Pune's Ensemble Sahanaad Honors Amrita Pritam with Special Women's Day Performance
In a heartfelt tribute to one of India's most influential literary figures, Pune-based contemporary-experimental choir group Ensemble Sahanaad has curated a special ode to novelist, essayist, and poet Amrita Pritam. The performance, titled 'Howl of a Solitary Poem,' is scheduled to be presented on International Women's Day, March 8, as part of a broader cultural celebration.
A Deep Dive into the Inner World of Women
The founder and curator of Ensemble Sahanaad, Aabha Saumitra, explained the profound thought process behind this unique choral exploration. "Our aim was to delve into a woman's inner world through selected poetry by Amrita Pritam," Saumitra told TOI. She emphasized that Pritam's writings, known for their fearless and introspective nature, served as the perfect inspiration for this artistic endeavor.
Amrita Pritam, who wrote extensively in Punjabi and Hindi from 1919 to 2005, revolutionized literature by emboldening women across generations. Her works masterfully explored themes of love, loss, desire, betrayal, displacement, violence, and survival, often rooted in the traumatic experiences of the Partition of India, which tore families apart and left lasting scars on collective memory.
Selecting Poems of Personal and Spiritual Depth
For the March 8 production at The Box Too, which is part of the Alliance Française de Pune's three-day Women's Day programme Voices and Threads, Saumitra and her choir meticulously chose poems that reflect intimacy and personal struggle. "We selected poems that are deeply personal—about longing, betrayal, love, and secrets," Saumitra noted. "These pieces are spiritually searching, though not institutionally religious, capturing the essence of Pritam's later works which felt independent and fearless while transcending labels."
Since its inception in 2021, Ensemble Sahanaad has been a collective where each member dedicates time from their professional spheres to unite and create music driven by awareness, curiosity, and conscience. This project involved over 60 hours of rigorous practice, meetings, and ideating sessions, ultimately converging on a singular vision to explore the complexities of a woman's mind.
Transcending Boundaries Through Music and Poetry
Saumitra drew parallels between Pritam's poetry and the transformative power of music. "When a poet writes, it begins in a private, untouched space—a kind of nakedness," she reflected. "Pritam wrote intensely political poetry, but her later poems also felt spiritual. Similarly, I believe sacred choral music can transcend religion and become a deeply personal experience for listeners, much like her work."
This performance not only celebrates Amrita Pritam's legacy but also highlights the ongoing relevance of her themes in contemporary society. By blending choral music with poetic expression, Ensemble Sahanaad aims to create an immersive experience that resonates with audiences, encouraging reflection on women's experiences and resilience.
The event promises to be a significant cultural highlight in Pune, showcasing how art can bridge past and present while honoring pioneering voices like Amrita Pritam. As International Women's Day approaches, this tribute serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of literature and music in shaping societal narratives and empowering future generations.
