Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for Mickma Lepcha

GANGTOK, 13 Sept: Mickma Tshering Lepcha of Tashiding, West Sikkim was conferred the prestigious ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’ for his achievements in the field of Lepcha folk music and songs. The award was presented by Sangeet Natak Akademi, National School of Music, Dance and Drama, New Delhi.
The award includes a Plaque, Angavastra and a cash prize of Rs 25,000 which was handed over by Sangeet Natak Akademi chairperson Leela Samson at FICCI auditorium, New Delhi on 07 September.
A press release informs that the award was constituted for the preservation, promotion and development of the various art forms which includes folk songs and music of various communities of various states of the country.
On the occasion, a Sikkim group also presented a cultural programme for half an hour. The release informs that the artistes from Sikkim included Norden Lepcha on Tungarbong, Suren Subba flute, Topden Lepcha on Sutsang, Palden Lepcha on Longthyol Kungthyol, Leeyong Lepcha on Po-Potek and Phursong Lepcha as vocal accompanist and Po-Posong.

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”.

Sikkim surrenders to Astad Deboo’s enthralling performance

ANUSHA GURUNG
GANGTOK, 17 May: Padmashree Astad Deboo, along with his 8-member dance troupe, mesmerized Sikkim with his dance recital, ‘Interpretation of Tagore and his works’, today. The programme was organised as a part of the 37th State Day celebrations and also to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of the Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. Padmashree Deboo along with his group performed dances choreographed to 3 Tagore poems - Surrender, Ekla Chalo Re and Awakening.
Organised by the Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department at the Defence Auditorium here, the programme had Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh as the chief guest. The Governor in his brief address mentioned that Tagore is widely known through his poems, short stories, novels, paintings and drama and stated that Deboo and his cast through their astounding performance having given a new expression to some of the finest works of Tagore.
Notifying that 1860’s gave birth to three great men of the country namely Rabindranath Tagore [7th May 1861], Swami Vivekanand [12th January 1862] and Mahatma Gandhi [2nd October 1869], the Governor added that these three added a new dimension to the history of the nation. Lastly, informing about the 37th State Day he said that the day marks the start of a democratic era in the history of Sikkim for it connects with the hopes and aspirations of the Sikkimese people to become a part of democracy. The Governor also congratulated Deboo and his crew for a successful and a ‘never seen before’ performance.
Deboo, the main protagonist of today’s dance recital thanked the Governor, Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department and the Army for their cooperation and help in making the show a success. Introducing his troupe, Deboo mentioned that all of them belonged to underprivileged families. Further expressing that it was hard to train them in the beginning he informed that he along with this troupe gave their first performance on the theme ‘Breaking Boundary’, which was quite successful.

Astad Deboo- Pioneer of Modern Dance –to perform in Gangtok

ANUSHA GURUNG
GANGTOK, 09 May: As part of the State Day celebration, a dance recital by Padmashri Astad Deboo on “Interpretation of Tagore and his works” to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, is being organized by the Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department on 17 May at the Defence Auditorium.
Astad Deboo is respected as the pioneer of modern dance in India. He has extensive training and knowledge in Kathak and Kathakali styles. He was presented the Sangeet Natak Akdemi Award in 1996 and Padmashree in 2007- honours given by the Government of India in recognition for his contribution in contemporary dance. Padmashri Deboo has been described by many as the “father of modern dance in India”.
Astad Deboo has performed with Pink Floyd at the Chelsea Town Hall in London and was also filmed by Channel Four of London for his innovative works. He was also commissioned by Pierre Cardin to create a dance for the legendary Maya Plissetskaya – prima ballerina of the Bolshoi ballet company.
For many years, Astad Deboo has been working with deaf children in India, USA, Mexico and Hong Kong. He has collaborated with Indian martial artists, puppeteers, actors and musicians, creating distinct and innovative works across many genres.
The programme will begin at 4 30 PM on 17 May which will have the Governor as the chief guest and the Chief Minister as the guest of honour.