KABIR: Kuchh Tujhmein, Kuchh Mujhmein

Alliance Française de Lucknow in association with Videowallahs organized an Indian Classical Concert “KABIR: Kuchh Tujhmein, Kuchh Mujhmein” to mark 140 years of the founding of Alliance Française on 30th September, 2023 from 6:30 pm at Avadh Girls’ Degree College. The event began with an introduction and was followed by the welcome of the Chief guests Prof. Kum Kum Dhar and Ms. Zohra Chatterjee by Mr. Ashwini Sharma and Prof. Bina Rai, Principal, Avadh Girls’ Degree College, Lucknow. The performing artists Dr. Soudamini Venkatesh and Dr. Shipra Chaturvedi were felicitated by the Guests of Honour. Prof. Nishi Pandey, President Alliance Francaise and Manager/ Secretary Avadh Educational Society in her address introduced the Alliance Francaise organization. The Alliance Francaise Foundation was started on July 21,1883, in France, by a group that included the famous scientist Louis Pasteur, writer Jules Verne and Corden Bleu as the founding members. The celebration of 140 years of its founding kickstarted in Paris and was attended by representatives of the 829 Alliance Francaise centres in 135 countries, promoting and showcasing French culture, arts, language and gastronomy on a global stage. In India the first centre was set up in Pondicherry in 1889, while Chennai and Chandigarh are celebrating 70 and 40 years respectively. The 15 centres working in 25 cities across India promote the study of French Language and culture and foster intercultural dialogues strengthening ties between France and India. In its 140th year the Alliance Francaise in India aims at bringing forth innovations and digital transformation in teaching French along with deepening cultural ties between the two nations.

Alliance Francaise de Lucknow came into existence in October 2016 with Ms Zohra Chatterji IAS, as its Founding President.

As part of the 140 years celebration being held at various centres across the world this evening of Classical music on the songs of Kabir was organised. Kabir was a well known mystic poet born in 1398 for whom humanity and truth came first.

Her address was followed by Prof. Rakesh Chandra’s address who brought very nuanced and enlightening reflections on the relation between France and Kabir. Ms. Zohra Chatterji, the Founder President of Alliance Francaise de Lucknow then addressed the gathering and applauded the initiative taken to bring the French and the Indian cultures together. The performance by Dr. Soudamini Venkatesh and Dr. Shipra Chaturvedi was not only enthralling but also mesmerising.

Dr. Soudamini Venkatesh is a classical Vocalist and an All – India Radio artist. She has performed on many prestigious platforms in India. She has extensively toured USA and Canada. She is a fond disciple of Surmani Pt. Vinayak Torvi, an accomplished vocalist of Gwalior Gharana. She has had the privilege to learn from the late Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, who fondly called her “Sangeet Sarathi”. She heads an organization called Aarohi, which provides platforms for young talents from all over the country. Dr. Shipra Chaturvedi, the literary presenter is an accomplished academician and literary figure who has devoted her time to raising awareness about Kabir.

The invited guests were then felicitated with a shawl and a bouquet. The formal vote of thanks was presented by Mr. Ashwani Sharma, Director, Videowallahs.

The event was a musical evening based on musical influences from the Indian Classical Music, Indian folk music and singing traditions of the Bhakti Kaal.

The lead artist for the evening was Dr. Soudamini Venkatesh, an accomplished Hindustani Classical Vocalist, who has performed all over India and abroad at prestigious venues, and collaborated with several renowned artists. She carries forward the legacy of Kirana Gharana and has experimented further by blending key features of other gharanas as well. She is a scholar of Hindi and promotes the philosophy of Kabir. She engages with the audience with her spirited persona and her amazing ability to interact. She will be supported on stage by experienced accompanying artists.

The musical instruments will be a fusion of classical and folk musical instruments. It is going to be an extremely sonorous evening. To add another stroke of colour to the concert, Dr. Shipra Chaturvedi shared her knowledge of Kabir with the audience while Dr. Soudamini enthralled the audience with her rendition of Kabir.