Natya Tarang Festival of Arts, Rahul Acharya and Anindita Nanda

By Gauri Chandna

On May 18^th, 2014, Soortaal and Milan Organization, as part of Natya Tarang Festival of Arts 2014,  presented Odissi Classical Dance Recital by World Renowned artists Rahul Acharya (India) www.rahulacharya.com) and Anindita Nanda (USA) (http://www.soortaal.org/natyatarang/) at the beautiful Edmond Town Hall, in Newtown Connecticut.

Rahul Acharya is one of the most loved and popular Odissi soloists in the International arena. Since the age of 4, Rahul has been training under Guru Durga Charan Ranbir in Orissa. He tours the world extensively and is trained in Hatha and Raja Yoga. He is a recipient of Junior and Senior Scholarship from Department of Culture, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India. He is an Empanelled Artist of the Indian Council of Cultural Relationships, an honorary member of Sacred Dance Guild , USA, Member of International Dance Council, CID UNESCO; has collaborated with Sutra Dance Theatre , Malaysia, is a member of the World Movement of Fine Arts Italy, Graded Artist of Doordarshan India, First male Odissi Dancer to be awarded the Yuva Puraskar by the Sangeet Natya Academy, New Delhi , has been honored by the Orissa Society of America and the Jagannath Society of America

Such accomplishment is achieved by hard work, dedication and precision. The audiences at Newtown CT witnessed perfection through dance as Rahul performed individual items as well as joint presetations along with Anindita Nanda, a rare combination of dancer, teacher, classical vocalist, choreographer and a scholar. Anindita is an accomplished artist of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Gharana of dancing. She has a Masters in India classical dance and Vocal from ABGMM, India. She is the disciple of Guru Kishore and Guru Pranab Biswas in vocal music. She has also trained at the Odissi Dance Academy, India. She is the recipient of several awards like “Nrtiya Shree”, “Nrtiya Visharad” and “Nrtiya Praveen” in India. She is a recipient of Junior and Senior Scholarship from Department of Culture, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India and “Human Greatness Award” from the city of Danbury, CT. She was recently invited by the Indian Embassy to open for the Festival of India , Buenos Aires, Argentina and has also completed her Suth American tour. She is the Founder of the NTFA, which was started in 2011 and is in its 4^th year of presentation. 

As part of this presentation, Anindita opened the show with Nabadurga through which she projected emotions and expressions of the divine warrior Goddess Durga as she demonstrated sensationally , the destruction of the tyrant forces of the earth. This was followed by a pure dance piece Sthayee, a joint performance by Anindita and Rahul, which was perfectly orchestrated to embody the nuances and grammar Odissi dance. This performance truly highlighted the extensive postures and poses of the dance that took its cues from the sculptures that decorate Orissan temples. Next, Rahul depicted a story that is believed to have been penned by Lord Krishna himself. This “Priyacharushila” was an exquisite representation of fondly amorous interactions of Radha and Krishna. Other presentations included Hanswadwani Pallavi, a pure dance piece ; Chandana Charchita, an excerpt from the 12^th Century Sanskrit literacy classic ‘Geeta Govinda’; Shakarabharanam Pallavi, Patdeep Pallavi, and Ahenila Shail, one of the most famous Oriya poem in praise of Lord Jagannath.

The grand presentation of the evening was the famous Ashtasambhu presented by the talented and accomplished Rahul Acharya. This special dance marks the period of destruction when creation meets dissolution. Shiva is the creator of dance. He is the cosmic dancer. In these eight seminal verses, Venkatmakhi alias Venkataramana Dikhshithat, describes him as the supreme benevolent lord who holds the daughter of Himalaya, Parvati on his left. He is the one who destroys the demons. He drinks the ocean of poison for the sake of the world. He performs Tandava. This extremely vigorous and heavily accentuated dance left the audiences mesmerized and awed. This was appropriately selected as the final piece of the festival.

