PM Inaugurates ‘Bharat Mandapam’ With Grand Cultural Presentation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the International Convention Centre ‘Bharat Mandapam’ at Pragati Maidan on 26 July 2023.

On this occasion, the Ministry of Culture, through its Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Zonal Cultural Centres presented a bouquet of cultural programs with the participation of around 1250 artists from across the nation involving traditional musical instruments like the Nadaswaram, Thavil, Panchavadyam, etc. The welcome performances brought out the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

More than 300 school children from Vidya Bharti sang “Ananda Loke” of Rabindranath Tagore as part of the Foyer performances. More stage performances included Dhrupad by Sammit Mallik and group; a confluence of Indian classical dances – Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi and Odishi; Siddhi Dhamal; Dholu Kunita; Bihu; Baredi; Odishi dance by Padmashree Madhavi Mudgal and group; mask dance (Purulia Chhau); and Kathak by repertory artists and students of Kathak Kendra.

There were also about 28 spot performances featuring various folk and tribal art forms of the country creating a carnival- like atmosphere all around the Bharat Mandapam. In the morning there was a flute ensemble after the havan rendered by Chetan Joshi, Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, and his group which set the tone for the day’s events. Around 150 of the invited artists attended the havan.

A 15-minute performance ‘Ojasvi’ was presented before the Prime Minister presented choreographic dance presentation on the music of Shankar Mahadevan & Ricky Kej – Surya, Ganesha, and Nataraja incorporating Chhau, Kathak, Odisshi, Bharatanatyam, and contemporary dance forms by Santosh Nair and his Sadya group from Delhi.  ‘Dhanya Bharatam’ song in Hindi language rendered in the Powada or Marathi folk singing style by Shri Nandesh Vatsala Vitthal Umap (Sangeet Natak Akademi Yuva awardee) accompanied by about 20 dancers representing various folk and major performing art forms imbued everybody with a sense of patriotism.