Friday, April 25, 2025
33.1 C
New Delhi

Pt. Birju Maharaj: The Social Engineer of the Kathak World

(A Special Tribute on His Birth Anniversary – Basant Panchami)

(BTI)-This is a story from the days when I embarked on a journey to Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, to learn dance from Pt. Birju Maharaj. Yes, it was between 1990 and 1993. I sought permission from my first guru, Prof. Kalyan Das Mahant, a court artist of the Raigarh royal court. Guru Mahant even wrote a formal letter to Maharaj Ji, entrusting me (Krishna Kumar Sinha) to his tutelage for Kathak training. Since 1990, I have remained his disciple for 32 years. This is why Maharaj Ji shared a strong bond with Chhattisgarh and Rajnandgaon.

Barbarika Truth News India-image= April 25, 2025

Maharaj Ji always referred to Rajnandgaon as “Nandgaon.” Even today, Maharaj Ji’s family—Guru Mata Annapurna Devi Ji, Krishna Mohan Mishra, Shashwati Didi, Jaykishan Maharaj, and others—affectionately call me “Kishan.” Inspired by Dr. P.D. Aashirwadam Sir, I had the privilege of conducting Ph.D. research on Pt. Birju Maharaj’s father, the late Pt. Achhan Maharaj Ji. This research opportunity strengthened my bond with Maharaj Ji and his family, filling my life with their love and affection.

On Sundays and holidays, Maharaj Ji would often call me to his place to discuss Kathak’s legacy and share stories about his ancestors—his father Achhan Maharaj, middle uncle Lachhu Maharaj, and youngest uncle Shambhu Maharaj. Their unique styles and training methodologies were always a topic of discussion.

At that time, Pt. Birju Maharaj was the chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi. He would frequently take me to Lucknow, which helped me immensely with my Ph.D. research. Maharaj Ji, along with Shambhu Maharaj Ji’s wife Phool Kunwari Devi Ji, Guru Mata Annapurna Devi Ji, Krishna Mohan Bhaiya, Shashwati Didi, Munni Didi, and Bhashwati Didi, knew that I came from a financially weaker background. They supported me not only morally but also financially.

Maharaj Ji was a true connoisseur, a master jeweler in recognizing talent. He knew exactly how to train each disciple and what contribution they could make to society through this art form.

Pt. Birju Maharaj: A Social Engineer of Kathak
Maharaj Ji was a social engineer in the modern Kathak world. He was an exceptional skill developer, training thousands of Kathak students across India and abroad. He was a sculptor of Kathak in contemporary theater. He inherited the rich tradition of the Lucknow Gharana, embodying the distinctive dance styles of the three Maharajs—his father Achhan Maharaj’s precision and rhythm, Lachhu Maharaj’s grace, and Shambhu Maharaj’s tandava (vigorous) and emotive expressions.

By integrating these three elements, Pt. Birju Maharaj brought innovation and creative dynamism to Kathak, developing new choreographic styles and enhancing the skills of his disciples, making Kathak even more profound and impactful.

Maharaj Ji’s Bond with Rajnandgaon
Maharaj Ji fondly called Rajnandgaon “Nandgaon.” He visited the Chakradhar Kathak Kalyan Kendra, Rajnandgaon, five times at my invitation. He conducted four five-day-long All India Kathak Dance Workshops, where he trained thousands of aspiring dancers, elevating their skills.

Barbarika Truth News India-image= April 25, 2025

On the special request of the people of Rajnandgaon, Pt. Birju Maharaj was honored with the status of State Guest by the Government of Chhattisgarh, awarded by Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh. This was the first time an artist had received such an honor after the formation of Chhattisgarh state.

Maharaj Ji was honored by the citizens of Rajnandgaon four times, including being weighed against laddoos twice. On his 75th birthday celebration, he was honored with a Tuladaan (weighing ceremony) using 75 kilograms of ghungroos and another time with 500 Parijat saplings.

This deep affection from the people of Rajnandgaon made Maharaj Ji feel a strong emotional connection with the place. He often mentioned “Nandgaon” (Rajnandgaon) in his performances and events across Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Prayagraj.

Barbarika Truth News India-image= April 25, 2025

When Maharaj Ji visited Rajnandgaon and witnessed the immense love and admiration of the people, he was overwhelmed with joy.

