Winning performance

Jamshedpur, Jan. 5: Classical dance lovers now have reasons to cheer.

In a major initiative to promote Kathak in the state, New Delhi-based institute Kalashram, run by maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, has joined hands with city-based institute Sangeet Kala Kendra.

Maharaj, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, said the decision was taken following good response from the people of Jamshedpur during the recently-organised Kathak workshop conducted by Saswati Sen (his disciple).

“Saswati Sen has been conducting kathak workshops for the last two years. She was quite impressed with the performance of students here. We thought their level could be further enhanced. Therefore, we decided to go in for the collaboration,” said Maharaj.

Sen, Kalashram’s general secretary, has sent a letter about this decision to Kala Kendra president Lata Raina.

According to the arrangement, from January, Kathak teachers from Kalashram will come to Jamshedpur to train Kala Kendra students.

Talented students from the Kendra will also be given an opportunity to perform as Kalashram artistes, all over the country and world.

Kendra general secretary Geeta Tiwari said it was “a matter of pride” for the Kendra to collaborate with Kalashram.

Kalashram, a dream of Pandit Birju Maharaj, focuses on imparting training mainly in Kathak, along with various other associated disciplines — vocal & instrumental music, yoga, painting, Sanskrit, dramatics and stagecraft.