The ballet performed by the students of the Department of Dance, S N School of Arts and communication portrays the need for good governance by drawing parallels through two different themes- the first part set in mythology and the second set in today’s social context
Part –I
The story unfolds with Indra the kind of Gods rejoicing in his court after killing Vruttasura – the demon by deceiving him. At this point he is questioned by Narada as to his right to hold the power as King after committing such a heinous crime. A guilt ridden Indra is banished from his seat of power.
The king less abode of the gods – Amaravati is now on the look out for a new king, a worthy king.
It is then seen that there is a worthy successor to the throne of Indra in the form of ‘Nahusha’ a brave and virtuous king on Earth. It appears that Nahusha possesses the qualities of a worthy successor having completed 99 sacrifices known as the Ashwamedha Yagya. The completion of the 100th would equate him to Indra.
Upon being advised by his Raja Guru or mentor , Nahusha completes the 100th horse sacrifice and is crowned king of Amaravathi in the auspicious presence of the entire heavenly populace.
Intoxicated with the arrogance that comes with power, Nahusha then ends up misusing it and violating all norms of justice and moral behaviour. Assuming that he is unparalleled in greatness, Nahusha swells in pride, ill treats people around him and his evil behaviour culminates in his lust for Sachi Devi, the wife of Indra and his intense craving to make her his own.
Sachi Devi sinks into great despair and wonders what sin her husband had committed that she would have to face such dire consequences. The heavenly advisor of the Devas, Bruhaspathi, comes to her rescue and consoles her sating that Nahuysha would meet his end due to his own moral behaviour and arrogance. He advises her to send a message to Nahusha that in order to gain her acceptance; he should come in a palanquin carried by the Saptarishis.
Nahusha is seen in such a procession, on a palanquin borne by the 7 great saints, – the saptarishis. His impatience to be united with Sachi results in an angered humiliation towards Agastya Muni – one of the saptarishis. He kicks Agastya Muni, and proceeds towards sachi in great haste.
An extremely insulted Agastya Muni, in a stage of great anger hurls a curse on Nahusha to turn into a snake and banishes him from heaven forever.
Part –II
The ballet moves towards the present context depicting the corrupt political scenario. It presents different political parties lobbying for votes of the public by means of false promises and various other unfair means. Each party is self obsessed and is bent on bringing the opposition down, ignoring the welfare of society. The parties are seen indulging in bribery and rigging votes all of which serve as a representation of a corrupted bureaucracy.
In-spite of the repeated pleas from a journalist representing the public, to change their corrupt ways the parties pay no heed.
Upon seeing the sad state of affairs, the nation symbolized as Mother India, is disheartened to see the level of degradation. She voices her deep concern for her children and wonders about the darkness of the uncertain future.
Whether it is myth where power leads to arrogance or reality where power is misused, it is the people who are the victims. The main objective of this presentation is to free the people from this struggle and suffering and destroy the metaphorical Nahusha, bringing peace and prosperity.
Concept, Choreography and Direction: Shri P. Ramalinga Sastry
Script – Bhim
Music Composition – Sri D.S.V Sastry
Vocal support – Sri D.S.V Sastry and Smt Padma Pasumarthy
Mridangam – Sri Rajagopala Chari
Violin – Shri Dinakar
Veena- Sri Sudhakar
Flute – Sri Murali
Special Effects – Sri Jaya Kumara Acharya
Lighting and Stage Design – Surabhi Jeetendra
Costumes – Surabhi Madhava