Mumbai: Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani, on Saturday launched the second edition of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre’s annual Guru-Purnima celebration, ‘Parampara.’

The second edition of NMACC’s ‘Parampara’ began with the showcase of ‘Ghatam Symphony,’ featuring three generations of one family. Immersed in the beats of the ghatam—a unique Indian classical percussion instrument—the audience enjoyed a performance by ‘Vikku’s 3G,’ with Grammy-winning father-son duo T.H. Vinayakram and V. Selvaganesh, along with grandson Swaminathan and 15 talented students creating a euphoric atmosphere inside The Grand Theatre.

The special programme will continue on the next weekend with a curated lineup of Indian classical music and dance.

The celebrations will close on 27th July with a symphony of ragas and classical music with Rahul Sharma, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra, paying tribute to his father, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Shivkumar Sharma.

Speaking on the occasion, NMACC Founder and Chairperson Nita Ambani, who has trained as a Bharatanatyam dancer since the age of 5, expressed heartfelt gratitude towards her gurus.

As a lifelong student of the arts, Nita Ambani began training under Guru Menaka Desai, followed by Guru Arjun Desai, and then her gurus K. Kalyanasundaram and Mythili Maami from Sri Rajarajeswari Bharatha Natya Kala Mandir. At the age of 40, Guru Deepak Mazumdar reinvigorated her dedication to mastering the art form, bringing her back to the stage.

“At NMACC, our vision is to showcase to the whole world India’s rich cultural traditions and heritage, some of which have been forgotten for long. It is our dream that our legacy and traditions are appreciated and passed down to the next generations. I am overjoyed to see that dream has transformed into reality,” she said. 

 

Here is the full speech by Nita Ambani  on 20 July 2024:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Distinguished Artists,

And Dear Friends,

Namaskar!

A very warm welcome to everyone gathered here at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre for this special Guru Purnima celebration. 

We started this unique celebration last year to pay an ode to the Guru-Shishya Parampara.

This tradition has been the backbone of our rich cultural heritage.

It plays an important role in preserving thee essence of our teaching and learning practices.

It has truly moulded thee artistic legacy of our beautiful country. 

गुरु शिष्य परंपरा का भारत में बहुत महत्व है। 

हज़ारों साल से इसने न सिर्फ भारत की ज्ञान परम्परा को संभाल के रखा है, 

बल्कि इसे आगे भी बढ़ाया है।

ये हमारी विरासत और धरोहर का महत्वपूर्ण हिस्सा है।

With a heart filled with gratitude and reverence to our Gurus, I welcome you all to this second edition of Parampara. 

Friends, 

A Guru is truly a reflection of the divine. 

Our scriptures say:

आचार्य देवो भव ।

(Aacharaya Devo Bhava)

That is, revere your teacher as God. 

A Guru is not just a teacher, 

but is a guide, a mentor, a source of wisdom and inspiration

For everyone, our parents are our first gurus. 

They devote their life with single-minded focus for our well-being and happiness. 

And in my journey, I am deeply grateful for the role my parents have played in making me the person I am today.

My father’s compassion and my mother’s dedication and hard work have had a great influence on me.

They nurtured me with love, guidance, and invaluable life lessons.

After I got married, the biggest influence in my life has been my father-in-law, Shri. Dhirubhai Ambani.

He always emphasised thee importance of being disciplined, focused, persistent and tireless in chasing one’s dreams.

I have also learnt many invaluable lessons from my mother-in-law Smt. Kokilaben Ambani. 

She has always personified humility, and her zest for life and curiosity to learn, even at her age, is truly exemplary. 

मेरे प्रिय दर्शकों, 

आप के जीवन में कभी न कभी किसी गुरु ने आपका हाथ जरूर पकड़ा होगा ।

उन्होंने मुश्किल वक़्त में आपको सही रास्ता दिखाया होगा। 

We bow to these Gurus, 

the Saarthi’s of our lives 

the north star to our successes 

and the guiding light to our hopes and ambitions.

Friends, 

At NMACC, our vision is to showcase to the whole world India’s rich cultural traditions and heritage, some of which have been forgotten for long. 

It is our dream that our legacy and traditions are appreciated and passed down to the next generations…

I am overjoyed to see that dream has transformed into reality.

एक गुरु की असली संपत्ति उसके शिष्य होते हैं।

And there is no greater gift for any Guru than to share the stage with their accomplished and talented disciples.

This evening, we have the privilege of experiencing one such beautiful performance. 

Our Grand Theatre will be graced by the Ghatam Symphony! 

You will be treated to a vibrant fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds 

as three generations of the Vidhwaan Vikku Vinayakram’s family 

– V Selva Ganesh, Uma Shankar, Swaminathan Selvaganesh or Vikku’s 3G 

perform along with 15 gifted ghatam students. 

Tomorrow, we will be presenting a two-part act. 

Thee incredibly talented Ratikant Mohapatra alongwith Srjan 

takes the stage to honour his father, 

the legendary Odissi maestro, Padma Vibhushan Guruji Shri Kelucharan Mohapatra. 

Thee evening will continue on a soaring note, 

as renowned Bharatanatyam artist Rama Vaidyanathan is joined by her daughter, Sannidhi on Mridangam and 25 dedicated disciples in an enchanting performance 

We will close the grand celebrations on 27th July with a symphony of ragas and classical music. 

The very talented Rahul Sharma, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra, will pay tribute to his father Padma Vibhushan Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. 

We are truly fortunate to experience this culmination of years and years of practice, dedication and artistic mastery.

Friends, 

As we enjoy the show, let us all remember the profound impact our Gurus have had on our lives.

As we step out into the world, 

let us carry the lessons of our Gurus close to our hearts. 

Let their wisdom inspire us to excel in our endeavours, 

to treat others with compassion and respect, 

and create a world filled with harmony and understanding.

As we begin today’s show, let’s start with a prayer to the divine: 

त्वमेव माता च पिता त्वमेव।
त्वमेव बंधुश्च सखा त्वमेव ।
त्वमेव विद्या द्रविणम् त्वमेव ।
त्वमेव सर्वम् मम देव देव ॥

धन्यवाद