Dr. Krishna Kumar Sinha (Disciple)
Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji, Chakradhar Kathak Kalyan Kendra, Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh)

Hot this week

District Panchayat CEO Reviews Progress of Su-ashasan Tihar and PMAY-G Implementation

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of District Panchayat, Ms. Suruchi Singh, conducted a detailed review of the ongoing Su-ashasan Tihar and the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) - Rural, through video conferencing. During the meeting, she provided essential directions to relevant officials on completing surveys and applications for various welfare schemes. Additionally, she emphasized improving water conservation efforts, particularly the recharge shafts, and the integration of women into the Sangam Abhiyan under the National Rural Livelihood Mission. A special focus was placed on ensuring timely completion of all ongoing projects, including the Swachh Bharat Mission initiatives.

Su-ashasan Tihar 2025: Immediate Issuance of Labor Cards to Beneficiaries, Access to Welfare Schemes

In the ongoing Su-ashasan Tihar 2025, the Chhattisgarh government is swiftly processing applications for labor cards under the Chhattisgarh Unorganized Workers State Social Security Board. Beneficiaries from Rajnandgaon district, including Mrs. Mathura Bai, Mrs. Romin Sahu, and Mrs. Asha Vishwakarma, have received their labor cards, ensuring access to various welfare schemes. The initiative aims to address citizens' concerns and provide essential benefits at the grassroots level.

Chief Minister Inaugurates Atal Panchayat Digital Service Center on National Panchayati Raj Day

On National Panchayati Raj Day, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sahay launched the Atal Digital Service Center virtually, marking a significant step towards digital empowerment at the grassroots level. During the event, he administered an online oath on water conservation and enhancement to all the representatives and villagers of the state’s gram panchayats. Representatives and villagers from Gram Panchayat Gathula in Rajnandgaon district participated in the event through virtual means. The Chief Minister emphasized that the establishment of digital service centers would bring transparency, speed, and ease to administrative tasks at the panchayat level, making government services more accessible to rural populations. The initiative aims to promote digital empowerment, ensuring timely access to certificates, schemes, and other administrative services for villagers.

Prime Minister Engages with Beneficiaries on National Panchayati Raj Day

On the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a video conference with beneficiaries from various gram panchayats across the country. The event, held at Lohna North village in Bihar's Madhubani district, saw participation from the Gram Panchayat Gathula under the Rajnandgaon district. Beneficiaries and representatives from Gathula shared details about ongoing development works at the Panchayat level. The Prime Minister lauded the efforts to strengthen Panchayati Raj and emphasized the need for digital transformation, e-governance, and transparency. He highlighted the central government's initiatives aimed at making gram panchayats self-reliant. Local representatives also discussed how development schemes have positively impacted rural life in Gathula.

Liver Transplant Under CM Special Health Scheme Gives New Life to Pooja Vishwakarma

Pooja Vishwakarma, a resident of Rajnandgaon, received a new lease on life thanks to the Chief Minister Special Health Scheme, which provided ₹18 lakh in financial aid for her critical liver transplant. Her husband, Anand Vishwakarma, an AC mechanic, struggled to afford the total treatment cost of ₹26 lakh until the government scheme offered crucial support. The transplant was successfully conducted at a Raipur hospital in 2025, after years of treatment at AIIMS Raipur and Delhi. The family has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chhattisgarh government for turning their despair into hope.

Topics

District Panchayat CEO Reviews Progress of Su-ashasan Tihar and PMAY-G Implementation

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of District Panchayat, Ms. Suruchi Singh, conducted a detailed review of the ongoing Su-ashasan Tihar and the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) - Rural, through video conferencing. During the meeting, she provided essential directions to relevant officials on completing surveys and applications for various welfare schemes. Additionally, she emphasized improving water conservation efforts, particularly the recharge shafts, and the integration of women into the Sangam Abhiyan under the National Rural Livelihood Mission. A special focus was placed on ensuring timely completion of all ongoing projects, including the Swachh Bharat Mission initiatives.

