Diksha Manjari’s latest dance drama Shyama enthralls senior citizens of Pronam

Kolkata, 2 June 2025: The timeless allure of Tagore’s dance drama Shyama came alive at Rabindra Sadan auditorium on Saturday, as over 100 senior citizens from Pronam were treated to a spellbinding performance by Diksha Manjari and Dakshinayan (UK). Directed by renowned Odissi exponent Dona Ganguly, with choreography by Raghu Nath Das and music by Dr. Ananda Gupta, the production left the audience enthralled with its emotive storytelling and exquisite artistry.

Pronam – a collaborative initiative by Kolkata Police and The Bengal – regularly curates cultural and social events for senior citizens, fostering joy and community engagement. Esha Dutta, Joint Convener of Pronam project, expressed her gratitude, “Our members eagerly await such events, and Diksha Manjari’s Shyama was a true gift. As Pronam approaches its 16th anniversary next month, we remain committed to enriching the lives of Kolkata’s elders.”

Shyama marks the latest in Diksha Manjari’s acclaimed series of Tagore dance dramas, following Mayer Khela and Tasher Desh. Dona Ganguly shared, “Tagore’s Shyama offers rich layers of abhinaya (expression) and creative staging possibilities, making it a deeply fulfilling production.”

The Legacy of Diksha Manjari: A disciple of Odissi maestro Late Pt. Kelucharan Mahapatra, Dona Ganguly has carved a niche with her distinctive style. Trained from age three under Amla Shankar and later under gurus like Giridhari Nayak, she founded Diksha Manjari – a dance school inaugurated by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar.

Pronam, formally launched on 27 June 2009, serves over 20,000 senior citizens in Kolkata, addressing safety, health, psychological well-being and legal needs through dedicated helplines, staff, volunteers and police support.

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