Embassy of Ukraine in India and India – Ukraine Friendship Association of IAFFC in Collaboration with India Habitat Center organized a Bharatnatyam Dance recital by Ukrainian Indian dancer Elina Nischal in Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The Program ”Vande Padmanaabham” was dedicated to the various stories of Lord Vishnu. The beginning with Pushpanjali shlokas, wherein Lord Vishnu is addressed as the ultimate source of Universe and particular names of Vishnu are chanted which are to be uttered in different junctures and problems of life, set a wonderful atmosphere for the evening.
The dancer Elina Nischal performed a rare piece of dance composition Dasavatara Varnam depicting Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu. This particular piece of dance was set to dance by legendary Shrimati Rukmini Devi Arundale and composed by Maharaaja Swati Tirunaal. It is famous for its complicated rhythmical structure and is a challenge for musicians as well as for dancers in its technical parts. This extremely beautiful composition is rare to be seen on the stage these days.
In the journey of the programme the Dancer Elina performed a verse from Geeta Govinda, followed by a very famous Ukrainian Folk Song Chornii ochi, reflecting emotional parallels with the verses of Geet Govinda . The Showing of similar dramatic aspects in both Geeta Govinda and Ukranian folk song through the means of Bharatnatyam gesture and Abhinaya touched the hearts of both Indian and Ukrainian audience and also added a charm to the evening.
The Dancer, in the Jawali Saramaina, eloquently portrayed an angry Heroine disappointed by late coming of her beloved. Keerthanam Bhavayami was full of bhakti feeling and also portrayed the pranks of little Krishna which had deep Cosmic aspects. The dancer also depicted her vision of the butter, so much loved by little Krishna, as the essence of Human heart being loved by Absolute. The Program was concluded with the Radha-Madhava Tillana written by J S Rajan and performed for the first time. It was performed with grace and inspiration. The audience has responded with enthusiasm and high appreciation.
Elina came to India as ICCR scholar of Bharatnatyam in 1999 and later continued on her own with her Guru Smt. Anjana Rajan for many years till now. She has deep love and interest in this dance form and Indian philosophy and culture since her early childhood.
Elina is a known painter also and being a painter she has a deep perception of lines and patterns of the dance and she incorporates this in her work. She believes in Cosmic origin of Bharatnatyam and perhaps that feeling adds something very special to her warm, inspired and graceful performance.
H. E. Ambassador of Ukraine to India Mr. Ihor Polikha, was the Chief Guest of the function. Prof J.S Rajput, India’s Representative to UNESCO was Guest of Honour. The other dignitaries present on the function were H. E. Mr. V B Soni, Former Indian Ambassador to Ukraine, Mr. SS Chaman, Mr. Jasbir S Nischal, Genl Secretary IAFFC.