Dance diva  Assamese classical dancer Menaka PP Bora seems to be making waves again globally. The critically acclaimed dancer- choreographer performed recently the Story of Satriya dance and Assamese Culture at the Asia House in London under the title of ‘Indian Classical Satriya Dance: Tradition and Modernity’. Her dance and speech programme examined the historical and contemporary identity of Satriya dance against the backdrop of political insurgency, nationalisms and religion using textiles, images, masks and music has been said to be a hit among the alien viewers. It is worth mentioning that the mission of Asia House is to prepare Britain for the ‘Century of Asia’ covering 37 Asian countries through understanding and dialogue of culture, history, religion, arts and crafts, and fashion. Asian countries are growing fast and are being recognized which Asia House is focusing in Britain. Menaka’s dance event was a part of their mission to showcase Assam’s culture and Satriya dance among the top dignitaries and connoisseurs. Menaka is a doctoral researcher in global media and communication at the University of London. In 2008 she was invited as a lecturer in dance at Kingston University in London where she introduced Indian Classical Dance programme and course as a South Asian Dance form. For the last two years she has been launching her ‘Dance in Museum Project’ to connect the grassroots of Satriya dance and culture with contemporary presentation and research in Satriya dance in museums across India, UK, France and USA. Her academic publication of preforming arts and media have been published in Brazil, London and Chicago.

Music mantra  Now it’s song for the cause of one-horn rhino. With nature going through much destruction and devastation, preserving nature for the sake of our coming generations has become an utmost necessity. The crises are right in front of us. Global warming and climate change seem like phenomena looming large over us. These are buzz words which every environmentalist and nature lover are shouting for at the top of their voice. It is the need of the hour and the need is now and here. In such a catastrophic situation it’s only prudent that we all join hands to contribute our mite not as a charity but as a stake for our survival. And it’s only heartening to know that societies like the Rock A Rolla Music Society and Eastern Beats are joining hands for a cause. Rock A Rolla is back with yet another main event for the rock community. And as usual there is a cause in the venture — to save the one-horn rhino. If music does open hearts let’s all join hands to pass on the message and save this very unique animal of Assam, nay the world. It represents the pride that Assam has for its wildlife. The show is being held at Shilpgram, Guwahati today at 5 pm. Two other bands among the following — The Age of Torment, Hammerhead, Sunday Mourning, Doorstep Casket and Brutal Agitation — are also performing tonight. Another unique feature of this show is that arguably for the first time in India an online community will also be hosting a show. So it’s time we all join hands and pledge to preserve nature and save the one-horn rhino through the notes of music. Our thanks to Meenakshi Gautam for providing this precious information and doing her bit to save the rhino and preserve nature.

Simanta / Mridumoloy