On the occasion of 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in collaboration with Ramakrishna Mission, Delhi produced a puppet show on the life of Swami Vivekananda. This show, created by BharatiyaLok Kala Mandal, Udaipur, has already travelled to around 200 centres in the north, north-east and western India. It has been received very well. An English version of the puppet show is ready. Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik will inaugurate the English version of the puppet show at Ramakrishna Mission Auditorium on 31 July 2014 at 6.30 p.m.

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By Dr. Akira Shimada, State University of New York, New Paltz

• Abstract for the talk (PDF)

Abstract for the talk (PDF)

Shri. G. Venu shall be present to take questions from the audience.
Origin of Pavakathakali or Puppet Kathakali is attributed to the Andippandaram community,an itinerant group who travelled from Andhra Pradesh and settled in Kerala. They performed puppetry as they moved from village to village for their livelihood. When Kathakali became popular in the eighteenth century, they began to dress up their puppets in Kathakali costumes and make up and also adapted attakatha, the text of Kathakali, creating a new form of puppetry called Pavakathakali. This 56 minute long presentation traces the history; the challenges the art form has faced in various phases of its existence and the present day efforts to rejuvenate it in the rustic setting in Kerala.

Release of DVD ‘Masters of Hindustani Classical Music Series‘ Pandit Laxmanrao Pandit. The DVD release will be followed by a concert by Pt. Laxman Krishnarao Pandit accompanied by Ud. Faiyaz Khan – Table and Pt. Bharat Bhushan Goswami – Sarangi.

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Exciting works of fiction, non-fiction and those of academic interest will be showcased through readings, panel discussions and informal conversations. The aim is to tap into the rich intellectual wealth of Delhi and the IGNCA, and bridge the divide between the reader and writer in the wonderful setting on the IGNCA Library.

Panelists: Ms Aruna Chakravarti (Academic, Translator, Creative Writer) Ms Reba Som (Academic, Writer) A discussion on Ms Chakraverti’s translations of Sunil Gangopadhyay’s work First Light and Those Days with a focus on the Bengal Renaissance as it emerges in the novels.

• Report

Kūṭiyāṭṭaṁ, is a form of Sanskrit theatre traditionally performed in the state of Kerala, India. Performed in the Sanskrit language in Hindu temples, it is believed to be 2,000 years old. It is officially recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

• Report

Pavakathakali, glove puppet play, came into vogue and popularity in Kerala two centuries ago through the influence of the famous classical dance theatre, Kathakali. By incorporating some Kathakali techniques and modelling puppets based on their characters, the Pavakathakali art-form emerged. The word Pava means “puppet” and Kathakali means “story play”. The glove puppet theatre form is of great importance because of its ability to present Kathakali, our classical dance-drama, through puppetry.These performances before children made them quite familiar with the stories of two major Hindu scriptures, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. And also the performance engendered in the minds of children, certain values which are very important in life.

Venue: 13th, 14th & 15th July 2014

13th July 2014, 5 PM onwards at Ganesha Park, close to Allalasandra Lake, ‘A’-Sector, Yelahanka New Town, Bangalore-64 (in association with Yelahanka United Environment Association (YUVA)

14th July 2014 at 11:00AM at Poorna School, Sathnur Village  followed by Parikrma, Yelahanka (In association with the Bangalore Chapter of SPICMACAY.

15th July 2014 at 1:00PM at Army Public School (Kamraj Road) at 9:00 AM followed by Brigade School, J.P Nagar 7th Phase, Bangalore

Pavakathakali Performance

Release of DVD ‘Masters of Hindustani Classical Music Series‘ Pandit Arvind Parikh as part of Great masters of Hindustani Classical Music Series By Ms Dipali Khanna, Member Secretary, IGNCA . The release will be followed by performance by students of Shri Arvind Parikh

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• Invitation

Manipur the beautiful land is inhabited by the Meiteis community who are in majority. Tongkul Nagas and over nineteen small tribes also are part of the population who have a rich heritage, history and culture. This documentary covers their culture, rituals, festivals and much more. The state’s history is rich so is the culture equally vibrant. Many people prefer church marriages, “Dhol-Cholom”, Rāsalīlā is a real treat to the eyes. People enjoy their life through various games.
A land of rich handicrafts, art of making pottery, special dolls, and handlooms needs a special mention. Although Imphal has become much more advanced, the small villages and towns still maintain the traditional values and the ways of life.

This short term course on Buddhist Studies its art and Philosophy will be conducted every Wednesday and Friday. The enrolment is free of cost and on a first come first basis. A certificate will be issued to students who attend all lectures on completion of course. For course details please contact Dr. Radha Banerjee Sarkar, In charge East Asia, IGNCA (rbsarkar18@gmail.com ) Ph 23388211 and Dr. Ajay Kumar Mishra akm67111@rediffmail.com and Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy kkumar.aum@gmail.com

• Brief Note on Buddhism  |  Brief sketch of Buddhist art  |  Buddhist Lecture Details

Venue: Auditorium, C.V. Mess, Janapath, New Delhi- 110001       Time: 3.30 p.m.

8th August 2014 
Presentation of Certificates by Hon’ble Member Secretary 
Ms. Dipali Khanna

Concluding Remarks, by Hon’ble Joint Secretary
Mrs. Beena Joshi

Venue- Auditorium, C.V. Mess Building, IGNCA

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Ayurveda continues to grow rapidly as one of the most important systems of mind-body medicine and natural healing, as a spiritual approach to life becomes ever more important in this ecological age. ‘Journey of Ayurveda’ travels in time from its origins in India to its progress into the 21st century, where Ayurvedic medicine is gaining international interest and respect as an alternative means of caring for physical and mental health.

Director : Shri Bappa Ray