ITANAGAR, OCT 31:
The Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY), Arunachal Pradesh Chapter, has successfully concluded a statewide classical dance outreach programme covering more than 80 government schools across eight districts, reaching over 1,500 students in each district.
Organised during SPIC MACAY’s Golden Jubilee year, the initiative featured 74 workshop-demonstration programmes in remote and geographically challenging areas, providing students opportunities to experience Indian classical dance and interact with accomplished artistes.
The outreach was conducted in two phases. The first, held from October 5 to 9, covered Kurung Kumey, Leparada, Siang and East Siang districts, featuring artistes Ivana Sarkar (Manipuri), Monami Nandy (Odissi), Sraddhasree Brahmo (Bharatanatyam) and Moyuri Shom (Bharatanatyam).
The second phase, conducted from October 27 to 31, covered Upper Subansiri, East Kameng, Lower Dibang Valley and Changlang districts. Artistes Sourav Roy (Kathak), Laavanya Ghosh (Odissi), Santanu Roy (Bharatanatyam) and Samila Bhattacharya (Kathak) conducted the sessions.
The programmes showcased four major classical dance forms—Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi and Manipuri—through performances, demonstrations and interactive sessions.
Despite difficult road conditions and considerable distances between schools, the artistes travelled extensively to reach students in remote locations. In Upper Subansiri, a strike necessitated temporary changes to the schedule. Programmes were initially shifted to Itanagar Higher Secondary School and Ganga Village Higher Secondary School on October 27, followed by a session at Leporiang on October 28, before the remaining programmes were completed at Daporijo as scheduled.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Sagalee extended logistical support for the Leporiang session, while Project Officer of the Arunachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency at Daporijo Tadam Jeram provided assistance for the programmes in the region.
The initiative was supported by the Secretary of School Education, the Department of School Education and the Directorate of Elementary Education. The SPIC MACAY state chapter coordinated with Deputy Directors of School Education (DDSEs), Block Resource Coordinators (BRCs), Block Education Officers (BEOs) and other local authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of the programmes. Advance coordination by district education officials and local teams, along with logistical assistance from schools and district administrations, facilitated the outreach.
School principals appreciated the initiative and suggested that such cultural programmes be organised at least once a year to expose students to India’s classical art traditions.
SPIC MACAY, a voluntary non-profit organisation, works to promote awareness and appreciation of India’s cultural heritage among young people by taking accomplished artistes directly to educational institutions. The Arunachal Pradesh Chapter said the initiative provided valuable cultural exposure to students, particularly those in remote areas with limited access to such programmes.
The outreach series concluded on October 31, with the state chapter coordinating the artistes, programme content and overall cultural activities.
