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 Exploring the Indian cultural ethos through Yoga, Natyam, Sangeetam and Samskrutam September 24, 2023 International conference and workshop on the theme 'Exploring the Indian Cultural Ethos through Yoga, Natyam, Sangeetam and Samskrutam' was conducted on the 16th of September 2023 at ICYER-Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry, as part of the 6th Decennial Meet of Vishwa Yoga Samaj (Yoga Jivana Satsanga) celebrating Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani Ammaji's 80th birthday. More than 60 national and international Yoga enthusiasts, students and teachers participated in this one day event that was conducted in hybrid mode. The program started at 8.45am with the prayer and lighting of lamp followed by welcoming and honoring of the eminent guests who graced the occasion such as the most respected and popular dancing couple VP Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan along with Prof Madanmohan and Prof AR Srinivasan.  Following this was the much awaited keynote address by Guru VP Dhananjayan who highlighted upon the true essence of Bharatha and Natyam apart from pointing out the uniqueness of Sanathana Dharma. They appreciated and honoured Ammaji for all the yeoman services rendered to the Bharatiya traditional arts for over five decades to the entire community. Guru Dhananjayan also mentioned how well he has known Ammaji ever since she started learning dance from Guru Adyar Lakshman and what a beautiful journey Ammaji has had since then. In addition he said that he has been in touch with ICYER through Yoga Life and has always cherished and valued Pujya Swamiji's and Ammaji's contribution to the global Yoga community through this. After this was the plenary session with Prof Madanmohan, the Hon Advisor of ISCM, who expounded on the topic of Karma Yoga; a wonderful exposition of the topic wherein he described Paramatma as a Nishkama Karma Yogi who does everything for us without looking for any returns from us. In addition, he also extolled Ammaji to being such a Karma Yogi living her entire life for the sake of others, reaching out and helping thousands of the local community people without any expectations. This was followed by the scholarly presentation on Nada Yoga by Prof AR Srinivasan, the Registrar of SBV who sang an impromptu composition on Ammaji's greatness and prayed that the divine bless her ever. Last but not the least of the plenary session, the most enjoyable one on Bhakti Yoga by Dr Subramania Ananda Venkata (Subhu Bhaiya), director, Adyatma Yoga and founder, Bhakti Yoga Peetham, Bangalore. He transported everyone from Pondicherry to Pandharpur through his bhajans on Vittala making all dance with simple movements to that bhajan. In addition he also humbly submitted a beautifully written Tamil poem that he dedicated to Ammaji for all her years of contribution to the Rishiculture Parampara as the Rishipatni of Swamiji.  Next was a scintillating panel discussion by the senior members of the International Yoga Community and the Indian Yoga Association. Yogacharini Devasena Bhavanani, General Secretary of YOGNAT, explained the role of traditional fine arts in culturing the individual, highlighting the role of Natyam. Yogacharini Jnanasundari from France highlighted the role of Yoga as applicable to the people in this modern era. Yogacharini Deepika from UK pointed out how the cultural ethos affect the way in which Pranayama is practiced and highlighted upon the enhancement of mental and emotional health through Pranayama. Yogacharini Sangeeta from Italy threw light on the unique features of Nada Yoga in culturing of an individual and M Madhava, treasurer, Karnataka Chapter of IYA, Bengaluru shared his perspective on how the exploration of Indian cultural ethos through Samskrutam happens. He stressed on the need to explore the thousands of ancient manuscripts that have yet to be studied in the authentic manner. "For this, thorough knowledge of Samskrutam is a must!" he said. The post lunch session had the modern era's most sought after event, the paper presentations by research scholars and academic students from across the nation who had traveled all the way to Pondicherry to participate in the paper presentation. To facilitate the participants the sub themes given for the paper presentation included: Yoga as a way of life; Natyam as a path to divinity; Exploring Bhakti through Sangeetam; Importance of Samskrutam in Indian culture; Culturing the individual through traditional fine arts; Therapeutic aspects of Indian culture. Abstracts from teachers, professionals, researchers, students and other ardent enthusiasts were received and 15 were selected for the presentation. Deeya Girish Ramrakshani of USA and Yogacharini Padma of Canada were the juries for this. They wholeheartedly appreciated the work done by each and every one who presented, commenting on the uniqueness and special features of the work of each presenter. Dr Meena Ramanathan was the event coordinator along with Lalitha Shanmugam supported ably by the other members of the organising committee such as G Dayanidy, Dr. R Balaji apart from the volunteers Nilachal, Dr.Vasundhara, Akanksha and others who enabled the smooth conduct of the event. Everyone who attended the conference enjoyed it thoroughly and made it a grand success by their enthusiastic participation and presence. All this wouldn't have been possible without the expert steering and overall supervision and guidance of Prof Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Chairman of ICYER and Director of ISCM, the dynamic energies of Dhivya Priya Bhavanani and also the cheerful presence of Ammaji. |
