New Delhi (India), April 25: The night sky over India Gate sparkled with the brilliance of art and culture as Bharat Manch and Kathak Dharohar came together to host a mesmerizing cultural evening and Delhi Ratna Samman ceremony on the hallowed grounds of Kartavya Path. The occasion was none other than the Amrit Mahotsav, the commemoration of 75 years of India’s independence, and it was a befitting tribute to the unsung heroes who fought valiantly for freedom.
Seventy-five artists from all corners of the country took the stage in a breathtaking 75-minute performance that left the audience spellbound. Under the guidance of renowned artist Sadanand Vishwas, the artists presented a medley of tribal and folk dances from Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The graceful movements of Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, and Kathakali added to the enchantment of the evening as the performers paid homage to the heroes of the past with their soul-stirring expressions and emotive storytelling.
The highlight of the event was the prestigious Delhi Ratna Samman, conferred by Bharat Manch, which recognized twelve individuals who have made exemplary contributions in their respective fields. Dr Madhusudan Mittal, Dr Pankaj Kumar, Anil Kumar Yadav, Praveen Sharma, Mili Arora, Smiley Foundation, Dr Satish Agarwal, Dr SS Gill, Yogi Sumit Gupta, Dr MA Khan, Dheeraj Pradhan, and Sweta Garg were among the esteemed awardees who were honoured for their outstanding achievements.
Speaking at the event, Dr Prashant Dwivedi, President of Bharat Manch, expressed that the program was dedicated to the forgotten heroes of India’s freedom struggle, whose names often remain relegated to the sidelines of history. He emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting India’s intangible cultural heritage through such performances and events.
Sadanand Biswas of Kathak Dharohar shared his vision of spreading the rich tapestry of Indian dance forms through their performances and compositions, showcasing the diversity and richness of India’s cultural legacy.
The event was graced by Kamal Patel, Chief Guest and Agriculture Welfare Minister of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, and former Union Minister Dr Satyanarayan Jatiya, who applauded the program and expressed a desire for more cultural collaborations with Bharat Manch and Kathak Dharohar in Madhya Pradesh.
The cultural evening witnessed a staggering turnout of around 6000 spectators, who were captivated by the artistic brilliance and patriotic fervour on display. As the echoes of applause reverberated through the night, it was a testament to the power of art and culture to unite and inspire and a celebration of India’s rich heritage as it continues to march forward on the path of progress.