Get control over your mind, take firm decisions and always choose your passion over everything to achieve great heights — the words of dancer, motivational speaker, social activist and recipient of Padma Vibhushan, Sonal Mansingh reverberated in the campus of DPS Ranchi on Tuesday. Illustrating her life journey, hardships and ordeals Mansingh not just enlightened the young minds to stay connected with the Indian roots while adopting the contemporary ways but also gave them some valuable tips to stay focused and contented.
Having represented India at national and international arena spreading the essence of classical dance forms and showing the world the quintessence of Indian culture, values, Mansingh is among the nine ratnas (Navratna) nominated by PM Narendra Modi for the ambitious ‘Swachchh Bharat’ Abhiyan.
Interacting with school students in Hindi to make the students realise the potential of mother tongue Mannsingh said, “India cannot be compared with other nations of the world. Students should not forget their roots. Comparison with western nations is simply unrivaled.”
Explaining to the students, the five essential traits of a good apprentice that must be adopted to stay focused, Mansingh cited several examples focusing on current issues. Queries rising from creativity to adopting dance as a full-fledged profession to other social taboos that have crippled the society, Mansingh answered all questions that were put forward to her by the students laying much accent on Indian folklores, customs.
“Impression is formed through creativity that has a great impact. Education, empowerment and enlightenment are the key to success. Art and culture profession, if considered seriously can bring laurel to the practitioners in comparison to other traditional professions as well,” Manning said
while answering to the query of a student.
When asked if she has stage fears while giving performances, she smiled and said, “Creative nervousness must subsist. I have never considered things for granted and therefore with confidence every hurdle can be crossed.”
Expressing her love for creativity and promoting art and culture among different sects of society, she mentioned the importance of dance in character building and personality development as well.
Besides the students of DPS Ranchi, Zila School children also got an opportunity to interact with the legendary personality. Aman Kumar, a student of Zila School asked about her feeling on
coming to Ranchi. Ritik Kumar, another student eagerly asked about the turning point of her life.
Mansingh mentioned her car accident way back in 1974 in Germany as the turning point of her life but with the true spirit and attitude of never giving up yet again at this point of time she emerged as a winner.