Union Minister Shekhawat Launches Book on Raigarh Gharana Heritage

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched Dr. Yasmin Singh's book on Raigarh Gharana, celebrating Kathak's heritage and its inclusion in education.

on Nov 26, 2024

On Monday, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched a book by renowned Kathak dancer Dr. Yasmin Singh, highlighting the rich heritage of the Raigarh Gharana.

Notably, the Raigarh Gharana, founded by Raja Chakradhar Singh, is the youngest of all gharanas and has its unique compositions of thumris, ghazals, toda, and bol.

Dr. Yasmin Singh, who also holds a PhD in the Kathak dance style, praised the initiative to incorporate various dance forms into the school curriculum as part of the National Education Policy during her speech at the event.

Dr. Yasmin Singh remarked, “The National Education Policy is undergoing a revival. Historically, forms like Giddha, Garba, and Kathak originated in schools. Classical dance and Kathak have been included in the 11th and 12th-grade curricula. If knowledge of Kathak Gharanas is also included in the syllabus, children can gain a deeper understanding of them…”

Additionally, during the event, Preeti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation and wife of Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, expressed, “It is a source of satisfaction that a member of the Adani family is making contributions in this arena. The exploration for knowledge and the practice of art are naturally linked…”

“With over three decades of experience in the social development sector, I truly believe that the effect of art and culture is immense. Cultivating creativity and promoting artistic expression is vital for building a strong and inclusive community. Art, whether in the form of performing arts or visual arts, beats the divisions of caste, creed, or color,” she continued.

“This is an excellent means for fostering inclusivity in our nation, and we must always endeavor to revive and sustain it. We continuously discover new and improved ways to express our deepest struggles, aspirations, and joys through dance, music, literature, or the visual arts. It is a point of great pride that a member of the Adani family is contributing to this field…” she stated while addressing an audience that included numerous artists, academics, and political figures.