HCL 'Expressions of the Mind' on 11^th February 2011 at IHC, Lodhi Road, New Delhi

About the Programme:
Renowned classical Indian dancer & choreographer Ananda Shankar Jayant was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. In this inspiring and moving programme, she images her personal story of facing the disease, and gives a performance revealing the metaphor of strength that helped her do it. One of the key highlights of the programme is the image of the lion that she makes with her feet as she dances to the Mahishasur Mardhini Shloka. When she finishes the shloka and the image is showcased, audience is sure to be left breathless and enthralled.


Chief Guest: Shri Jawhar Sircar
Jawhar Sircar is currently Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. In 2000, Sircar was selected by Mr. Buddhadev Bhattacharjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, as the youngest-ever Principal Secretary of Commerce Industries Department - for vigorously turning around the industrial climate and image of West Bengal, which he accomplished with success.


Artist: Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant
Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant’s rich and extensive body of work ranges from commentary and triggers consciousness on scarring gender issues, to religious and historical narratives. She, beautifully and flawlessly, showcases varied forms of content amalgamating it seamlessly into theatrical performances using traditional dance forms of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi thereby giving it her own individual verve and vivacity.

Today, Dr Ananda a distinguished artiste of ICCR has been performing extensively at most renowned cultural festivals nationally and internationally for over a decade now and is one of the most sought after artistes of her time. Few of the popular festivals wherein she is invited to perform are Khajuraho, Bhagyachandra Dance Festival, Imphal etc. Besides this, she is also acknowledged as a senior grade artiste of Doordarshan. She is also a regular in various leading art organizations, leading television channels and print where she is invited to speak and write on art related areas.

Ananda has been the recipient of several prestigious awards including the Padmashri in 2007, Natya Kalasagara from Vishakha Music Academy, Sangeet Natak Akademi award for Bharatanatyam in 2010 and Woman of the Year award 2000 from American Biographical Institute etc.