in Utkhipta Shirobheda › Utkhipta head position (face moves diagonally up) Torso Dakshyachala position › Torso in Dakshyachala position (ribcage › Feet in Suchi Padabheda shifted to right) Knowledge from Knowledgeable 48 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

THE PHOTO SERIES – PART 2 The Resolute There's never one way to do something. There's always room to counter inaction. There's always a why not? To a why. A 'Yes I can' to a 'No'. There's always a beautiful dream. Always thorns on arduous paths towards realising it. There's always a fight to carry on. Always an easy way out. There's always morals, conscience, hope & action. Always turning a blind eye. There's NEVER one way to do something. Unwavering, let's start somewhere? Odissi trivia for dancers: › The torso in Dakshyachala position › The left hand in Shukanchanchu and right in Hamsasya Mudra › The feet in Dhanu Paada (heel raised and crossed in front of the other flat foot). This last pose is similar to the first except the feet positioning is changed. CONCLUSION Odissi Exponent, Cultural Activist vrinda.dance “Creating! that is the great salvation and freedom from suffering, and life's alleviation”. - Vrinda Friedrich Nietzsche (Late German Philosopher and Cultural Critic) Chadha This final quote sums up the quest of all artists - be it in the times when these sculptures were actually built or us today trying to emulate them and building a dance vocabulary. The need to create is what brings excitement, hope and freedom. It is the basis of why we do what we do. To bring an idea, concept, thought, artwork into existence is truly magical! And that closing thought brings us to the end of ‘सं या - Sundown at Puri’. A descriptive photo series recreating the dancing sculptures of Odissa’s Jagannath temple, Puri. 49