NewZNew (Chandigarh) : The Founders Day Celebrations of Chhaya School of Art (CSA) which was founded by Mrs. Suman Saini, under the Chhayakriti Pratibha Trust in 1999; got off to a colorful start at Punjab Kala Bhawan, Chandigarh. Students of the Fine Arts, Classical Dance, Vocal & Instrumental, Folk Music & Dances etc streams of CSA, which specializes in training youngsters in both performing & visual arts, took part in the cultural extravaganza. Students performed Solo & Group Dances in forms like classical, semi-classical, western, folk, contemporary etc. ‘Yahan Sab Chalta Hai’ — A play reflecting social problems was presented by members of ‘Chhaya Parivaar’ , the theatre department of CSA.
According to Mr Kaushik Sinha, Chairman, CSA, “The celebrations will be held till November 9. CSA holds 3 painting competitions and an examination in a year. At the end of the year, we conduct an Annual Function cum Founder’s Day wherein we give prizes to all the students who participated in the competitions. Our Founders Day is also about giving back to society in equal measure. We have chosen 25 underprivileged children and given them important items which will help them in their daily life.” Added Mr. Sinha, “We also presented a slide show to focus on the need for restoring Kashmir’s pre floods beauty in ‘Ek Preyaas – Kashmir’, we are asking for donations that will be contributed to the fund being used by authorities to resurrect Kashmir.”
The highlight of the event was a theatre cum singing group from Kolkata – ‘Sur Nikkean’. Artistes from the group gave a very captivating dance-drama performance on celebs from Bengal who made it big in Bollywood. A tribute was paid to top Artistes like R D Burman, S D Burman, Manna Dey, Kishore Kumar and Shreya Ghoshal among others who hail from Bengal. Said Ms. Praveen Sinha, Director, CSA, “Iconic artistes from Bengal right from 1960-2014 were chosen in the dance drama. The group presented songs of the greats as well as beautifully choreographed dances on mesmerizing lyrics and melodious music of their songs.”
The function saw a prize distribution ceremony in which 6 CSA Topper Awards were given and 6 Shining Star Awards were handed out. As many as 26 students were given CSA Achievers awards. What’s more, 25 CSA Pearl prizes were also distributed. Said Mr. Kuntal Sinha, Secretary, CSA, “The attractions on November 9 will include a Dance Drama on the subject of ‘Saving the Girl Child’ by ‘Sur Nikkean’. Young theatre bugs of CSA will also show their acting skills in a play ‘Haan Hum Corrupt Hain’. “
The celebrations at CSA’s Founders Day overflowed with talent of its students. The environment was all charged up as the celebration recognized young achievers. It is noteworthy that CSA has grown from just 2 students to a present strength of over 1200.