The Foundations TV was present at the location and was privileged to interview both artists back stage. These will soon be available on our channel. 

Hindu Heritage Day being celebrated on May 24th

PRESS RELEASE

Please come with your family especially children.

Governor of Massachusetts and Mayor of Marlboro both Proclaim May 24 as Hindu Heritage Day.

18^th Hindu Heritage   Day

Saturday, May  24, 2014; 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Marlboro Middle School, 25 Union Street, Marlboro, MA 01752
http://boston.vhp-america.org/ 
Dance - Drama - Music - Songs - Skits – Exhibition; Chaat - Dosa - Bhelpuri - Dinner - Samosa - Tikki – Lassi; Kites - Mehndi - Games - Movies

The town of Marlboro is gearing up for a an entertaining day on May 24th with lots of dance, drama, music, songs, skits presented by local talents from various cultural schools in the area. A number of local restaurants will be putting up their stalls for food including dosas, chaat, bhelpuri, dinner, samosas, tikkis, and lassi. There will lots of fun activities for families such as kite flying, face painting,raffle, Rangoli mehendi, games, and movies. It is a whole day of fun and celebration of our culture and heritage.
Exhibition will include clothing, jewelry, Children's books, Charity organizations, Businesses, Summer camps, and Spiritual Healing

Entry Fee: Adults $5.00, Students: $3.00
Saturday May 24th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Marlborough Middle School , 25 Union Street, Marlborough, MA 

'Harmony in Relationships' talk on May 27th

PRESS RELEASE

Would you like to maintain harmony in your relationships?  Is a life rich with connection, wholeness, and value appealing to you?  Come explore “Harmony in Relationships” on Tuesday, May 27, in a special program with dance, music, words of wisdom, candle lighting ceremony, meditation experience, and refreshments.  During this inspiring evening, we will explore how we maintain loving and compassionate feelings for all.  It will take place at the ATFS Center, 433 South Street, Shrewsbury, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm and is being hosted by the local Brahma Kumaris.

Keynote speaker and facilitator BK Sudha has a wealth of experience from more than 45 years studying and teaching human values and spirituality in India and around the world.  She has presented in many international conferences on a range of spiritual themes and appeared multiple times on radio, TV and media.  She is the author of the Russian publication Unending Treasures and co-author of Moral Values.  Currently, BK Sudha acts as the General Director of Brahma Kumaris (Moscow), and Chairperson of the Council of Trustees of Brahma Kumaris Centres in the territory of Russia, CIS, and Baltic countries.

An experiential meditation and an opportunity for conversation will close the evening, followed by dinner.

What:  Harmony in Relationships: a journey to explore ways to maintain harmony in relationships
Where: ATFS Learning Center, 433 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA  01545
When: Tuesday, May 27, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
RSVP / To pre-register:  Please kindly RSVP to
by telephone: 978-436-1285
by email: bkshrewsbury@gmail.com
On-line: harmonyrelationships.eventbrite.com

Event Highlights include Dance, Music, Words of wisdom, Candle Lighting ceremony, Meditation, Refreshments

About the hosts:

The Brahma Kumaris Shrewsbury is the local branch of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization (BKWSO).  Managed by volunteers in the community, the Brahma Kumaris work internationally to promote peace and positive change in society.  They conduct a range of educational programs in 8,500 centers in 126 countries. As a non-profit organization and worldwide community, the Brahma Kumaris teach people to re-connect with their most positive energy, discover their spiritual strengths, and live by their deepest personal values.  Courses lead to self development and inner transformation so that one feels enthusiasm and attains happiness in life in all situations.  Courses encourage positive values, offer a fresh vision of the future, and bring out the best in people.  Self knowledge and inner power can be acquired by learning to manage one’s thoughts, emotions and behaviors.

Raja Yoga meditation and philosophy of life allows us to emerge our inner resources, giving us the power to face challenges intrinsic to our society. Classes in Shrewsbury meet on Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 am.  Programs are offered free of charge for the benefit of society in the spirit of social service. 

