Praatigya, a cultural programme by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Government of India, was held
at IIT Bhilai on 30 July 2026 at the Nalanda Lecture Hall in the institute campus. The
programme was organised in partnership with the Centre for Studies on Culture, Language, and
Traditions (CCLT), a research centre at IIT Bhilai working on socially impactful research in the
domains of cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge systems, and sustainable development.
Praatigya is a recurring programme of the Akademi, wherein eminent artists and scholars in the
field of music, dance, drama, and folk and tribal arts share their experiences through lecture-
demonstrations. This is the first edition of Praatigya to be organised in Chhattisgarh.
The programme featured lecture-demonstrations by three eminent exponents of classical, folk,
and tribal dance forms from the state: Shri Ramlal Bareth, the renowned Kathak Guru of Raigarh
Gharana, recipient of Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Ratna Fellowship; Shri Arjun
Singh Dhurve, Baiga Dance Guru and Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee; and
Shri Kashiram Sahu exponent of Nacha (Folk Theatre) and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee.
Shri Anup Ranjan Pandey, Padma Shri and Founder, Bastar Band and Shri Dhaniram Kadamiya,
Ustad Bismilla Khan Yuva Puraskar Awardee were also present at the programme. Prof Rajiv
Prakash, Director, IIT Bhilai delivered the Welcome Address and felicitated the artistes. In his
Welcome Address, Prof Prakash noted that Praatigya will serve as a catalyst for the preservation
and continuity of the rich and diverse artistic heritage of Chhattisgarh.
He said that IIT bhilai is
taking this initiative to protect and promote the rich culture and art through connecting school
and college teachers and students with the artists and further inculcating this in curriculum. He
also said that programmes like Praatigya encourage students to explore and learn more about the
cultural and artistic legacy of the state and kindle their interests in learning these art forms.
The programme included lecture demonstrations by the gurus and their disciples. The first
segment featured kathak performance by the disciples of Shri Ramlal Bareth and was followed
by a lecture-demonstration by Shri Bareth, wherein he explained the nuances and characteristic
elements of Raigarh bandish and taranas. His lecture provided an extraordinary opportunity for
the audience to understand the unique style of the Raigarh Kharana of kathak from the maestro.
Shri Kashi Ram Sah delivered a lecture-demonstration which illustrated how Nacha blends
humour and satire in addressing social issues through the storytelling. Shri Sahu’s single act
performance of comedic sketch in the Chhattisgarhi dialect presented the light-hearted yet
satirical quality of Nacha. The final segment of Praatigya featured lecture-demonstration of
Baiga dance by Shri Arjun Dhurve and his troupe. Shri Dhurve explained how dance and music
are integral to the everyday lives and rituals of Baiga culture. The demonstration included dance
and songs performed during various ceremonies of the Baiga community that showcased the
vibrant colours and rhythms of Baiga culture.
The artistes were felicitated by Wing Cdr. Dr Jayesh Chandra S. Pai, Registrar IIT Bhilai. Shri
Deepak Joshi from Sangeet Nakak Akademi and Dr Anubhav Pradhan, Associate Head, CCLT
delivered the Vote of Thanks.
