Sandip.Bal@timesgroup.comTwo women — a US-based
Kathak
dancer and a city- based storyteller and content writer — have come up with a unique concept of spreading
peace
in today’s time. In a video, the storyteller,
Prachitara
, has recited Pakaana Boma — a 1982
poem
penned by eminent Odia poet Prasanna Mishra, while Kathak danseuse
Anindita Neogy Anaam
has performed.
At a time when every country is on the brink of war, be it against
terrorism or political conflicts, the poem Pakaana Boma, which means ‘Don’t drop the bomb’, takes people of this generation back to the horrors of wars that the older generation had to face.
Claiming it to be the first-ever duet of recitation and dance in Odia, Prachitara said the poem has been beautifully portrayed through visual narrations and each dance step is in sync with the powerful voice. The combination is sure to give viewers goosebumps. “Although the poem is based on the
Hiroshima
bombings, it is all the more relevant today considering the ongoing tensions around us. It’s an anti-war poem, which we think is being released at the right time. We want to convey the message of love, peace and non-violence,” said the storyteller-cum-anchor.
Anindita, who stays in Wisconsin in the US and is a non-Odia, has choreographed and performed the dance to perfection and each word has been portrayed with immense emotions and facial expressions. “I sent her the recitation of the poem and the English translation for her reference and she has depicted it with her Kathak moves beautifully,” added Prachitara.
For Anindita, it was wonderful to perform to something different. “It’s an experiment for me and when it had a message like world peace, I felt excited and happy doing it,” said Anindita, adding, “We have been seeing how people are turning into war-mongers overnight and are vying for each other’s blood. This poem gives us the real picture of a war. Though it’s in Odia, I feel my dance will help others understand what is being said.”
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