Participants at the unique event at IISF 2020 ‘Performing Arts & Science’ emphasise the need for integration of science and various performing arts in India
New Delhi: In the 6th edition of India International Science Festival, 13 new events are included. “Science and Performing Arts” is one of them. This event is an effort to explore the logic behind various performing art forms focusing on Vocal, Instrumental Music & Dance in the perspective of contemporary sciences. This is an apt platform for scientists, researchers, academicians, artists, performers and students who are willing to peep into the Universe with the help of numerous dimensions of ‘Bharatiya Sangeet’.
Speaking at this event, Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, DG, CSIR said that IISF is the celebration of scientific wealth of India. Therefore, through the sessions on ‘Science and Performing Arts’, we shall try and explore the logic behind various performing art forms focusing on Vocal, Instrumental Music & Dance in the light of contemporary sciences. Dr. Mande congratulated all the participants of the event for taking interest in this rare kind of genre of study.
Inaugurating the session, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabudhe, President of Indian Council of Cultural Relations; MP, Rajya Sabha and Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, emphasized the need for integration of science and various performing arts in India. He mentioned that there are various research opportunities. He also encouraged the students to opt for research work on this subject.
Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), renowned scholar, and Padma Vibhushan Awardee Dr. Sonal Mansingh enlightened the audience with her scholarly approach towards science and all the art forms, particularly in dance and the artistic attitude regarding scientific concepts. She drew a noticeably clear line between science and arts with the proper blend of philosophy in it. Coordinator from Vijnana Bharati for this particular event, Dr. Manasi Malgaonkar proposed vote of thanks and Dr. Sucheta Naik compered the session. Other Sessions included; Lecture on Scientific Aspects of Veena by Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh and Vibrations in Ananda Tandava of Nataraja by Dr. Padmaja Suresh. Dr. Padmaja explained the expressions of various scientific concepts through dance. An interactive session with Dr. Sangeeta Shankar, Mr. Sudhin Prabhakar and live melodious violin performance by Miss Nandini Shankar was also organised.