Su-ashasan Tihar 2025: Immediate Issuance of Labor Cards to Beneficiaries, Access to Welfare Schemes

In the ongoing Su-ashasan Tihar 2025, the Chhattisgarh government is swiftly processing applications for labor cards under the Chhattisgarh Unorganized Workers State Social Security Board. Beneficiaries from Rajnandgaon district, including Mrs. Mathura Bai, Mrs. Romin Sahu, and Mrs. Asha Vishwakarma, have received their labor cards, ensuring access to various welfare schemes. The initiative aims to address citizens' concerns and provide essential benefits at the grassroots level.

Chief Minister Inaugurates Atal Panchayat Digital Service Center on National Panchayati Raj Day

On National Panchayati Raj Day, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sahay launched the Atal Digital Service Center virtually, marking a significant step towards digital empowerment at the grassroots level. During the event, he administered an online oath on water conservation and enhancement to all the representatives and villagers of the state’s gram panchayats. Representatives and villagers from Gram Panchayat Gathula in Rajnandgaon district participated in the event through virtual means. The Chief Minister emphasized that the establishment of digital service centers would bring transparency, speed, and ease to administrative tasks at the panchayat level, making government services more accessible to rural populations. The initiative aims to promote digital empowerment, ensuring timely access to certificates, schemes, and other administrative services for villagers.

Prime Minister Engages with Beneficiaries on National Panchayati Raj Day

On the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a video conference with beneficiaries from various gram panchayats across the country. The event, held at Lohna North village in Bihar's Madhubani district, saw participation from the Gram Panchayat Gathula under the Rajnandgaon district. Beneficiaries and representatives from Gathula shared details about ongoing development works at the Panchayat level. The Prime Minister lauded the efforts to strengthen Panchayati Raj and emphasized the need for digital transformation, e-governance, and transparency. He highlighted the central government's initiatives aimed at making gram panchayats self-reliant. Local representatives also discussed how development schemes have positively impacted rural life in Gathula.

Liver Transplant Under CM Special Health Scheme Gives New Life to Pooja Vishwakarma

Pooja Vishwakarma, a resident of Rajnandgaon, received a new lease on life thanks to the Chief Minister Special Health Scheme, which provided ₹18 lakh in financial aid for her critical liver transplant. Her husband, Anand Vishwakarma, an AC mechanic, struggled to afford the total treatment cost of ₹26 lakh until the government scheme offered crucial support. The transplant was successfully conducted at a Raipur hospital in 2025, after years of treatment at AIIMS Raipur and Delhi. The family has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chhattisgarh government for turning their despair into hope.

Collector Emphasizes Timely and Quality Implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in Rajnandgaon

During a review meeting in Rajnandgaon, Collector Dr. Sarveshwar Narendra Bhure expressed strong dissatisfaction over the incomplete works under the Jal Jeevan Mission, citing contractor negligence. He directed strict action and field inspections to ensure timely completion of projects. Emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted drinking water supply amid falling groundwater levels, the Collector called for urgent handpump repairs and quality execution of all related infrastructure. The administration is actively addressing water issues through solar pump installations, source restoration, and community grievance mechanisms.

Ropeway Mishap at Dongargarh Injures BJP Leaders Including Ramsevak Paikara and Bharat Verma

A minor accident occurred at the Dongargarh ropeway today when a trolley carrying senior BJP leaders, including former Home Minister Ramsevak Singh Paikara and current BJP State General Secretary Bharat Verma, collided with the platform just before stopping. The sudden impact caused minor injuries to Paikara and Manoj Agrawal, while Bharat Verma sustained injuries to his shoulder and neck. After initial treatment in Rajnandgaon, Verma was referred to Raipur. His condition is reported to be stable.

सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने राहुल गांधी को लगाई फटकार

सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने कांग्रेस नेता राहुल गांधी को वीर सावरकर पर की गई टिप्पणी के लिए कड़ी फटकार लगाई है, इसे 'गैर-जिम्मेदार' करार देते हुए भविष्य में सावधानी बरतने की सख्त हिदायत दी है। कोर्ट ने महात्मा गांधी के पत्रों का उदाहरण देते हुए ऐतिहासिक संदर्भों को तोड़-मरोड़ कर पेश करने से बचने की नसीहत दी। यह फैसला राष्ट्रवादियों के लिए राहत लेकर आया, जबकि राहुल समर्थकों को निराशा हुई।

Related Articles

Popular Categories