A new Shri Sai Temple Opening May 24th in Canton MA

PRESS RELEASE

A new Shri Sai Chavadi is having an opening ceremony during the Memorial Day weekend of May 24^th – May 26^th 2014 in Canton, MA. The name of the temple is significant to Shirdi Sai devotees. The name ‘Chavadi’ means village office, a place where taxes were collected, village records were kept and official meetings were held in Shirdi. Shirdi Sai Baba used to sleep in the Chavadi on alternate nights during the last decade of his life. And thus offering regular arati to Baba became the tradition at the Chavadi. Following Baba’s mahasamadhi, Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust acquired the Chavadi and kept it as a shrine open to all Sai Baba devotees.   

Temple invites  everyone to join with family and friends to participate in the Sai Murti Pranprathistha ceremony on May 24 to officially open the temple.

To register in Maha kumbh Abhishkam / For more information, please visit www.shrisaichavadi.com or call (774) 27-MYSAI.

Raga & Rasa event featuring Ramayana – Poetry in motion on Sunday May 18th 2014

PRESS RELEASE

Music is evocative; it affects our mind, body and feelings and transforms lives.  Transforming lives is indeed the daily activity of the non-profit social service organization Udavum Karangal.  So to lend a helping hand to Udavum Karangal‘s activities of providing a new lease on life to nearly 2500 people, from newborn babies, abandoned, sick, orphaned, to the old and dying, a benefit event titled “Raga and Rasa” is being  planned for Sunday May 18^th 2014 at Diamond Middle School, in Lexington, MA . 

The “Raga and Rasa” event will start promptly at 3:30p.m and has two segments to it.  There will be a music medley by students of Sandhya Sridhar, a 6-person violin ensemble by Tara Anand’s students, followed by songs on the keyboard.  The stage will then transition to the feature presentation of a Bharatanatyam rendition of the Ramayana that will begin at 4:45p.m.  Join us, as we journey back in time watch Ramayana come ALIVE!

The Ramayana production is a creative yet traditional, tastefully unique production that seamlessly integrates verses from the various literary poetic compositions of Valmiki, Kamban, Tulsidas, Tyagraja, Arunachala Kavi, Swathi Thirunal and Narsing Mehta with engaging English narration to journey through the various khandas (chapters) and weave a concise storyboard of the entire epic.  The original production is the brainchild of Ranjani Saigal with input from several scholars including Dr. Balram Singh, Dr. Bijoy Misra,  Dr. Uma Nellaiappan, Chandu Shah and Dr. R.S Ayyar with music set by Smt. Geeta Murali.  The production was made possible with a grant in 2008 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council Traditional Arts Apprentice Award given to the talented Amudha Pazhanisamy, grand-niece of the legendary dancer Balasaraswati, to continue studying with her guru Ranjani Saigal.  This time around, the drama is being re-enacted as before with Amudha Pazhanisamy the dancer, Ranjani Saigal doing the narration & nattuvangam but with a new orchestra of talented young adults. Sisters Swathi and Bavna Sivasubramanian will be doing the vocals, Ajay Ravichandran on the Mridangam, Ajay Karthik on the violin, and Kavitha Pazhanisamy on the veena.  This is a must see, engaging performance and a true feast for the eyes. 

We are counting on your presence and support to make this event a success. 

Tickets $25, 50 and 100; Snacks and dinner are included in the ticket price.  Children under 6 are free. 

