MSU Baroda's Dance Department Celebrates 75 Years with International Seminar on Arts and Literature
The Faculty of Performing Arts at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU) launched a significant international seminar on Friday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of its esteemed dance department. This landmark event attracted a distinguished assembly of scholars and artists from across India and numerous foreign countries, creating a vibrant platform for intellectual and artistic exchange.
Exploring the Nexus of Literature and Artistic Practice
Titled "Ancient and Modern Literature in Performing and Visual Arts and Its Practices," the two-day seminar convened approximately 200 participants, including scholars, performers, and academicians. The primary objective was to conduct a thorough examination of the intricate relationship between literary traditions and their manifestations in artistic practice, spanning both historical and contemporary contexts.
The inauguration was graced by Puru Dadheech, a Padma Shri awardee and renowned scholar, who served as the chief guest. The keynote address was delivered by the celebrated Kathak exponent and Padma Shri recipient, Shovana Narayan. Both luminaries emphasized the profound and enduring influence that literature has exerted on the evolution and refinement of Indian performing and visual arts throughout history.
Distinguished Participants and International Delegation
The seminar featured an impressive roster of resource persons and performers, including:
- Violinist Sangeeta Shankar
- Harmonium exponent and academician Keshav Chaitanya Kunte
- Tabla player Rahul Swarnakar
- Artists Kanaiyalal Patel, Dhanya Jois, Mahesh Champaklal, and D Padmakumar
Participation extended beyond national borders, with scholars from various Indian states joining delegates from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Mauritius, and Nepal. These international contributors presented research papers, fostering a cross-cultural dialogue on the seminar's central themes.
Celebratory Performances Conclude the First Day
The inaugural day's proceedings culminated in a series of captivating performances by students from the university's dance department. These presentations were meticulously prepared under the guidance of faculty members Tripti Gupta and Preeti Damle, with oversight from the head of the department, Smriti Waghela. The performances served as a practical demonstration of the theoretical discussions, beautifully illustrating the synthesis of literary inspiration and dance artistry.
This seminar not only honors a 75-year legacy of dance education at MSU but also reinforces the university's commitment to advancing scholarly discourse in the performing arts on a global stage.
