Pandit Guru Shyama Charan Pati

Students of Ranchi University will learn to match steps with chhau exponent and Padma Shri awardee Pandit Guru Shyama Charan Pati, who is credited with bringing in innovative changes in the dance form while staying true to tradition.

Invited by the cultural committee of the varsity, the doyen and his 10-member troupe will hold a seven-day workshop on campus in February to promote Seraikela Chhau so that youngsters can keep alive the traditional dance form.

However, dates are not yet final.

Due to Pati’s hectic schedule, the event could not be hosted before February, said the cultural co-ordinator of Ranchi University, S.C. Gupta.

“We want to promote this traditional dance form that has earned worldwide recognition. Our students are unaware of its finer nuances,” Gupta added.

This will be Pati’s third workshop in the state capital.

The first was held at RK Mission Ashram in 2003 and the second at Union Club and Library in 2012.

Speaking to The Telegraph, the Padma Shri awardee said: “I am looking forward to teach students of the varsity, as I believe in passing on the knowledge to newer generations. Earlier too, many participants have been able to pick up the dance form with élan during workshops.”

The varsity will have a full culture calendar in the early months of 2015. January will see the 30th East Zone Inter Youth Festival.

This five-day event, organised under the aegis of The Association of Indian Universities and sponsored by the ministry of skills development, entrepreneurship, youth affairs and sports, will start from January 5. Around 12 universities from the east zone will participate.

“The chhau workshop will be held just after the youth festival. In March, we are planning a ghazal evening and a couple of folk dance workshops,” said Gupta.