Posted on 26 August 2025:
A Timeless Tribute: Paikpara Raja Manindra Memorial High School’s Centenary Staged Tagore’s Valmiki Pratibha
On the evening of August 20th, 2025, Mohit Maitra Mancha came alive with the lyrical grace of Valmiki Pratibha, as Paikpara Raja Manindra Memorial High School marked its centenary with a stirring homage to Rabindranath Tagore’s iconic dance-drama.
“When tradition dances with youth, and heritage finds its voice in art—time stands still, and a hundred years shine in a single evening.” – remarks the vibrant spirit of the centenary celebration—where Tagore’s Balmiki Prativa, one of Rabindranath Tagore’s earliest and most iconic dance-dramas, became more than a performance; it became a living tribute to transformation, legacy, and the vibrant pulse of a school that continues to inspire.
Directed with finesse by Mr. Indranil Ghosh and Mrs. Kakali Das, the performance unfolded as a poetic reflection of transformation and inner awakening—echoing the school’s own hundred-year journey of nurturing minds and preserving cultural legacy.
A Dancer’s Devotion, A Saint’s Journey
Indranil Ghosh, a passionate Gaudiya Nritya artist from Kolkata, brought both vision and soul to the centenary stage as he directed and performed the role of Balmiki. A respected scholar and Junior Research Fellow at the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, Ghosh’s portrayal was deeply moving—his graceful movements and expressive depth captured Balmiki’s powerful transformation from darkness to light. The audience responded with heartfelt applause, celebrating not just the performance but the spirit behind it. Honoured with titles like Nritya Visharad, Nritya Ratna, and the Gurushree Award, Ghosh’s journey in classical dance continues to inspire with quiet brilliance and unwavering dedication.
Youthful Grace in Motion
Nearly fifty students lit up the stage with their spirited performance in the dance-drama, turning Tagore’s Balmiki Prativa into a living tapestry of rhythm and emotion. Their synchronized steps, expressive gestures, and heartfelt presence brought a fresh vibrancy to the classical form, blending tradition with youthful joy. Especially in the chorus sequences, the students moved as one—echoing Tagore’s dream of unity through art and reminding the audience that creativity, when shared, becomes a celebration of togetherness.
Grace in Guidance, Strength in Collaboration
Kakali Das Dey, a renowned Bharatanatyam artist and the Headmistress of Paikpara Raja Manindra Primary School, brought a quiet brilliance to the production as co-director. Her deep understanding of classical dance and years of experience added elegance and precision to the choreography, beautifully blending with the Gaudiya Nritya style. With her gentle yet firm guidance, the young performers discovered how to balance discipline with emotion—creating moments on stage that were both technically refined and deeply expressive. Her presence shaped the performance into something truly memorable, where tradition met tenderness in every step.
A Timeless Tribute, A Living Legacy
Choosing Balmiki Prativa as the heart of the centenary celebration was a powerful gesture—one that echoed the school’s century-long journey of shaping minds through knowledge and culture.
“Just as Balmiki’s story speaks of transformation through creativity, the performance became a mirror of the institution’s own evolution, rooted in tradition yet alive with youthful spirit. The staging honored Tagore’s brilliance while reminding everyone of the enduring value of classical art in modern education.”– organizers of the program.
As the evening drew to a close with a standing ovation, it was clear that this was more than a performance—it was a moment of collective pride, a celebration of heritage, and a promise to carry the torch of art and learning into the future.
