Kalapi, a dance troupe based in BB Block, sang paeans to peace and the universal poet through a dance performance based on Rabindranath Tagore’s Pujarini. 

Pujarini is a poem about a court dancer, Sreemati, who sacrificed her life for Buddhism during the reign of the great-grandson of Emperor Ashoka, Ajatoshatru, who decided to revive the Vedic form of worship in the face of widespread worship of Lord Buddha. Sreemati became immortal through her death, which was a complete surrender to Lord Buddha.

“The story of Pujarini attracted me. Sreemati, the court dancer who sacrificed her life for Buddhism, wanted to spread the message of love and peace by offering her prayers to Lord Buddha. The same is the need of the hour as we can see violence being resorted to as if it was the only option as a solution to each and every problem, however small the problem may be. We have performed many a dance drama of Kabiguru, but we are staging Pujarini for the first time,” said Sushmita Nandy Sethia, the director of the recital. 

The show started with the chanting of Buddham Saranam Gachchhami/ Dhammam Saranam Gachchhami/ Sangham Saranam Gachchhami creating a serene ambience.

Verses from Pujarini were juxtaposed with appropriate Tagore songs, taking the story forward. Manjuri Sinha, who played the central role of Sreemati, said: “I have been associated with Masi (Sushmita Nandy Sethia) and this troupe for around 12 years. I have portrayed the main characters in many shows before but it’s my first time as solo lead. I am not nervous but very anxious.” 

Each part of the story, starting from the dancer’s devotion, King Ajatoshatru’s order to stop worship of Buddha defying which would invite a death penalty, the village children rejoicing without a care about the harsh laws of the land to the final sacrifice of Sreemati were well-staged.

“I come here often since this venue is near my home. I love Tagore-centric programmes and hence am a regular at the shows organised at Rabindra Tirtha. Usually the dance drama chosen are either Chandalika, Shapmochon, Chitrangada or Tasher Desh. But this time it was something different and of course a treat to the eyes.” said Alpana Dasgupta, a member of the audience and a resident of Rajarhat.

“Kalapi is a dance school which I started with the aim of helping disadvantaged children. Kalapi also does charity work. There is a school in Ayodhya Pahar, Purulia, where we take care of the welfare of around 190 Santhal children. I visit the school quite often to take dance classes. Every Sunday, I also visit Srijan Sangha, in Mahishbathan, to teach dance to local children and provide them with snacks. Whatever money is raised from the institution and from shows gets spent on the welfare of the underprivileged children,” said Sethia.