PASIGHAT, OCT 9:

As part of its Golden Jubilee outreach, the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) is bringing Indian classical music and dance to schools in remote towns, villages and border areas of Arunachal Pradesh.

The initiative aims to familiarise students with the country’s rich cultural heritage and is being coordinated by State Coordinator Chayanika Vashisth with the support of district administrations and the School Education Department. In East Siang district, the programme is being coordinated by Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) Coordinator Opet Doso and Science and Technology Coordinator Aido Tayeng of the office of the Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE), in coordination with the state team.

During the first phase, held from October 5 to 9, Manipuri classical dancer Ivana Sarkar performed at various schools in Pasighat block.

Trained under Gurus Kalavati Devi and Bimbavati Devi at Manipuri Nartanalaya, Sarkar is an empanelled artiste of the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), SPIC MACAY and Doordarshan. She received the Dr Sunil Kothari Award in 2023.

SPIC MACAY, which will complete 50 years in 2027, is planning its Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, alongside international conventions and programmes at various locations worldwide. As part of the lead-up to the milestone, the organisation is conducting outreach programmes across the country.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the initiative is being implemented in phases, with the next round scheduled from October 27 to 31.

The programme aims to cover 10 schools in each district, extending exposure to India’s classical art forms to students, including those in remote and border areas. (DIPR)