Panchavaktram, a performance to throw light upon burning issues like climate change and gender equality through dance was presented by School of Performing arts and Indic Studies on 26 November, 2022. Graced by dance exponents Padma Bhushan Dr. Raja Reddy, Padma Bhushan Dr. Radha Reddy and Dr Sachchidanand Joshi (Member Secretary, IGNCA) the event was conducted at Fountain Lawn, India International Centre, New Delhi.
With an aim to emphasize upon the importance of curtailing wastage of natural resources and considering man and woman as yin and yang to each other, the production aimed at culling out rare stories from medieval tests depicting the harmonious marriage of the five elements: Bhoomi, Jal, Agni, Vayu and Akash to create a world as we see. The same elements are manifestations of Shiva’s five forms: Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurusha and Eshana which were represented in dance form.
Through dance form – Mohiniyattam, the concept of creation of earth was showcased, the embodiment of Sadyojata that derives Bhoomi with the help of Parvati. The group of Odissi dancers on the other hand suavely represented the second element Jal personified by their version of Vamadeva and the existence of Ganga. The act of how the importance of ‘Agnija’ – an Amsha of Shiva, epitome of light was realized after her abandonment was portrayed by Bharatnatyam performers who depicted the Aghora facet of Lord Shiva that manifests element ‘Agni’. Tatpurusha embodiment of Tatva Vayu was presented in Kuchipudi dance style emphasizing its essential nature without which the other elements cannot survive, finally culminating into the last act of portrayal of Eshana, Shiva’s fifth form that manifests Akash. The universe that reverberates with the sound of ‘Om’ emanated first from Shiva’s damaru and this quintessential fact from Indian mythology was presented by Kathak dancers.
As the students of School of Performing Arts and Indic Studies showcased their talent, Dr. P. Shyama Raju (Hon’ble Chancellor, REVA University) shared his thoughts, “We are honored to be amidst such dignitaries and portray our passion for art and culture amalgamated with an important message out to the world. At our university, while we try to imbibe sustainable practices so as to contribute in our own little way to nature, we also give equal opportunities to our students, not forgetting the uniqueness each gender brings with them.”
