For over thirty years, Patna’s vibrant cultural scene, once flourishing with classical music and dance, has sadly withered into a barren landscape. Once, artists prioritised their engagements in Patna during Dussehra, filling the nights with their performances. Sadly, those bustling days have vanished, replaced by a lack of festivals, dwindling audiences, and venues where art can thrive, all subject to the chokehold of poor governance and political strife.
Recently, however, the Navras School of Performing Arts has emerged as a beacon of hope, spearheaded by Dr Ajit Pradhan and his wife Anvita. With their dedication and funding from hard-to-find sponsors, they have begun to rejuvenate Patna’s cultural palette, offering a wealth of musical and artistic experiences that reignite the public’s appreciation for heritage. Their tireless efforts are successfully ushering both artists and audiences back into the once neglected cultural fold.
On March 1st and 2nd, Navras held a remarkable ‘Festival of Literature on Music’, commemorating the legendary Kishori Amonkar. The event hosted 42 musicians and authors, featuring 19 dynamic sessions and three memorable concerts, inaugurated by Bihar’s Governor, Arif Mohammad Khan. His rich understanding of cultural nuances adds weight to the festival’s significance, marking the reconnection to Patna’s historical depth in the arts.
The festival was star-studded with prominent figures in classical dance and music, including Dr Sonal Mansingh and Ashwini Bhide. Engaging discussions and performances enthralled attendees, culminating in a captivating Dastangoi rendition themed on actress Madhubala’s life. The thoughtful key-note addresses spurred vital discourse about the preservation of classical heritage, challenging the audience to consider the balance between evolution and authenticity in art.
Dr Ajit and Anvita Pradhan host each event with warmth and care, ensuring that every participant feels valued. Their dedication is a driving force behind the hopeful revival of Patna’s cultural traditions, inviting passionate engagement into a once-forgotten world of artistic brilliance.
Navras School of Performing Arts, led by Dr Ajit and Anvita Pradhan, is revitalising the cultural landscape of Patna, which has suffered neglect for over thirty years. Through curated events like the ‘Festival of Literature on Music’, they are reigniting public interest and engagement in classical music and dance. The festival featured renowned artists and thought-provoking discussions, highlighting the necessity of preserving cultural heritage while fostering artistic innovation.
The Navras School is stirring a cultural renaissance in Patna, challenging years of artistic decline through dedicated leadership and community engagement. By reintroducing vibrant classical arts and hosting significant events like the recent festival, it aims to rekindle a collective appreciation for heritage and ensure that Patna remains a relevant cultural centre in India. Dr Ajit and Anvita Pradhan’s commitment to this resurgence exemplifies how passion and perseverance can breathe life back into a community’s artistic essence, reminding us of the importance of preserving our cultural legacy amidst the chaos of modernity.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