Venue – Diamond Middle School, 60 Sedge Rd, Lexington, MA

Time: 3:30p.m. - Music Medley;   4:45p.m. - Ramayana –Poetry in Motion

Mother's Day Celebration at Apna Punjab

By Gauri Chandna

Mother’s Day is a joyous day all across the world when mothers are celebrated. Originated in Greece and Rome as a religious festival in honor of Goddesses Rhea and Cybele, over a period of time, this has taken a shape of a more secular holiday when families across the world celebrate motherhood. A day when everyone takes a few moments to remember times they have spent with their mothers. Of course social media is filled with pictures of childhood times with loving moms. And current children spend extra time at school to prepare touchingly worded cards for their moms. Moms are showered with gifts, flowers, cards and tons of love. According to a research done, the phone traffic including texting these days increases by upto 37% on this one day while children far away from their moms make sure they chat with their moms on this special day. For those close by, a usual tradition is making meals for mom, breakfast in bed being the popular one. All moms proudly share that their kids prepared meals for them to treat them extra special on Mother’s Day. Restaurants are flooded with families celebrating the day as a special family day out. With the newest trend of sharing pictures online, everywhere you look, you notice mom’s being photographed by their husbands and proudly sharing on their ‘walls’ that the women of the house were treated well and rewarded for being that extra special person in their homes. Moms get to decide what they want to do, where they want to go and how they want to be treated. It is a day when moms across the world are pampered. And this pampering was elaborated this year at Apna Punjab restaurant in Rehoboth.

The restaurant bubbled with energy and excitement when happy families walked in to celebrate their special day at the restaurant. An atmosphere of traditional food, Bollywood music and happy families was on throughout the evening and well into Sunday night. Somen Saha a local vocalist entertained audiences with a variety of Bollywood songs ranging from Kishore Kumar oldies to newer Ashiqui 2 numbers. Families clapped and hummed along and joined in twists and dances while the authentic Punjabi food was being served and was filling up the entire room with flavors of Punjab. A touching number ‘Maa’ was soul stirring and definitely wetted a few eyes in the room. Soumen Saha himself enjoyed the experience of singing for a great audience. As it puts it himself,” It was an intimate evening with a very receptive audience. I was able to sing romantic as well as up-beat numbers and the audience participation was uplifting. The American crowd was quite enthusiastic of the performance and had a great time swinging to both American and Hindi songs. All in all it was a very pleasant evening and I enjoyed it thoroughly.”

As for the food, to those who chose to go there, agreed there couldn’t have been a better choice. Manisha Chowdhary who run a day care visits the restaurant regularly and shared her thoughts with us, “Apna Punjab always has amazing food. We go there often and the owner is very welcoming. The staff is great, very friendly and attentive. We were there for Mother's Day. They had Somen Saha sing that evening. Somen is amazing and it was really nice to see him there with his family. What a lovely collection of songs he has. I definitely recommend this place to everyone who is looking for some lovely traditional Indian food. I look forward to more celebration nights at Apna Punjab”.

According to the owner of the restaurant, Mr Jatinder Vij, “All of our dishes are made fresh to order. Many of our recipes are handed down from generations of families, some are created from our Executive Chef, Mr. Subash Singh's personal repertoire- but each of our menu items is made with personal attention and never rushed or shorted! Our talented kitchen staff will adjust the spice level of every dish to suit your tolerance- so dare to go bold or order it mild, the choice is yours!” And true to the words, each and every dish prepared that night as well, was customized for the level of spice and personal taste of the guest. It was served with so much warmth and love. Those who enjoyed their Mother’s day dinner at Apna Punjab went happy and satisfied with their choice of the venue, food and music. According to Mr Jatinder, there were about 130 people who enjoyed the Mother’s Day dinner at Apna Punjab. When asked if there was a popular dish that night, he confidently smiled and said, “ Crispy Shrimp and Badami Chicken.” Our favorites: Double meat naan, sarson ka saag and crispy shrimp.

Sameer Bhambhani, the lead guitarist at Din Check, is a regular customer at Apna Punjab and he spoke to The Foundations Tv about the overall experience of eating at the restaurant. "If you are really looking for authentic Indian cuisine, Apna Punjab is surely the place. Their food is fresh and their menu is extensive. Their mutton curry is surely one of my favorites. Service is prompt and courteous ....definitely recommend the place to anyone looking for a great Indian restaurant in the area"

Apna Punjab is a unique restaurant that has awesome food and very warm and welcoming environment and hospitality of the owner. That truly differentiates it from others. Located in Rehoboth, it makes the drive so worth it. The Foundations TV recommends it!

