Freedom Struggle through Kathak

New Delhi: In order to pay tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives from 1857 to 1947 so that the countrymen could breathe in free air, Urvashi Dance Music Art and Cultural society organised ‘Gaurav Gatha’ dance performance on September 8.

 A marvellous dance performance during the Gaurav Gatha show in Delhi

 

The interesting part of the performance was that it was staged by the underprivileged children from Delhi’s slums. The children, trained by eminent Kathak dancer Dr Rekha Mehra, beautifully showcased the struggle by Rani Laxmibai, Bhagat Singh and other freedom fighters through Kathak. Union Minister Shri Vijay Goel, Shri Satyabhushan Jain from Lav Kush Ramlila Committee and many other eminent persons were present.

 

“The Gaurav Gatha is an attempt to make the audience understand the circumstances in which our freedom fighters operated in those days,” said Dr Mehra while talking to Organiser. “A big section of the youngsters is not aware of the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters. It is because of various reasons. The present education system is also responsible for it, as our textbooks do not adequately educate the young generation about this history in a fair manner. Another problem is that most youth are mad after career. Many of them are not even ready to work in the country after receiving higher education. Through this show we wish to educate them about their responsibility towards the nation and how they can play an active role in development of the country in various capacities,” she added.

Dancers being felicitated at the function 

 

Another endeavour of the show was to apprise the people of their rich cultural heritage. “The interesting part of the show is that we have picked up about 300 underprivileged children from slums of Delhi and we trained them as ambassadors of the cultural heritage. I impart them training free of cost and try to instill in them the spirit to preserve their heritage. If we are able to nurture this feeling even among 50 children, it will not be a small success,” she added.

Dr Mehra has been imparting this training to the children for seven years. Some children have performed well during all these years and many of them now perform in shows. “It is my mission to discover the talent from slums and nurture that to the extent that they successfully own the rich cultural heritage and transfer it to the next generation. During performance they get money, which generates confidence among them,” said Dr Mehra who imparts them training of classical dance, music, tabla, painting etc. The children practise for two hours daily. The Urvasi Dance Music Art and Culture Society was started in 1994.

 

Dr Mehra pointed out that these children had also performed before former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on the theme of ‘War & Peace’. In that performance they presented various wars, which caused huge damage to the humanity. Dr Mehra has been performing Kathak for the last 35 years. The function concluded with the note of positivity, appreciation and felicitation.