Bhubaneswar: Kokila Dance and Music Academy (KDMA) brought the curtains down on its two-day fifth Foundation Day celebrations with a high note at Bhanjakala Mandap in Bhubaneswar on Saturday evening.
The programme was graced by esteemed guests including social activist and former BMC corporator Chhabindra Jena, Ward No 49 corporator Sanjukta Sundaray and founder cum editor in chief of Kalasanskruti Pradeep Pattanayak, who inaugurated the evening by lighting the auspicious lamp. KDMA’s president Hrudaya Ballava Samantaray and director Guru Smt Monalisha Samantaray also shared the dais.
Following the formal felicitation ceremony, the cultural programme unfolded in full swing, treating the art lovers to a feast of dance and music.
The evening commenced with an engaging Tabla recital ‘Talabadya Kacheri’. Under the guidance of Guru Dr Snehasish Patnaik, KDMA’s Asit Raiguru and Sai Shriyan Behera showcased their mastery over Tritaal showcasing intricacies like ‘Kayda’, ‘Tukda’ and ‘Chakradar’, leaving the audience captivated.
Keeping the momentum going, five KDMA students-Abhinab, Shreyansh, Debopriya De, Ayansh and Jishu-performed popular melodies like ‘Pehle Bhi Main…’ from film ‘Animal’ and ‘Tu Aata Hai…’ from film ‘M S Dhoni’ on the Casio keyboard, with their teacher Lipu Kumar Digal assisting them on the rhythm.
The art lovers were then treated to a captivating Hindustani vocal recital in two segments-junior and senior.
The first performers were Aaryansh, Purvi, Hrithvi, Yakshit, Aditya, Aradhya and Jagdish who rendered a Bandish ‘Shyama Varana Mana’ in ‘Alhaiya Bilawal’ Raga.
In the second segment, Riya, Padmini, Mousumi and Pragyan presented a Bandish ‘Sanchi Kaho’ in Raga ‘Ashavari’. Under the direction of Guru Sasmita Behera, the young vocalists performed up to the expectation and earned appreciation from the audience. They were ably supported by Subrat Tripathy on the Tabla and Sourav Goswami on the Flute.
Adding vibrant colour to the evening, eleven KDMC students-Jagdish, Shivank, Swayamjit, Shreyanshu, Bivan, Gudiya, Reetikshya, Shivanshi, Srinika, Stutilagna and Geervani-performed a lively ed modern dance to the song ‘Odia Bhari Badhia’, leaving the audience glued to their seats.
The junior students of KDMA then took center stage with contemporary dance items. Ujjal, Rishi, Oorjit, Shreyanshi, Kheyansh, Avyukt ansd Swanay impressed the audience with their synchronization and energy. The baton was then passed to the senior dancers, who delivered a captivating modern dance performances to Bollywood songs ‘Jee Le Zara’ and ‘Main Hun Tera and Tu Hai Meri’, earning loud applause from the audience.
One of the highlights of the evening was a scintillating Bollywood style performance by two senior students of KDMA. Tanvi Bhattacharya and Aamsi Aroshi Maharana presented ‘Main Albeli Ghumu Akeli’ and ‘Tu Shayar Hai Main Teri Sayari’. Their graceful performance drew thunderous applause.
The mood then turned emotional as singer ‘Dugu’ came onto the stage and sang ‘Teri Ungli Pakad Ke Chala’ on track music. His heartfelt rendition struck a chord with the audience, leaving many visibly moved.
The celebrations came to an end with a rocking dance performance by the junior and senior students of KDMA to ‘Na To Karvan Ki Talash Hai’ from film ‘Dhurandhar’ and ‘It’s The Time To Disco’ from film ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’, bringing the house down and rounding off the evening in style. All the modern dance items were choreographed by KDMC’s Goutam Bhattacharya.
Worth mentioning, KDMA felicitated the most dedicated parents, a practice rarely seen at festivals organized by dance and music institutions.
While Dr Mrutyunjay Rath anchored the programme with finesse, Guru Smt Monalisha Samantaray distributed certificates to all participants. The flawless execution of the festival stood as a testament to the unwavering dedication and meticulous efforts of Monalisha Samantaray and Hrudaya Ballava Samantaray.
