The celebration commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Mr. Shaukat Ahmed Pare, Deputy Commissioner, Bathinda, and Special Guest Mr. M.B. Gohil, COO, HMEL Guru Gobind Singh Refinery, alongside Mrs. Prerna Waliwadeker and Mr. Vishwas Waliwadeker. This auspicious beginning set the tone for an evening filled with artistry and inspiration.
The performances opened with a soulful Ganesh Vandana, filling the auditorium with a serene spiritual aura. This was followed by a series of graceful Kathak presentations, each showcasing the beauty, discipline, and emotional depth of India's classical dance tradition.
The highlight of the evening was the moving dance drama "Ghanshyam", where young performers portrayed a poignant tale of love, struggle, and redemption against the backdrop of drug addiction. Through mesmerizing Kathak and expressive storytelling, the narrative depicted Lalita’s desperate attempts to save her husband Ghanshyam from addiction, ultimately ending in tragedy, but culminating in a transcendent message of eternal love. The 45-minute performance left the audience deeply moved and reflective.
Impressed by the young artists' passion and artistic excellence, Chief Guest Mr. Shaukat Ahmed Pare commended their emotional depth and dedication. He lauded Mrs. Prerna Waliwadeker’s initiative, stating,
> “In today’s technology-driven world, connecting children with art and instilling social values is a remarkable step toward their physical, emotional, and intellectual growth. Such experiences lay a strong foundation for their future.”
He further emphasized the importance of extending such opportunities to students of government schools, assuring full support for similar cultural endeavors.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Prerna Waliwadeker shared,
> “Dance transcends boundaries and unites people across generations and cultures. Through this event, we aimed to celebrate tradition while fostering creativity and awareness among young minds.”
The grand evening concluded with the felicitation of all participants by DC Mr. Shaukat Ahmed Pare and Mr. M.B. Gohil, celebrating the budding artists for their dedication and spirit.
"Kathak: A Timeless Tale" was not just a showcase of dance — it was a celebration of tradition, social consciousness, and the enduring power of art to inspire and transform lives.