KalahetuNGO: February 2008

About Kalahetu :

Kalahetu as the syntax signifies, stands ”For Art”. It’s a body dedicated to the propagation of Art, tapping up all the multi-dimensional aspects of Indian Culture, enveloping Promotion, Production, Research &Publication, Teaching & Academics. Finally consecrating its efforts to Organization of Shows… with a difference i.e. By connecting its efforts to social problems like Education, Health& hygiene, all so important in a social setup full of neglect and superstition even after 50 yrs of Independence.
A regd. NGO Kalahetu., since its inception in 1997, has always tried to identify its efforts with the Masses, focusing its attention to the children at large . It worked with a Focus to identify& merge its efforts with issues related with Social Problems, trying to unite Artists to voice them through their media of Expressions. Thus we contribute our efforts, to provide the basic essentials for the well being of the millions of children of our country especially the ”Girl Child”. So to wipe away attrocities that the girl child faces in this era.
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The Institution Kalahetu:

Kalahetu aims to create a balance in our traditions, whether they be Art Culture, Religion…as a way of LIFE, by revitalizing age old values, as would Be conducive to an Ideal Society, with a Focus on Indian Art & Vedic Culture. We DREAM of a multidimensional PROJECT housing a variegated culture in its Annals in India.We want to create an istitute where all forms Arts, Religions, Poets, Writers & Thinkers, & viewpoints get a platform and exposure, an Umbrella which envelops & houses ALL. We not only need the physical means to fructify this idea, but expertise & advisors, to actually concretize this concept of-“Vasudeva Kutumbakam”.
Our aim: is the establishment of a Culture Institute of National & International standing & repute so that Kalahetu can stand out as a pillar relevant to Society, all self contained and geared up to propagate and promulgate our Rich Indian Cultural fabric, encouraging the tutelage of our great Music traditions, which face a difficult time due to the influx of Western values.
Our Institute would be fully equipped with recording (video-audio), auditorium, bank counter hostels etc. and finally with our benefits to build an OLD AGE HOME for artists who after a lifelong contribution to art find themselves economically, socially, materially ill Equipped to face a lonely old age in their Autumn of their lives.
Categories of Persons benefit from Project:
Persons with talent from any economical sector with preference to children from orphanages,NDMC Schools, red light areas, and other ostracized sectors will get preference so as to create a balance in Culture as in Education to unify society.

.) Name of Institution KALAHETU
& Address and its House Number 26, SEC-3,
Pocket- B\10,Rohini
New- Delhi-110085
Ph: Telefax-011-64157064,9891821642
Email- kalahetu@gmail.com

ACTIVITIES OF KALAHETU SINCE ITS INCEPTION (’97)