Romancing the 70s - Event Review

- By Nayanika Yellepeddi

On May 10th, the Elks Lodge in Natick was treated to a blast from the past, romancing the 70s. Picture a great hall, with a stage and a dance floor, complete with a bar in swinging 70s decor. Make Love Not War, Peace and other symbols of the decade adorned the walls, with giant flower cutouts. Shimmying from the ceiling were glittering mobiles, and the table centerpieces sported embellished 78 rpm vinyl records. The guests made their entrance in fitting 70s attire - sheer chiffon saris in gorgeous pastels and flower prints, bell-bottom trousers and jump suits, vibrant flowing tunics and disco pants, colorful blazers and bouffant hairdos. While the skies outside became overcast with lowering clouds that threatened to unleash summer's first downpour, the hall came alive as the doors closed and the music began.

Hosting the show were "the bold and the beautiful" Siraj Khan, the man behind the OP Nayyar Memorial Trust and the creative director of many musical events and Swathi Subramanian, President of SwaRaag Performing Arts, Inc. The artist palette included a cast of singers and performers that ranged as much in their unique style as in their age and profession.

Meena Sundaram, a cardiologist and music aficionado
Meenakshi Rana, an accountant by day and a crooner by night
Tehniyat Hakim, a 9th-grader and aspiring singer armed with a guitar
Pankaj Shah, a respectable engineer with the inexhaustible energy of a performer
Rajiv Gangurde, a keen scientist with a penchant for ghazals
Shantanu Sen, a software engineer and an ardent yodeler a la Kishore Kumar
Nayanika, a gainfully unemployed artist, free thinker, and adventurer
Diya, whose frequent visits from the tooth fairy only enhance her diction. She presented her first duet on stage - Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle Ka Nata Koi from Aa Gale Lag Ja - with Shantanu Sen.

True to its promise, the songs list spanned and relived the magic of the decade with lilting and romantic melodies such as Piya Bina and Bahut Door Mujhe Chale Jaana Hai, foot-tapping rhythms such as Jaaneman Jaaneman Tere Do Nayan and Kitna Pyaara Waada Hai, high-octane numbers such as Gulabi Aankhein and Aao Na Gale Lagaao Na, and soulful tunes such as Betaab Dil Ki Tamanna Yehi Hai and Aanewala Pal. The dance floor beckoned and soon, the guests were transported to the 70s, sashaying to these unforgettable songs, recalling the glory days of Rajesh Khanna, Zeenat Aman, Kishore Kumar, Gulzar, RD Burman and other icons of the decade.

It was then the turn of the Dancing Divas of New England, who dazzled on the floor with dance moves choreographed to signature Western disco dance numbers such as Dancing Queen, Stayin' Alive, Daddy Cool and Funky Town. The evening also saw the unveiling of Selina Banerjee, Pankaj Mullick's great-granddaughter's debut album, Aaye Bahaar, recorded at EMI Kolkata. May 10th was significant in that it was Pankaj Mullick's 99th birthday.

Romancing the 70s was a benefit concert arranged to raise awareness about and funds for RIA House, a developing service organization in Massachusetts to support adult women who have experienced sexual slavery, commercial sexual exploitation, and sex trafficking. The mission is to provide much-needed survivor-led and coordinated services leading to the design of a safe and sustaining home community that offers survivor mentorship and social entrepreneurial business opportunities, ultimately, helping sexually exploited women reintegrate into the community as leaders. Nayanika, an advisory team member for RIA House has been working with Heather Wightman and other leaders of the non profit community since its inception in
October 2012.

Sponsors: AIM Dental P.C. and Noureen Design
Dinner caterer: Singh's Cafe, Wellesley
Media partner: Foundations TV
Creative Concept, Design & Decor: Jugaad Design

Picture credit: Malathi Shastri