EKATVA show piece: Chandalika

One of the pivotal struggles of humanity dating back to the ancient past all the way to the present that continues to exist in one form or another is prejudice, judgment, and intolerance. An unfortunate human plight that Gandhiji labeled as the ‘curse of untouchability’.  In 1933 Rabindranath Tagore wrote a story, Chandalika, about an untouchable girl who was ostracized by society and eventually brought to climactic inner-space of freedom and a feeling of equality by a Buddhist monk who accepted her as his own. The story of Chandalika, interepreted and choreographed by Mallika Didi and Darpana Academy, was taught to our children for the EKATVA show.

They actually performed this same piece in 2002 for the EKTA show which Manav Sadhna and Darpana toured in America.

Above and below are glimpses of the kids rehearsing Chandalika.

EKATVA show piece: Flying Kites Dance and Drama

Uttarayan season in Gujarat is a very festive season. Here Muslims hand make kites that are flown by Hindus. All colors, shapes and sizes full of richness fill the sky and truly become a majestic sight of ‘Oneness’. In this spirit Mallika Didi, and her Darpana staff and musicians: Pappan Sir, Sonal Didi, Nisargbhai, Stanley bhai, Nayan bhai, Jigneshbhaii, and others have created a sequence on Uttaryan for the EKATVA show. It is going to be a really fun part of the show.

Virenbhai Doing the Dance

Virenbhai, one of the humble founders of Manav Sadhna is a man of great love and spirit. It was God's blessing upon him 20 years ago, that sparked the entire journey of Manav Sadhna; and has since deeply touched thousands and thousands of souls and hearts. He has dedicated over 20 years of his life to serving the underprivileged from a deep space of selflessness. No expectations. No strings attached. He works half his life in America making enough money to sustain himself in India, then he moves to India to serve. Back and forth like this, he earns to live and lives to serve.

I may not have mentioned also that he considers himself one of the worst dancers in the world. So when we asked him to take part in dancing with the kids in the kite flying dance, he obviously declined. But after enough of the kids requesting, he couldn’t resist. This is our short but joyful glimpse of Virenbhai taking part in the kite flying dance choreography for the EKATVA show.

In deep love and gratitude for who he is.

EKATVA is about...

Kathleen Didi has done an amazing job connecting with our kids and teaching them English, through the 4-5 months she was here as a volunteer at Manav Sadhna. The kids had a lot of fun with her and we are all gonna miss her. Before she left, she taught the children how to describe the meaning of EKATVA with body language and simple words. Thank you for sharing your love Kathleen Didi.

Love, all your kids.