Kalahetu started of as a group of dancers united for the sole purpose of performance, this group was initially taken from staff artists of Kathak Kendra…New Delhi.( photocopies of biodatas of all members attached)
This group performed all over Delhi in Schools, Colleges.National Museums,Hotels( Ambassador through Late Mr. Jaspal) & in the Trade Fair etc.
As the organization got formalized Kalahetu expanded with the trust body being planned and framed ( Dr. Regina Mullay& Dr.Dattaraj Parakh from JNU Delhi worked with the early drafts, Asit Choudhuri,& Mr. Keshav Kothari contributed with their time and effort). The by lawsAnd Trust Structure & format was formalized.
1. Kalahetu started its activities by starting classes by organizing Hobby Classes (Kathak, vocal, painting, instrumental music& theatre)at the Army Officers’ Mess , Princes Park , India Gate New Delhi. Through the PRESIDENT OF THE Army officers Association… Brigadier Neelandra Kumar( Photocopy of agreement attached).
inaugural was arranged at The Army Officers Mess, on 5th October 1997,the function was attended by Army personnel,artists,(invitation attached), the chief guest was Pt. Birju Maharaj & Mr. Keshav Kothari. Veda chanting, a vocal recital was organized.
2. Kalahetu members( KalpanaVerma& Jaikishen Maharaj) performed at the “ Spirit of Unity Concerts” at Bobbilli..Visakhapatanam in Jan..23rd , 24th , 25th 1997,at 11am as a part of the celebrations of 50th year of Independence, Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Birthday Celebrations, & Balasi Kalyanotsava. We performed on 24th Jan.1998 for Sathya Sai Baba ‘s Birthday.
( letter by Mr. TVK Shastri..attached)
3. Kalahetu celebrated Pt. Birju Maharaj’s Shasti poorti by organizing a Cultural Morning at the Swasthya Vihar Club on 22nd Feb. 1998. The highlight of the programme was a Kathak Solo by Sri. Deepak Maharaj(son of Pt. Birju Maharaj) and an item in Kathak put up by the students of KALAHETU.A vocal Recital by Mrs. SHRAMISHTA ROY and a Tabla solo by Late Vijay Verma. The programme was covered & appreciated by the press public alike.( Video Recording available at KALAHETU).
4. Kalahetu performed on 1st March ’98, for a programme organized by the Princess Park, Army Association(A.W.W.A), WITH Dr. Karan Singh presiding as Chief Guest.There was a Yoga Demo.by Mr. Sanjaya Solanki, a children’s programme by Kalahetu Students& two solos by Ms. Mamta Maharaj & Ms. Kalpana Verma ( Video Available).Prog was highly appreciated by Dr. Karan Singh& as a token of his appreciation he gave the organization Rs. 500\- per month for two years ( upto 2000), and the A.W.W.A gave the organization RS. 1000\- Month for two years( upto 2000).
5. In April ‘98 two teachers (Mamta & Kalpana) of Kalahetu were asked to join Rai International as SUPW TEACHERS, in a bid to promote Art. “Shiv Mahima” was put up for the Prize Distribution in 11th May 1998, a repeat of the same was organized on 1st August ’98, and was highly commended.
6.Kalahetu organized a one month workshop on dance from 15th May- 15th June, for which an inaugural was organized on 16t May, presided by the Army Staff Brig. Neelendra Kumar other Army Personnel, Artists prominent were Mr. Robin Batra etc. inauguration was by Pt. Birju Maharaj, the students put up “KRISNAMATUBHAYAM” a lovely Dance Item. A press confrences was organized to launch the workshop( attached paper cuttings), 42 students enrolled the Galaxy of teachers included:
Theatre : Mr. Robin Batra, Ms. Madhu Gautam& RC Gautam
Kathak: Mr. Jaikishen Maharaj. Pt. Deepak Maharaj with Mamta & Kalpana who assisted)
Vocal: Mrs. Shramishta Roy
Painting: Ajay Kumar Mitra.
Pt. Birju Maharaj too visited the venue and participated in the activities.
The Valedictory function for the same was organized on 11th July ’98 at the National Museum, Janpath New Delhi featuring a-
Bharat Natyam recital: Bhagyashree Vaze
Kathak Solo : Pt. Deepak Maharaj.
Vocal Recital: Smt. Sumitra Guha
All participants for the workshop were given especially designed certificates by Pt.Birju Maharaj who signed all certificates(brochure attached)and Distributed them also.
6. Sri Deepak Maharaj & Ms. Kalpana Verma performed for Kalahetu on an invitation by The “Purvanchal Maharashtra Mandal”, on the occasion of Ganesha Chathurthi on 26th August ’98. programme was liked by all.
7. Sri Deepak Maharaj performed for ICCR, ALL Kalahetu joined to make programme a big success.
8. “ Asti Bhati Priyam Shaswatam” a ballet script on environmental presentation was invited by Pusa Institute, Delhi , a 7 lac project was sanctioned by World Bank (meeting 2d Oct. 98, for show in Dec.98).
9. A book on Musicology written by Pt. Birju Maharaj and Kalpana Verma on a Sanskrit manuscript ‘ SANGEET DARPANAM’ which was present in Maharajji’s family ( research on book was done by Kalpana Verma at The National Archives, National Museum, NewDelhi under Dr. MC Joshi…Director National Archives.) the book was to be published ,work stayed due to lack of funds. Entire manuscript was\is preserved as typed photocopies in MAHARAJJI’S POSSESSION.
10. KALAHETU represented byKalpana Verma & Sri. Deepak Maharaj was invited by The Sai Samiti Delhi, choreograph a ballet “ The Celestial Dance” for 48 children of the Balvikas Delhi ,as a part of Sri Sathya Sai Baba ‘s 73rd birthday celebration for show on International Audience for show on 19th Nov.’98. All rehearsals for show hosted by Kalahetu t its premises at Princesses Park. Thrice a week( Mon,Thurs, Sat)
11. Kalpana Verma & Mamta Maharaj accompanied a Welcome Song ,by Rai School Children for the welcome of Sri Sathya Sai Baba for his visit to Delhi in ’99.
12. Kalahetu staged “Tukaram” a dance drama staged on the life of Sant Tukaram for Ishwaramma Divas thru the aegis of The Sai Samiti Delhi, on 6th MAY’99. At THE SAI INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, LODHI ROAD,for the Balvikas Children from East Zone of the Sai Organisation.
13. Choregraphed A Sports Function for Rai School children for a sports at
for 150 boys & girls of class 11.
14.As a result of The Kargil War Princess Park was declared as Defence Protected Zone and all Activities were ceased due to the war, Kalahetu had to vacate The premises on 24 hour notice of Defence Ministry, we left Princess Park and shifted office to 26, Sec –3, pocket –B\10, Rohini, from where we started classes at two venues:
A)Mother Teresa Public School for 6 months, and layer moved to 18, Chitra Vihar Delhi- 92, where we took classes till Jan.2002.
B) C-8, Vasant Kunj, where we did two small shows
C)We shifted ALL CLASSES & ACTIVITIES TO 26, Rohini therewith since July 2002, AS DUE TO DISTANCE COMMUTING WAS DIFFICULT.
15. On MAHARAJJI’S birthday celebrations(4thFEB 2001), Kalahetu participated , where the children of Kalahetu presented “ ROOPA ANEKA” AT Kamani Auditorium ,in a three day festival organized by KALASHRAM, our item was greatly applauded by all. Participating children were from 6-15years of age and had Maharajji’s 3 grandchildren participating IN THE ITEM.
16. KALAHETU…Kalpana was invited to participate&perform in Sri Sathya Baba 75TH Birthday Celebrations at Puttaparthi.items taken were Roopa Aneka, Sri ,Shakti apart from PT. Birju Maharajji’s Solo as AN ADDED ATTRACTION.
17. Kalahetu body expanded to make Kalahetu Trust..
“ A UNIQUE SYMBIOSIS OF ART, CULTURE & RELIGION ”…A COMMON MEETING GROUND FOR ALL WHO CAN JOIN IN A REVOLUTION of a CONCEPT THROUGH the aegis of :
PERFORMING ARTS, CULTURE, TRADITION,RELIGION
all Dharamas) in a unity of minds, leading to a-
QUEST….DISCOVERY….INTO REALMS UNITING
THOUGHT , WORD , DEED i.e. …….HARMONY
…….for
when there is Peace WITHIN there will be progress AROUND . (regd details attached in enclosure 1)
18. Sahitya Kala Parishad seeing our good work recommended
our institute to Sangeet Natak Academy Delhi ,for financial aid\grant
we did apply but finally could not get the grant s our Trust had to complete 5 years running without financial aid, to qualify for Govt. aid.9( SNA’S Letter attached).
19. We launched a networking project all DelhiSchools in a bid to popularize Art, all Delhi Schools were tapped (letter attached)
20.Kalahetu launched KALADARPANAM-in aid of the girl child in2001-2002 details given earlier as Kalahetu an NGO,is persistent in its efforts to promote the issue of the GIRL CHILD whether it focus on Problems of adoption, education, orHealth.We will tryto put in our best to hype the issue,through the organizing of Shows,Health\Education MELAS,OR THROUGH SEMINARS, ROPING in RESOURCES,PERSONELL, PROFFESSIONALS, AND NGO'S, UN BODIES, till we suceed to bring the issue forward as a matter of National\International concern. WE ARE HAPPY TO GET NDMC IN FOR INFRA&VENUE,&UNESCO as PARTNERS ….. univocal support on such a delicate issue as the Girl....as she holds our tomorrow in her hands.
21. Initially we teamed up with Ms. Rosy Singh, and ICPAR, FOR OUR PROJECT. But settled with WIZCRAFT seeing their work and commitment. All PR.work for 1st project was handled by ICPAR.( Paper cuttings attached)
22.Kalahetu applied for 35 AC, and got running project funding to organize shows from Ministry of Tourism & Culture. Delhi.
Activities of Kalahetu for 2005-2006

