Mother earth shook for mere few seconds in Nepal, but rebuilding the lives of affected people is a project that will take a many months. ‘Culture For A Cause 2015- Help Rebuild Nepal’ was a concept born out of a desire to help those devastated by the recent earthquake, by supporting projects that would have a long lasting impact. The noble thought came to fruition on Sunday, Sept 20, 2015 at the Ives Center of WCSU in Danbury, CT.

Bandhan, an enthusiastic volunteer group, and Maharashtra Foundation, A 37-year old organization promoting Economic and Social Justice for all, joined hands and organized a beautiful art concert that brought together gifted Connecticut-based Indian Classical Dance artists. It was a treat for the senses and the soul, an affair extraordinaire.

It was a collaborative presentation of ancient Indian dance forms which are still nurtured and taught at several dance studios across the world, including Connecticut. Aishwarya Chakravarthy’s dance troupe kicked off the event with an artful description of Lord Ganesh in a graceful and most pleasing Mohiniattam style of dance.

Charu Pandit and her troupe had the audience tapping with their beat and her impeccable facial expressions, gestures together with fluid Bharatanatyam moves poetically narrated insights into emotions of three lovers in her piece Triveni.

Anindita Nanda and her senior students presented an intricate dance called Pallavi in Odissi dance style with graceful poses straight from the temple carvings and sculptures of eastern India.

The kathak dancers performed a brilliant mix of sensual moves and intricate patterns under the tutelage of Rachna Agrawal, whose own fast, confident and rhythmic footwork galvanized the audience into spontaneous applause more than once.

Sarada Nori Akella choreographed Kuchipudi dance-drama depicted stories of childhood naughtiness and youthful pranks of Lord Krishna. The expressions of little Krishna, his mother (played by beautiful Sarada), friends, and villagers, together with English narration reeled in the attention of all young and old alike.

The Bharatnatyam performance by Taniya and Puneet Panda, trained in Vazhuvoor and Kalakshetra style respectively, was mesmerizing. Their steady poses, synchronous moves and the masterful command of the floor took the audience to a different dimension.

Gayatri Rao Mahesh gave apt narration and historic background of the dances that brought dimension and context to the performances.

Dignitaries present were Danbury City Council President, Joseph Cove, First Selectman of Ridgefield, Rudy Marconi, President of CT Nepalese community, Sankar Dahal, Maharashtra Foundation representatives, Miss CT Outstanding Teen, Sapna Raghavan, Tribuna Newspaper Editor and Partner, Emanuela Leaf, art lovers and philanthropists, and several-behind-the-scene volunteers from across the state.

“It was an extremely well organized event” said one spectator. “A brilliant piece of artwork for a great cause” said another.  A member of a Nepalese community in Danbury said, “The dances were spectacular and the energy was invigorating. I was personally overwhelmed by this outpour of support from your organization in taking the initiative to help rebuild my country.”

All the proceeds of the evening will go towards projects in Nepal. Nepalese attendees were especially touched by the camaraderie of their neighboring citizens, helping them from half way around the earth. A good cause, caring hearts, dedicated minds delivered a great event that audience will always remember and all participants will always be proud of.

The Bandhan team led by Mangesh Karandikar, Jyoti Kelkar, Sandeep Gandbhir and Deepali Pawar plan to host more cultural events to support different causes in the coming years.

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