Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Bahrain (SP)
Bahrain, Feb 18: Nimble-footed Arya Rajkumar, only daughter of Rajkumar, president of Kannada Sangha Bahrain and Dr Chetana Rajkumar, forayed into the stage of professional Bharatnatyam performances, through an ‘Arangetram’ programme arranged in the traditionally decorated dais at the Indian Club Hall, Manama Bahrain recently.
Arya proved to the audience at this programme that she holds tremendous potential to become a leading Bharatnatyam exponent in the future. Arya Rajkumar, a student of New Millennium School here, who showed immense interest in dancing since a very tender age, has been trained for seven years under the tutelage of Vidushi Hansul Gani at the dance school of Kannada Sangha here. In addition to Arya, two other disciples of Hansul, Arkhisha Mario, and Mehra Pushpanjali, also participated in the ‘Arangetram’ programme.
After the customary welcome and introductory sessions, traditional lamp was lit, followed by the prayer rendered by well-known singer, Divya Damodar. At the programme which unfolded before the audiences a beautiful evening replete with exquisite dance moves, Arya Rajkumar, Arkhisha, and Mehra Pushpanjali, proved their prowess in Bharatnatyam by presenting Alaripu, Natesha Kautukam, Vasantam Jatiswaram, and ‘Om Shambhu’ dance.
During the programme, a small function of paying tributes to the Guru, ‘Guruvandana’, was organized. Shekha Huda Al Khalifa, a member of the royal family of Bahrain, participated as chief guest, while principal of New Millennium School, Arun Kumar Sharma, and president of Indian Club, Anand Lobo, participated as honorary guests. After the master, Hansul Gani, accepted the presents offered by her disciples, the dignitaries at the dais handed over mementoes and certificates to the three danseuses.
On this occasion, the mother of Rajkumar blessed the three girls and handed presents to them. Shekha Huda, speaking after accepting the memento, hailed the parents of the children for making sincere efforts towards imparting cultural heritage of their homeland among their offspring. She said dance forms like Bharatnatyam represent traditional Indian values. She hoped that the harmonious relationship between Bahrain and India will remain strong for ever. Arun Kumar and Anand Lobo hoped that the girls will hone their skills further and bring laurels to their country of origin as well as Bahrain.
Rajkumar, Edmond, and Ramprasad were present at the dais. On this occasion, mementoes were presented to Suresh, D Ramesh, Bharat Shetty, Doomanna Rai, Sunil Kadri, and Shivaraj Shetty, in recognition of their efforts in creating the tasteful dais, as well as guest artistes. Nidhi compered the programme.
In the category of solo dances, Arkhisha presented ‘Shabdam’, Mehra performed ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ and Arya came up with ‘Vishamakara Kanna’. The subtle dance moves under ‘Keertanam’, ‘Tillana’, and ‘Mangala Naatya’ showcased by the three youngsters provided feast to the eyes of the audiences.