1. Kalahetu got recognition from the Shastri Indo- Canadian Institute, and the Govt.of India. Ministry of Human Resource Development, to sponsor Canadian students coming to India for learning Dance on Research projects and Scholarships to learn Kathak & Odissi. We have sponsored four students for dance in Kathak and Odissi who joined Kalahetu and a fifth to come in Nov-2006 for a project..Mahakal Pooja in Odissi. ( gave details in Application submitted earlier).

2. Kalahetu students participated in “Guruve Namah” an evening of Kathak dance staged on 20th July2005at the Purva Sanskritic Kendra(PSK Auditorium) by Nrithya Kalash, where Shri Naseeb sSnghji, & Ram Babu Sharma presided.

3. Kalahetu constructed its own class-cum- office structure at the address:

House Num. 26,
Sector-3, Pocket-B\10,
Rohini. New Delhi-110085
Pt. Birju Maharaj did the opening on Guru Poornima of 2005.

4.Kalpana Verma was invited as Judge in a competition for Inter- school Drama- Dance organized by St. Marks’ School, Mira Bagh,
Paschim Vihar New Delhi.

5. Kalpana has been invited by Pt. Birju Maharaj’s Kalashram as External Examiner for the half-yearly and Final Examinations (2005, 2006)conducted by the institute to take practical exams and performance tests for students at the Jorbagh & Mayur Vihar branches of Kalashram.

6. Kalahetu launched “Alice in Wonderland” for 600 school children
7. Kalahetu launched : Kalahetu in …Delhi would like to introduce to school students “Windows into Indian Dance” with focus on Kathak . In times when there is a total influx of western values and concepts it is very important to make aware the younger generation of our “Rich and Traditional Indian Culture” and to create an interest into our very solid Cultural Background.
It is our duty as responsible artists to work through the medium of our NGO’s in this Renaissance of promoting a strong will in children to learn the disciplines involved in the tutelage of the Indian Dancing with a focus on Kathak, through Conduction of a two stage Dance workshop at nine North Delhi Schools….
“Windows into Indian Dance” and Windows II in 2008
with focus on Kathak and mention of other Classical forms like Odissi, Chau etc.. for Nov- Dec 2006.
8.Kalahetu teamed up with Indian Express in QUEST as a part of News Paper in Education prog. for school and agreed to conduct workshops in Delhi schools and preside over competions... "LANCERS CONVENT ...Inter House dance Competion"
kalpana presided as judge.

KalahetuNGO

Monday, February 18, 2008

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