Manav Kanya

Synopsis:

'Manav Kanya' is a tale of a young girl, Prakriti who is shunned by those around her - even the local vendors will not sell her flowers or bangles. Prakriti is bewildered and hurt at first and then becomes filled with fury and rages at the injustice. As she cries in isolation and humiliation, a wandering and thirsty Buddhist monk Anand approaches her and asks for water. Prakriti refuses, explaining that she is "untouchable" and even the water from her hands is impure and society forbids her to serve water to any higher individual such as the monk. The monk explains that all humans are created equal and asks her not to judge by the artificial standards of the unjust society. She offers him water and Anand proceeds on his journey. This encounter transforms Prakriti, she is filled with love and admiration for Anand. She feels liberated, free from the shackles of prejudice and disparity that she has lived with all her life.

Introduction:

'Manav Kanya' is inspired by the famous Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Chandalika’, this dance drama showcases the reality of the society and its inherent disparities, prejudices and the universal search for love and happiness that is as relevant in today’s society as it was when it was first written.

Mahatma Gandhi led nationwide campaigns and was a strong proponent of for erasing poverty, expanding women's rights, building religious tolerance as well as ending untouchability. He was an admirer of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and his works. Both in their own ways worked towards creating social awareness and encouraging ethnic harmony and peace.