A memorable evening dedicated to artistic legacy and gratitude unfolded at the Stein Auditorium within the India Habitat Centre on Tuesday. The event, titled ASAVARI's Continuing Tradition 2025, was met with a warm reception from rasikas, scholars, and prominent members of the cultural community.
A Tribute to Musical Pillars and Pedagogical Excellence
The programme served a dual purpose of homage and celebration. It paid heartfelt tribute to the legendary music composers, the late Pandit Jwala Prasad and Pandit Madho Prasad, whose timeless creations continue to define the vocabulary of Kathak. The evening also celebrated over five decades of dedicated Kathak pedagogy by Padmashri Guru Shovana Narayan. The auditorium was filled with appreciation as the audience reflected on the profound impact these figures have had on the classical dance form.
Highlights: A Biography Release and Disciples' Performance
A pivotal moment of the night was the release of Guru Shovana Narayan's biography, titled 'I Am a Fleeting Moment in Time', authored by Maya Parijat. The distinguished gathering included Ambassador K. Nandini Singla, Director General of ICCR; K. Satish Nambudiripad, Director General of Doordarshan; and Prof. K. G. Suresh, Director of India Habitat Centre.
The second half featured the sixth edition of the Continuing Tradition performance. Here, senior disciples of Guru Shovana Narayan presented carefully selected compositions of Pandit Jwala Prasad and Pandit Madho Prasad, showcasing the living transmission of this artistic heritage.
Reflections and a Grand Finale
Expressing her emotions, Guru Shovana Narayan shared that the audience's warmth and attentiveness reaffirmed her faith in the strength of traditions. She found it deeply humbling to witness her gurus remembered with reverence and her disciples performing with sincerity.
The event also marked the conclusion of the year-long celebrations honouring Guru Shovana Narayan's seventy-fifth year. It successfully wove together memory, mentorship, and artistic lineage, creating a resonant experience for everyone present. The evening stood as a powerful testament to the enduring continuity of India's classical dance traditions.
