By Matters India Reporter
Bhubaneswar: Xavier School of Communication (XSC) organized a series of dialogues and performances around songs and stories from Nov 17-19 at Xavier University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
This event was of all the undergraduate students of Xavier University Bhubaneswar. This event showcased performing arts (music and dance) and films that enlighten humans, and discussions on Gandhian thoughts. It was a celebration of intersection of human spirit through music and dance,” said Fr. Raj Lourdu SJ, dean of XSC.
“Art as an interpretation of reality cannot be contained or compartmentalized. We believe that exposure to art in its myriad forms can bring about significant changes and develop the creative faculties of the human mind which is necessary to cope up with the uncertainties and ambiguities of mundane living,” he added.
To capture the several facets of the indigenous art forms which are yet to be explored by the mainstream, XSC in association with Xavier University Bhubaneswar, initiated Vikalp-2017, an event which was open to all.
“We hoped to resurrect the dying art forms through Vikalp- 2017, which is our attempt to provide an all-inclusive platform for rare talents to showcase their artistic skills in collaboration with participating musicians, playwrights, academicians and leading filmmakers who are to contribute to this alternate space,” said Lourdu.
The objective of Vikalp was to celebrate the essence of art where the traditional meets the modern, the old meets the new, where the sitar becomes the ‘zitar’. The emblem of Vikalp, a banyan tree signifies the traditional Indian civility, it merges the centre with the periphery and highlights the ‘oneness of beings’, hereby upholding the values of plurality, diversity and tolerance.
“Vikalp-2017 served a symbiotic purpose in boosting the intricate exchange of philosophies of human mind through rhythm and melody. We hope it would take us through a spiritual journey that connects with the cultural diversity of the land,” said Lourdu.