By Special Correspondent
Envisioned by Odissi exponent, Choreographer and Guru –Smt Monalisa Ghosh,supplemented by the joint efforts of a small group of likeminded individuals,
Kalajyoti , was established on 7th January 2000 in the peri – urban area of South 24
Parganas, at Rajpur, extreme South of Kolkata.
With the dedicated effort of Smt. Monalisa Ghosh, in last 20 years, Kalajyoti has devoted itself to promote and deepen awareness of Indian Traditional Dance form , specially Odissi,along with inculcating rigorous self discipline as part of grooming young students that is key to delivering any work of Art in a world where such values are fast disappearing.
Keeping the profound values of ‘Sadhana’ behind Indian Sanskriti, Kalajyoti is at once a humble and esteemed institution, that has been exclusively recognized for their unflinching dedication in the field of Odissi Dance and duly conferred with numerous State and National and International Awards to celebrate its achievements. In line with the philosophy of upholding a Gurukul system amidst the appropriate traditional ambience, a few of our most
talented students have been sponsored to the other shores of the world as delegates and special invitees, to demonstrate the rich heritage of Indian Classical Dance in the form of Odissi under the able guidance of Guru Monalisa Ghosh.
Workshops by renowned Gurus in several dance forms, and Yoga are regularly organized to broaden the repertoire and understanding of dance.
Kalajyoti Mahotsavs are an yearly feature and has been blessed by the presence of
dignitaries and spiritual gurus – Governor of West Bengal Sri Keshari Nath Tripathi .
Keeping in mind the uncertainty of the Corona situation, Festival ‘ALANKAR’ has been planned by Kalajyoti giving prime importance to inspiring cultural motivation amongst youth, and budding artists by performances and choreographic presentations by eminent Gurus and Exponents who have dedicated several decades of their life in practicing of a
certain art form in spite of all hurdles of life.
Alankar Festival began on the 19th September, continued on 20th September,26th September and 27th September, proudly presented – Jewels Of The World.
Executive members of Kalajyoti conducted lighting of the Lamp ceremeny at Kalamandap –the ethnic Theatre, followed by an expression of gratitude to the eminent Legends by President Kalajyoti, Smt. Sarbari Das. As a respect to the veteran Artists, Guru Monalisa Ghosh herself took up the task of artist introduction. A galaxy of legendary artists performed and shared a few words of encouragement for the next generation of Dancers. At the same time they showered best wishes for Kalajyoti and applauded the effort of Monalisa ghosh and
Team Kalajyoti.
The Festival was inaugurated virtually, with an inspiring speech by Padmavibhusan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. Her words of wisdom enlightened the viewers of Spiritual connection with Indian classical Dance.
Padmashree Ranjana Gauhar shared words of wisdom with the viewers followed by a
mesmerising recital – Her own composition, Dancing footsteps in Rain. Next Artist was
Pandit Mannarkoil Balaji in Mridangam. His mastery in Mridangam was apparent in his
execution of the rhythmic varieties. Dr. Anjana Moyee Saikia presented an extremely graceful Sattriya recital followed by an expressive Kuchipudi recital by Nritya Chudamani Smt. Vyjayanti Kashi. Sangit bharati Pandit Chetan Joshi stole the heart with his melodious Flute recital.Padmasri Sashadhar Acharya presented apicturesque Chchau Nritya. The first day concluded by an Odissi recital , ashtapadi from Geeta Govindam, by Padmavibhusan Dr.
Sonal Mansingh, which viewers will remember for long years to come.
On 20th,and 26th September – the legenderary artists who captivated the viewers were Dr. Sangita Gosain who presented melodious Odissi Vocal, Dr. Puspita Mukherjee in Odissi, Dr.
Mohua Mukherjee in Gaudiya, Padmasri Moinul Haque in Mime, Dr. Chandrima Majumdar in an enchanting Sarode recital, dr. Padmaja Suresh in Bharatnatyam, Dr. Nagraj Havaldar took the listeners to a spiritual world by his devotional Vocal, Smt. Rama Devi in Bharatnatyam, Smt. Rina Jana in Odissi, Dr. Sharodi Saikia in a graceful Sattriya recital, Sri Swapneswar Chakrabarty in Sitar, Guru Radha Anjali a renowned Bharatnatyam dancer from
Vienna,Guru Aloka Kanungo in a charming Odissi recital, Smt. Swagata Sen Pillai presented dance drama choreographed by her, and renowned vocalist from Bangladesh Smt. Raziya Sultana Munni, whose Folk songs from Bengal was highly praised.
Kalajyoti extended Festival Alankar by presenting the Jewels of tomorrow and future, where performances by senior talents of today and the tiny prodigies were highlighted on 27th of September, 3rd October and 4th October.2020. Ashna Priyambada bharatnatyam, Arunima
Ghosh Odissi, Erika Kathak, Rahul acharya Bharatnatyam,Subham Acharya Cchau, rachana Kar Gaudiya,Irmi holzinger from germany Odissi, Ragini Maharaj Kathak, vinod Kevin Bachchan Odissi,Larissa maria Oshonik from Vienna Odissi, Sri Indrajit Basu in Flute, Silke Schoen from Vienna in Odissi, Sarmishtha Chowdhury in Odissi,Sanghamitra jana Odissi,
Induniva Diva Bharatnatyam, Tanusree Mullick Odissi,Debanjana Odissi, debdatta Lahiri
Odissi, ivana Sarkar Manipuri, jit Ghosh Odissi, Namrata Mehta Odissi , Kushal bhattacharya and ensemble Kathak, srishty debroy Odissi, moumita Guchait Odissi, Roshan Haque mime,Sayantani Roy Odissi, urjjasi Basak Odissi, Shubhosree Odissi, shalini Odissi, Poulomi Chakraborty Odissi, Sumana Das Odissi, sriparna Bose Odissi,Debarati Dasgupta Kathak,
Curtain dropped with a performance by Kalajyoti junior ensemble – Simran, srijita, simantani and rupsa.
About 70 performers were presented in the 6 Days Festival.
The huge success of the Alankar Festival by Kalajyoti goes to the Team.
Web telecast editing and presentation was provided by Anish Biswas, compering by Guru Monalisa Ghosh, Sri Indraneel Das, Atashi biswas, Tanusree mullick and Rudraneel Das.
Designing publicity posters – Sri Indraneel Das.
Entire Technical support by Sri Amit Biswas.
Alankar Festival where Legends , Exponents and Future talents enchanted the viewers with their presentations will present Season II , in collaboration with EZCC from 7th to 10th January, 2021.