NIT Sikkim organizes an evening with the Mohan Veena

BALUTAR, 20 May: The National Institute of Technology (NIT), Sikkim, organized a Spic-Macay Programme here at NHPC Auditorium hall at Balutar, Singtam, on 18 May. Padma Shree and Grammy Award winner Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt presented an Indian classical musical performance on the ‘Mohan Veena’ – created by Mr Bhatt that combines features of the sitar and the guitar.
Prior to his performance, Mr. Bhatt speaking on the significance of Indian culture, underlined that society and culture were interrelated. “This music has the power to transform you into a better human being,” he remarked, highlighting the spiritual aspect of the Mohan Veena.
This special evening of music had AK Choudhary (Chief Engineer, NHPC) as the chief guest, who, in his address, said, “It is our privilege and honor to have Panditji amongst us and perform for us”. He also thanked NIT for organizing such a programme.
The chief guest also distributed prizes to the participants of the quiz and sports competitions which were held earlier.
Later while speaking to NOW! Director NIT Sikkim, AB Sammaddar said that the Institute not only seeks to provide education but also play a role in community development. Expressing his gratitude to the Government of Sikkim for extending support he further informed that the NIT will also establish its centre at Khamdong in the coming days where 300 acres of land has already been acquired.
Vishwa Mohan Bhatt attracted international attention with his successful indianisation of the western Hawaiian guitar with perfect assimilation of sitar, sarod and veena techniques, giving it an evolutionary design and shape. By adding 14 more strings he created the Mohan Veena. With blinding speed and faultless legato, Bhatt is undoubtedly one of the most expressive, versatile and greatest slide players in the world.
Vishwa Mohan has performed extensively in the USA, USSR, Canada, the Great Britain, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Scotland, Switzerland, Denmark, the Gulf of Dubai, Al-Sharjah, Bahrain, Muscat, Abu Dhabi etc. and throughout India.

Sonal Mansingh performs at NE States Convention

GANGTOK, 18 May: “Art is an art, there is nothing superior or inferior about any art form,” said the master of cultural interpretation, Sonal Mansingh, a living icon of Indian Classical dance. Sonal Mansingh’s dancing carrier started in 1962 and she has since been performing all over the country and the world.
Sonal Mansingh performed at the North East States Convention at Sikkim Manipal University today. Addressing a press conference prior to her performance today she said that it is easy to get quick fame, name and quick results but the effort one puts in dance and in continuing it is really tough. ”I admire Kiran ji [Founder chairperson of SPIC MACAY] for putting a lot of effort to bind all artists together, which is really tough. It is about training the mind and heart”. Stating that passion is very important in life she lauded Seth’s efforts as in establishing an institution like SPIC MACAY as ‘a marvelous work’.
“This is my fourth visit to Sikkim. Earlier I had performed at Raj Bhawan, TNA and many other places at Gangtok, and Namchi as well”, said Mansingh.
Mansingh’ performance included a dance drama and other recitals based on an interpretation of Rabindra Nath Tagore’s works. Speaking on her interpretation of Tagore’s works she said “I see Tagore from a different angle. In dance, it is about what message you want to convey that is important”.