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Classical dancer Geeta Chandran’s disciple debuts with ‘tribute performance’
New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS) Years after her own debut or ‘Arangetram’ in 1974, Padma Shri awardee and classical dancer Geeta Chandran said the first ever Bharatnatyam performance by her disciple Sowmya Laxmi Narayanan was a “true tribute from a disciple to her guru”.
Narayanan’s Arangetram, marking 11 years of her engagement with the dance form, took place at the Chinmaya Mission Auditorium here on Saturday.
Speaking to IANS, Narayanan — training in the form since she was six years old — said an Arangetram is a milestone in any dancer’s life.
“It is when the guru feels that her student can perform continuously for nearly two hours. It is indeed a special day for me” she said.
She said her relationship with Chandran has been a guiding force in her life, be it her dance, academics or anything else.
“She has been more of a parent than just a teacher.”
In 2012, Narayanan had received the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship from the government and had won in the duel category of the 2014 and 2015 Bal Kala Utsav.
Narayanan’s debut began with “Alarippu”, the basic eye, shoulder and neck movement in the “Khandam” beat.
She followed it up by the “Jathiswaram” and a 40-minute “Sringara Varnam”.
Commenting on her performance, Chandran said, “It was an honour, a true tribute from a disciple to her guru. Her skill, stamina and immersion in the spirit of the dance was a treat to watch”.
Chandran runs Natya Vriksha, where she mentors young classical dancers in dance theory, practice and aesthetics.
“At Natya Vriksha we not only learn to dance but also many other things like punctuality, discipline, mythology and tradition,” Narayanan, who received training from Chandran at Natya Vriksha, said.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.