On the occasion of World Earth Day 2018, Urvashi Dance, Music, Art and Cultural Society organized SAMAGAM – a Festival of Dance and Seminar for the upliftment of underprivileged children under the patronage of Internationally acclaimed Kathak Exponent & Social Activist Dr. Rekha Mehra. The two-day event held on 20 – 21st April 2018 at LTG Auditorium saw over 100 artists performing on stage.

In view of the heightened need for ‘Women Empowerment’ and ‘Saving the Girl Child’, the festival was also aimed at amplifying the message of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign. Prominent citizen of the capital city and other honourable guests attended the event on both days to show their support to this noble cause.

The inaugural day of the festival was graced by the presence of honorable guests such as BJP Tripura state in-charge Vijay Jolly, Kathak dancers Bharti Shivaji and Nalini & Kamalini, who blessed the young artists and wished them a bright future ahead. present as honorable guests.

Day 1 was a showcase of the talent and dedication that each young dancer put into their performance. Carefully matching their steps to each dance item, the children performed simple Kathak routines, carefully choreographed to suit their developing skills. Apart from performing a Guru Vandana, Ganesh Shloka, Krishna-Radha Varnana and Surya Shloka, the young dancers also performed a unique Shiv Tandav with Trishul and Damru.

Highlights SAMAGAM – a Festival of Dance and Seminar

Day 2 performances were dedicated to Mother Nature, showcasing a song on Varsha – highlighting the importance of using water responsibly and thus protecting nature’s precious resources that sustain us. Another dance item on Saavn, displayed the happiness and joy that greenery and other colours of a healthy earth brings to our lives. A moving choreography on the most urgent issue of female foeticide was also presented, rendering the message of “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”, which was highly appreciated by the eminent guests and audience. The young artists trained by Urvashi’s expert Kathak dancers showed immense talent and promise for their future in performing arts and even earning a livelihood from it.

Honourable guests who were present to witness the concluding days show included Shiv Kumar (Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s PA), M L Srivastava (Joint Secretary – Ministry of Culture (Akademies) and protem chairman of the Lalit Kala Akademi), Priti Goel (Wife of Shri Vijay Goel), Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma (MP – West Delhi Lok Sabha Constituency), Kum Uma Sharma (Kathak Dancer and Teacher, Rani Khanam (Kathak Dancer), and Radhika Abrol (DEMS SDMC Chairperson and SDMC Municipal Councillor), to name a few.

A major concern for parents of underprivileged girls is the inability to take care of their daughter and the burden of marrying them off. Skilling programmes and social development initiatives undertaken by Urvashi Society aims to educate these girls from weaker sections of the society by giving them a sustainable skill that would help them stand on their own feet in the future. With the skills such as tailoring, dancing, handicrafts etc that they learn at Urvashi, these girls can also grow up to be independent women, much like any other modern Indian woman.

Urvashi Dance, Music, Art, and Cultural Society has always been at the forefront in taking initiatives that directly reach out to the lesser-privileged citizens of this great country. In a world where we are faced with increasing social concerns that demand immediate attention, it is imperative to reach out to the society at large and create awareness about these issues that have unfortunately become a part of our daily lives. Continuing their commitment to the underprivileged, Dr. Rekha Mehra and her team at Urvashi is looking forward to reaching out to a wider audience and communicating the message of peace, love, and harmony through an innovative showcase of artistic expression.

About Urvashi Dance, Music, Art & Cultural Society:

Headed by accomplished Kathak dancer Dr. Rekha Mehra, Urvasi Dance, Music, Art & Cultural Society serves as an NGO to train underprivileged children with arts like dance, music, tailoring etc. It also provides these children a platform to showcase their talents. The group often performs themed shows and choreographies to create social awareness on several topics like women empowerment, global warming, HIV-AIDS etc.

About Dr. Rekha Mehra:

Dr. Rekha Mehra, President of Urvashi Dance, Music, Art and Cultural Society, is multi-faceted Kathak dancer and choreographer from the Jaipur Gharana, who has always strived hard to work for the betterment of backward classes; especially underprivileged children whom she trains sans fee in the hopes of instilling confidence and giving them a better chance at reaching new highs in life. With 35 years of dedication to her art, Dr. Mehra is a recipient of several recognitions including the prestigious Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award. Her tireless efforts towards promoting traditional Indian culture and heritage through dance directly translates into her wondrous choreographies like Nidaan, Nari Shakti, Atal Shanti Ki Khoj Mein, Kargil Martyrs, and Ladli amongst others.