ITANAGAR, Oct 31: More than 1,500 students in over 80 government schools across eight districts of Arunachal Pradesh experienced India's classical dance traditions through 74 workshop-demonstration programmes organised by the SPIC MACAY Arunachal Pradesh Chapter.
The outreach initiative, conducted during SPIC MACAY's Golden Jubilee year, concluded on Saturday after reaching students in remote and geographically challenging areas, providing them an opportunity to witness performances and interact directly with accomplished artistes.
The programmes were organised in two phases. The first phase, held from October 5 to 9, covered Kurung Kumey, Leparada, Siang and East Siang districts. Artistes participating in this phase were 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, featuring Sourav Roy (Kathak), Laavanya Ghosh (Odissi), Santanu Roy (Bharatanatyam) and Samila Bhattacharya (Kathak).
Through performances, demonstrations and interactive sessions, students were introduced to four major Indian classical dance forms — Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi and Manipuri.
Despite long distances and difficult road conditions, the artistes travelled extensively to reach schools in remote locations. In Upper Subansiri, a strike necessitated temporary changes to the programme schedule. Sessions were initially shifted to Itanagar Higher Secondary School and Ganga Village Higher Secondary School on October 27, followed by a programme at Leporiang on October 28. The artiste subsequently proceeded to Daporijo to complete the remaining scheduled programmes.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sagalee, extended logistical support for the Leporiang session, while Er Tadam Jeram, Project Officer, Arunachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency, Daporijo, provided assistance for programmes in the region.
The initiative was undertaken with support from the Secretary, School Education, the Department of School Education and the Directorate of Elementary Education. The state chapter coordinated with District Deputy Directors of School Education (DDSEs), Block Resource Centres (BRCs), Block Education Officers (BEOs), Cluster Resource Centre (CRC) teams and local authorities to ensure smooth implementation.
Coordination with district and block-level education officials began nearly a month in advance. Schools and local administrations also facilitated accommodation, transport and student participation.
School principals who attended the sessions appreciated the initiative and suggested that similar cultural programmes be organised at least once a year to expose students to India's classical art traditions.
SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) is a voluntary, non-profit organisation that seeks to promote awareness and appreciation of India's cultural heritage among young people by taking accomplished artistes to educational institutions.
The Arunachal Pradesh chapter said the outreach was aimed at bringing the inspiration and richness of India's classical arts to students, particularly those in remote areas with limited access to such cultural programmes.