A rare feat marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations in London

A brilliant cultural showcase was organised recently by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence at the ICCR’s Nehru Centre, London marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. Unique folk and tribal dances of 12 states and 1 Union Territory were presented by more than 40 performers during the two-hour spectacle, making it a memorable experience for all who attended.

The program opened with a welcome and tribute to Sindhu (Indus) Valley Civilisation by Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Founder of Sanskruti Centre, herself a classical dancer. Energetic Sindhi songs by renowned singer Renu Gidoomal amused the packed audience in the auditorium, accompanied by musicians Sunil Jadhav and Amrit Dhuffer.

This was followed by Manju Sunil’s classical dance on River Sindhu. Congratulatory messages from the Chief Ministers of Manipur, Meghalaya, and Goa- honorable Biren Singh, Conrad Sangma, Pramod Sawant, and Union Minister for Tribal Affairs honorable Arjun Munda have been disseminated to the enthralled attendees.

Diverse and distinct community dances of Sawara (Andhra Pradesh & Odisha), Jhijhiya (Mithila, Bihar), Kunbi (Goa), Talwar Raas (Gujarat/Rajasthan), Haryana, Naati (Himachal Pradesh), Karma (Madhya Pradesh), Koli (Maharashtra), Tangkhul (Manipur), Koch (Meghalaya), Giddha (Punjab), Kummi (Tamil Nadu) and Lambadi (Telangana) were presented during the two-hour extravaganza. Guest of Honour Cllr Sunil Chopra, Mayor of Southwark hailed it as an exquisite exposition and expressed appreciation for the huge efforts by the organisers in bringing together such a huge variety and authenticity to UK audiences.

Goan Association of UK, Rajput Samaj of UK, Haryana in UK Association, British Himachali Society, Natraj Dance Academy, and Sahyog Foundation were part of the program, while Cllr Sharad Kumar Jha, Lui Godinho, Ranjeet Rathore, Reema Virdee and Lakshmi Aveen have coordinated specific aspects. Sushil Rapatwar rendered thanks to all the volunteers, supporters, attendees, and the organising team.

With this program, Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence attains the distinction of perhaps the only organisation in the UK that has highlighted and presented the art, heritage, and culture of 21 States and 3 Union Territories of India in 2022, through the events in Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav series.