A Catalyst In The Region

My recent visit to Mahagami Gurukul on the invitation of its director Parwati Dutta, gave me a glimpse into the creative work undertaken there. Parwati is a senior disciple of stalwarts like Birju Maharaj in Kathak, Madhavi Mudgal and Kelucharan Mohapatra in Odissi.

- Tapati Chowdhurie

I had the privilege of watching the two-day festival of Kathak and Odissi named Vistar—Extentions within Tradition. Dhrupadangi Kathak, with music composed by Fariduddin Dagar, was presented by Parwati and her disciples on the first day and Vadya Pallavi—an Odissi dance performance based on Rabindra sahitya on the second evening. In an informal meeting Parwati Dutta spoke to me about Mahagami’s activities. Some excerpts.