Celebrating Lord Krishna’s life through captivating storytelling, music, and dance, Dr Mansingh’s masterful abhinaya and multilingual artistry left the audience in awe at Sanskriti Sannivesh, writes Ganeshwar Dayal
The Human Touch Foundation’s cultural initiative, Sanskriti Sannivesh, brought an extraordinary evening of Indian classical art to life at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. This highly anticipated event, organised by the Greater Noida-based NGO, showcased a spellbinding performance of Natya-Katha KRSHNA by Dr Sonal Mansingh, a cultural icon, former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), celebrated for her lifetime contributions to Indian classical dance.
The highlight of the evening was Dr. Sonal Mansingh’s performance, Natya-Katha KRSHNA, which enthralled the audience with episodes from Lord Krishna’s life. From the divine child Krishna stealing butter and teasing the gopis, to the epic moment where he lifted Mount Govardhan to protect the people of Gokul from Lord Indra’s wrath, each episode was a showcase of Mansingh’s unmatched abhinaya (expressive acting) and narrative brilliance. Her performance also brought to life Krishna’s encounter with the Kaliya serpent, his slaying of his uncle Kansa, and his eventual move to Dwaraka, ending with the poignant story of his reunion with his childhood friend, Sudama. The stories, steeped in lessons of duty, trust, and friendship, were presented with grace, wit, and emotional depth.
Dr. Mansingh’s command over multiple languages-Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Oriya, and English-added further layers to the performance, as she effortlessly weaved bhajans, shlokas, and poems into the narrative. Her disciples accompanied her with striking dance interludes, and the visual richness of miniature artworks projected on-screen enhanced the audience’s immersion in the tales of Krishna. Vocal and instrumental support from a talented ensemble of accompanists elevated the experience further, creating a seamless blend of music, dance, and storytelling.
The performance left the audience in awe, who responded with a thunderous standing ovation. The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where Dr Sonal Mansingh was honored by Former President on India, Hon’ble Shri Ram Nath Kovind. Dr Upasana Singh, Founder of Human Touch Foundation, expressed her gratitude to the distinguished guests and audience, recognising the significance of cultural events like Sanskriti Sannivesh in promoting India’s cultural and artistic legacy. Reflecting on the evening and her journey of over 60 years, Mansingh shared, “Krishna has been my lifelong companion, though enigmatic and at times inscrutable.” The former President commented, “Sonal ji’s performance made us all proud.”
The Human Touch Foundation, under the guidance of Dr Upasana Singh, has long been committed to advancing social equity and cultural awareness. Through Sanskriti Sannivesh, the foundation aims to promote Indian art and traditions while working on key societal issues such as workplace inequality, sexual harassment, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Singh’s leadership has been instrumental in the foundation’s two-decade journey toward social transformation and equitable growth. “We are committed to reviving the rich cultural heritage of the country and would like to present the talented artists from across the country who haven’t got the chance to showcase their talent. It is our earnest endeavour to provide support to people in need,” said Upasana Singh
Dr Sonal Mansingh, an illustrious figure in the world of Indian classical dance, is a recipient of the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award. With a career spanning over six decades, she has been a torchbearer of Bharatanatyam and Odissi, using her art as a medium to communicate stories rooted in Indian mythology, philosophy, and spirituality.
Beyond her dance, Dr.Mansingh’s contributions as a cultural ambassador, speaker, and educator have enriched India’s artistic landscape. Her mastery over languages, music, and literature, combined with her deep understanding of iconography and philosophy, have made her a unique and revered personality in the cultural world.
