Manipal: Gita Mandir is a name closely associated with traditional and classical music and dancing. This institution founded by Upendra Pai has helped to recapture and keep classical dance and music going. Sri Upendra Pai started this institution on Nov 25th, 1955 when some people approached him saying that they felt the need to have such a centre in Manipal. Ever since this institution has been contributing towards keeping the culture alive and going
The institution is dedicated to Bhagwan Ramakrishna. The mandir consists of one room with idols on the two facing walls of the room. There are no daily prayers or rituals. Only on special occasions rituals are performed. Classes are held every evening for students. Karnatic Flute and Vocals is also taught four times a week while Bharatnatyam is taught twice weekly.
“We have 15 students among which two or three students are from Manipal Institute of Technology,” said Subadha Sudhir who has been the Bharatnatyam instructor of the institution for the past 15 years.
Sri Shivanand Bhat, the head priest and the priest who performs all the Pujas at Manipal University describes the Institute as a ‘Bharmic Kendra and Gyana Kendra’ when translated to English it means, ‘Center for culture and meditation’. This institute allows all those who are interested in classical and traditional music and dance to attend classes without any discrimination or bias.
“It is unbelievable how this institution has lasted so many years and has been giving such class training” says Swathi S Nair, a student of MIC trained in Bharatnatyam.
Majority of students are unaware of the existence of Geeta Mandir but while asking around, most students interested in classical music and dance seemed to be very excited after learning about the institution.
Sub-edited by Nida Unas |
