Carnatic Conservatory of Paris at UNESCO: A Report
- In History & Culture
- 07:21 PM, Oct 19, 2021
- Bhavana Pradyumna
UNESCO, Paris, France : On the occasion of the Non-Violence day and Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations at UNESCO, Bhavana Pradyumna Curated an event through Carnatic Conservatory of Paris as a part of Permanent Delegation of India at UNESCO. It was also the formal launch of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav- Celebrating 75 years of Indian Independence, at UNESCO.
The Event was attended by delegates from more than 100+ countries. The “Salle 2” at UNESCO was full. His Excellency Vishal V Sharma, Ambassador of Permanent Delegate of India to UNESCO inaugurated the event. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, Assistant Director-General for the Natural Sciences at UNESCO was the Chief Guest of the Event. Shamila Nair, who is from South Africa, outlined Mahatma Gandhi’s life and transformative time in South Africa.
Under the able guidance, of His Excellency Shri Vishal Sharma, and Ambassador Smt. Pooja Sharma, the cultural event “SAMATVAM”, was presented.
Samatvam means Equanimity. The root word in language Sanskrit is “sama” – means equal or even. “saamya” means equal consideration towards all human beings. India is the country of Unity in diversity. It represents Samatvam. Which means equanimity in culture and tradition.
Diverse Indian classical dance forms were presented on one platform. All the different dance forms were weaved together with Carnatic style of Indian classical music, which has its origin in Vedas.
Chanting of Vedas is listed in UNESCO as one of World’s intangible heritage. 9 years old Aniruddha Kandadai recited Samatvam Shloka from Rig Veda and Shanti Shloka (Om poornamadah poornamidam…) from Isha Upanishad of Yajur Veda. Bhavana Pradyumna played the Vedas on Saraswathi Veena. The meaning of the Shanti Shloka (Om poornamadah poornamidam…) was explained to the diverse audience. Pradyumna Kandadai, who was the guest of the evening cultural programme explained that “In a Matter based world, when something is taken out of that which is existing, the existing matter reduces. Rather X-X = 0. In a consciousness-based Universe, which is infinitely expansive the rules are different! When Infinity is taken out of Infinity, there still remains Infinity! The verse talks about the profound concept of Infinite energy which is the one source of this whole universe. The verses end by seeking Peace to Prevail! Om Peace peace peace.” It is important to note that this caught the attention of Vishal V Sharma, Ambassador of Permanent Delegate of India to UNESCO.
Thomas Vo Van Tao, a French mohiniyaTTam artist presented the customary dance, chollukaTTu. Blessings were sought from Lord Ganesha, to remove all obstacles. Beautiful miniature paintings from across India, were projected in the background. Sharmila Sharma presented a Kathak Performance for Goswami Tulsidas written “Shri Ramachandra Kripalu" or "Shri Ram Stuti". The prayer/ode which glorifies Shri Rāma and his characteristics to the best, was gracefully presented. Miniature Paintings depicting various incidents/moments from the epic Ramayana was played in the background.
Bhavna Pradyumna’s Soulful and melodious rendition of “Vaishnava Jana to”, which is written and composed by the 15th century Gujarati poet-composer Narsinh Mehta, which lays emphasis on the ideals and virtues one has to follow in life, and which was one of the favorite Bhajan of Mahatma Gandhi, took the audience to Sabarmati Ashram!
The Event concluded with Thillana or Tarana, which is a rhythmic piece that is performed at the end of a concert. It is important to note that mohiniyaTTam is performed with Sopanam style of music, and Kathak with Hindustani style of Music. The musicians rendered Carnatic style of Music. The Audience got to witness how these three diverse forms of Indian art, united to present a beautiful Tillana! Thus, reflecting SAMATVAM- Celebrating Unity in Diversity: the very essence of what India represents!
The event was ably supported by Dr. Venkatkrishnan Sundaram on Mridangam, and Pragash Parameswaralingam on Violin.
Many in the audience, including Ambassador Smt. Pooja Sharma were very appreciative of Thomas’ mohiniyaTTam, and Bhavana’s Singing. All Artists had won the hearts of the audience, who expressed their happiness through roaring applause. Ms. Mallika Sudhir, Second Secretary (PDI Paris), said that the Audience were delighted to watch a true Indian event in a long time! Ms Soumya Chandrashekharachari, First Secretary, Deputy Permanent Delegate (PDI Paris) declared the evening a grand success.
The Event, and the evening was so well received, that Ambassadors from different countries, Assistant Director Generals, and Director General of UNESCO expressed their happiness on Twitter.
All the images are provided by the author.
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